At the end of a long day, the last thing you may want to do is head off to the gym for a workout. But if you can find the motivation and energy to schedule regular exercise into your weekly routine, then you will soon start to reap the benefits. There are many different benefits of regular exercise, even though sometimes you may feel like chilling on the sofa while watching Netflix after a busy and tiring day. While there are many different reasons that people are put off regularly exercising, feeling judged and self-conscious has been reported as one of the main reasons that deters people from getting into shape.
A study carried out by FitRated found that more than half of Americans say they felt self-conscious when working out to the extent that it stopped them from going to the gym. In order to feel comfortable and capable in the gym, it is important that you look the part. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that you look stylish while working out. While it is unrealistic to expect to look pristine while sweating on the treadmill, you can still take pride in your appearance to boost your confidence in the gym. Here are eight ways that you can look stylish while working out.
1. Keep Things Simple
If you are unsure about what to wear to the gym, then you should check out the diverse range of gym wear that is now available from many different sports brands. While the color palettes of gym wear can vary, if you are new to the gym environment and are struggling with your confidence, then you should consider sticking to plain and neutral colors. If you are worried about how you look in gym clothes and are concerned about remaining stylish, then you should stick to black. Black is well-known for being slimming and will hide any sweat patches and make anyone look good. By having the right clothes on hand that make you look stylish and feel great, you have one less excuse to not go for that workout.
2. Invest in the Right Footwear
If you are trying to work out while wearing the wrong footwear, then you could seriously damage your feet. Therefore, it is essential that you seek advice and invest in the correct shoes for the exercises you have chosen. For mild exercise in the gym, you should invest in a quality pair of sneakers that offer your feet the necessary support. Although, if you were taking part in off-road hiking or running, then you will need to get a suitable shoe.
However, you shouldn’t assume that in order to wear suitable and comfortable shoes, you must sacrifice your style. For example, if you like to keep up with the latest trends in sportswear, you may want to look for the latest Air Max 97 releases. Sites like The Sole Supplier can be a great resource for the avid sneaker collector, and you’ll find everything from Air Max 97s to Air Jordan 1s.
When it comes to wearing Nike’s latest Air Max 97 releases in the gym, you can look and feel great while working out. These vintage classics have been recently brought back to life but are just as stylish and just as well-known as the originals.
3. Go Wireless
Listening to music in the gym can help you to work out harder and for longer as it not only helps relieve the boredom, but also helps you to increase your stamina. By having your own playlist of songs that gets you in the mood to work out, you will find that you enjoy your time in the gym more and will start to work harder. However, wearing headphones while working out isn’t always the easiest of looks when you have wires to contend with. This is why many gym goers are switching to the more stylish option of new wireless headphones. Not only do wireless headphones look better, they are more convenient, and also you can now get wireless headphones that double up as fitness trackers.
4. Go for Breathable Clothing
It can sometimes be difficult to look stylish while working out, as physical exercise makes you hot and sweaty. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about being red faced or sweaty while in the gym, as everyone else is in the same situation as you. We all go to the gym to work out and get our heart rates up, so while you can’t avoid the sweat patches, you can invest in breathable clothing to help keep you as cool as possible. You should wear antiperspirant before you head to the gym for your workout and wear lightweight clothes that are made from materials that will keep the moisture away from your skin, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex. You should avoid cotton at all costs!
5. Wear Fitting Clothes
If you are self-conscious about how you look, then you may prefer to wear over-sized clothes while working out to try and mask your body shape underneath. However, it is important that you get clothes that fit your body, as this will help to improve your workout. By wearing clothes that fit you right, you can avoid having any common accidents while working out e.g. getting your clothing caught on the treadmill or dumbbells while training.
6. Smell Good
When we exercise, we tend to get sweaty, which can lead to us smelling a bit. Many people start to become self-conscious about how they smell while working out, and if you are concerned about remaining stylish and fashionable while exercising, then it is important that you stay smelling fresh too. Smelling of stale sweat is not an attractive quality, so you should be sure to apply a new layer of deodorant both before and after your workout.
7. Get a Gym Bag
By the time you have packed your gym clothes, a change of outfit for after your workout, and the toiletries you need to keep yourself clean and smelling good, you will need a bag. By getting yourself a stylish duffle or string bag that is perfect for your gym attire, you can keep everything you need in one place.
And Lastly – Try to Avoid the Mirrors!
Although mirrors in a gym are a common feature, it has been found that they can actually negatively impact on your workout. If you are already feeling less than confident before heading to the gym, they will only serve to reduce your confidence even more if you are tempted to look in them as you exercise. A US study also found that they provide a distorted perception of your body position, which is not good for your form. So, try to use machines that are away from any mirrors if possible, and you won’t be tempted to ditch the gym after your first session if your confidence takes a hit!
While it is natural to feel pressured into looking stylish while you are working out, it is important to remember that by heading to the gym you are trying to improve your health and well-being. So, be confident and proud of yourself for making the effort and try not to worry about how you look. Don’t forget, confidence is one of the best accessories you can wear!
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