Trim Down Tip

Wear it


There are days when it takes every ounce of effort my body can muster up to get off the couch and head to the gym.  Until fairly recently, I would go into my drawer, pick out a pair of old sweatpants and a tee-shirt and head out the door.  Yes, there would be days that I would have a great work out, but there were also lots of days that I just could not get myself to feel "into" the workout.  I felt like I was going through the motions and I truly believe that a good workout, regardless of your choice of exercise, is centered around where your head is.  I mean, if you are not 100% into the run, yoga class, aerobics etc., you will walk away feeling happy that it's over, instead of accomplished.  You should always feel accomplished after a workout--it is not easy to take time out of your day and devote it entirely to you and your health--and that's what a workout is.


While I was in school, I used to work at a gym, a really nice gym, and the ladies who belonged there were always dressed in flattering workout clothes.  At first, I thought it was really silly.  Why would I spend extra money on clothes that I am just going to get sweaty in. But then I started to think about it.  These people are at the gym, day in and day out and the really seem to get their sweat on and enjoy it.  I think part of it was the clothes!  It was time to investigate.  


There is something about putting on clothes that make you look good --no matter where you are going--that helps boost your confidence.  For me, this is true at the gym too.  The gym I go to now is not at all fancy, but I find that when I get dressed to go to the gym in nice workout clothes, I feel a lot more motivated to get there than if I had on my old sweatpants and tee-shirt.  You can find great wicking shirts and pants that look good and don't break the bank--or some that definitely qualify as a splurge :)


For Christmas last year, I got my first pair of lululemon athletica pants and a jacket.  I will stop here and say that lululemon is not cheap.  Their pants range from $78-$108 but a lot of them are reversible--so it's like getting two pairs in one!  The tops range from $39-$68 and there are a wide range of jackets, shorts, and other athletic wear.  I have one pair of the reversible sneaker groove pants which are perfect for any activity--plus, as I said they are super flattering so I do not feel like a schmuck if I am out doing errands and have them on.  There are several locations all over the country just check out the website for online orders.  If you feel like splurging on yourself--I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  There are options for every body type, the tailor free of charge and the staff is very helpful.  


Another great spot for exercise clothes is Lucy.  A dear friend recently gave me a pair of pants and a tank from Lucy as a thank you for being in her wedding party.  I can't tell you how many times I have passed the store in the mall without even taking a second glance.  I really love their clothes as well and they are a little less expensive than lululemon--plus they have fabulous sales.  


Of course I never have a problem finding anything at Target.  They have a great line of workout clothes by Champion that are inexpensive and long lasting.  I definitely recommend checking out your local Target to find some great exercise clothes for every day workouts that won't break the bank.  Marshall's and TJ Maxx are great places to find discounted brand name exercise clothes (think Nike, Under Armour and Addidas).  As long as you are prepared to sift through the racks of clothes--you are pretty much guaranteed to score some great deals.  


You may think this sounds silly--but next time you are getting ready to work out or deciding whether or not you should hit snooze instead of heading out for a run, think about what you wear.  It may just be the added confidence you need to center yourself and get your head into your workout.  I promise once your head is in it, you will find yourself much more happy post workout and maybe even more likely to go two days in a row!








Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com