What you Wear to the Gym Matters
The concept is simple, really. What you wear to the gym matters. No, not because there are usually hot, buff, sweaty guys to impress (btw, the gym is a great place to meet a potential hubby), but because the way you look affects the way you feel about yourself. When you look good, you feel good.
Trust me, the gym already sucks enough as it is, if you pick the right workout clothes, at least you’ll look amazing while you’re dying. Whether you’re a gym rat, a yogi, or a neighborhood jogger, there are tons of options out there that will instantly put the pep in your (weighted) step. It’s a strange thing that happens when you feel good. The instant boost of confidence will make you want to work even harder, and who doesn’t want a firmer booty, and a toned tummy? It’s a chain reaction my friends. It all starts with the clothes (at least in my mind).
Of course, everyone has fabric, style and color preference when it comes to what they want to sweat in, so keep that in mind as I share my favorite fitness brands with you! No fitness brand is better than another. It may just be that one is better for you.
For Running/Cardio
Pants: There’s no hiding the fact that my waist is skinnier than my badonk, and while in most cases that’s great, when it comes to finding the right pants to run or do cardio, things can get a little messy. Because I have a little bit of curve, my pants tend to slip down during repetitive movements. Therefore, I find it extremely important to wear pants with a drawstring or tie, ya know, to make sure I keep all that junk in the trunk. My go-to when it comes to finding pants with a tie, is Nike. The fabrics are soft and stretchy, and they have true laces rather than a loop drawstring (which are literally the worst, sorry Lululemon & Victoria’s Secret). Check out the Nike pants below.
Tops: When I am doing cardio or running, I absolutely hate when my shirt twists on my body. I notice this happening the most when I wear open back or racerback tanks. In order to keep this from happening, and to avoid constantly adjusting my top, I try to wear tanks with wider straps. Wearing tops with higher necks also seem to do the trick. *Disclaimer: I never wear shirts with sleeves to the gym. They make me feel constricted, overheated, and don’t allow me to show off my (very small) guns. Click below to check out some Zoey Leigh approved cardio and running tanks.
Bras: It’s all about giving the ladies the support that they need. Depending on the size of your gals, cardio can be a bit difficult, painful even. Support and style are not exactly synonymous, but every once in a while, you can find an adorable sports bra that also keeps everything in place. My favorite bras for cardio are the front zip sports bras from Victoria’s Secret. With a double layer and double closer, everything is sure to stay put. Besides, I must say, when I wear one, I kind of feel like a Victoria’s Secret bombshell. You can too, buy checking them out below.
For Weightlifting
Pants: If I’m dropping it low into squats or lunges, I need to make sure my pants are stretchy enough to move with me. I’m not making quick moves and I’m constantly taking breaks, so in this case, it’s okay if my pants don’t have ties. The most important thing is that they aren’t transparent. Not that I am super modest or anything, but the sweaty, not-so-nimble old ladies at the gym aren’t exactly the ones I want to give a free show. Even though Lululemon has a history of see through pants, peep shows at the gym are no longer! Since they’ve gotten their fabrics figured out, their pants are actually pretty thick (but stretchy), and keep everything covered. Not to mention, they are really cute and last a lifetime.
Tops: When I do weight lifting, I like my tanks like my muscles, tight! I’m not one to wear tight clothing, especially tanks because I often feel self conscious and restricted, but when I’m lifting weights, I want everything to be compressed, and for fabrics to stay out of my way. Plus being able to see your muscles while you work them just motivates you to keep pushing. One day, I’ll feel comfortable enough to work out in just a sports bra, but for now, I opt for tight tanks. Click below to shop some of my favorites.
Bras: For the most part, weight lifting has a low flop factor. With that said, you can kind of have fun with your sports bras and opt for cute prints over support. Try to pick ones with cute designs on the back, so it shows while you’re working your back muscles. Everyone will be jealous, and not just of your figure.
For Yoga
Pants: Yoga is a great practice for relaxation and balance, two things that I freaking suck at. Yoga is hard enough for me already. I don’t need any itchy waist bands or stiff fabrics making it even harder. Make sure you pick bendworthy pants that will allow you to flow through your practice. Go for the pretty, earth tones that you wouldn’t typically wear for cardio workouts. Since you sweat slightly less in yoga (unless it’s hot yoga), you can get away with wearing lighter colors and avoiding the mess of showing sweat marks. Victoria’s Secret has super cute, printed and comfortable pants that are perfect for your next flow.
Tops: If you wear one at all, make it comfy. No need to wear tight tops in yoga (unless that’s your thing). Keep it loose and soft to help you reach your optimum level of relaxed. When it comes to cozy tops, there’s nowhere better than Athleta. Shop my favorite Athleta tops below.
Bras: When it comes to yoga, you have to make sure you get just the right balance between support and style. You don’t need much support for yoga, but you still have to make sure your ladies don’t fall out during down dog. Bandier sells some freaking adorable sports bras. They even have velvet, if that’s your thing. Bandier can get a bit pricey, but if you work out often, it’s definitely worth it. You have to look at it from a price per wear standpoint!! Here are some cute Bandier sports bras (velvet included) you will instantly fall in love with.
Now that you know how much your gym #lewk matters, you better hop to it and put some use to those clothes. New gym clothes as fitness motivation? Yes, please!! No, new workout clothes won't make your training any easier (I wish), but like I said, you'll look a little less miserable mid sweat sesh.
Comment below, and let me know which type of workout is your fave and what new style you'll be trying next.
xoxo,
Zoey Leigh