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Community Corner

How To Choose The Best Athletic Wear for Your Next Workout

No more over-sized T-shirts and baggy sweats!

Now that spring is here, we’ll start to see more people stretch their legs and get outside. Spring is the perfect time to dust off your exercise clothes and start moving. Whether you plan to run a 5K or just take a meditative yoga class, the right outfit will help get your body and mind ready.

Many people feel that they don’t need to “dress up” when they go to the gym or take a stroll around the neighborhood. I do agree that you don’t need to plan your gym clothes like you may for an evening out. But, if you throw away those baggy sweats and old T-shirts you’ve had since college and replace them with a more form-fitting, colorful sports shirt or tank and stretchy leggings, you may actually feel more motivated.

If tight-fitting clothes are not comfortable for you, you can always stick with regular sportswear. Either way, if you choose to wear clothes that help accentuate the positive aspects of your body such as your thinner arms without a flimsy T-shirt over it, you'll feel more revved up to get that workout started.  

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I was at the gym recently and noticed a young woman who's always “hiding” underneath a t-shirt. One day I suggested that she try wearing more form-fitting outfits to the gym so that she can show how hard she's been working. She told me she doesn’t want to show her “muffin top.” A few days later, I didn’t even recognize her when she showed up in a bright pink, empire waist, yoga tank and slimming Capri pants. She looked wonderful and more importantly, she looked 5 pounds lighter because I could actually see her shape! Putting a tiny bit more effort in your choices can help you feel confident when taking your after dinner stroll or 6 a.m. boot camp class.  

Athletic wear includes, but is not limited to: tops, pants, shorts, weather-proof jackets (based on need) and of course, an excellent pair of sneakers. Even your socks, underwear, and sports bras (it’s all about the right size and comfort here) can be made specifically for exercise.  

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Clothes can help or hinder your exercises, which makes it so important for you to choose appropriately. Here are five things to consider when choosing the proper exercise clothes for you. 

  1. Comfort and the right fit are a top priority — Your clothes need to allow you to move freely, yet not be so loose that they get in your way. Pay more attention to how the clothes fit rather than the actual size because most athletic wear fits smaller than your regular clothing sizes. Bonnie Morrissey of Sudbury, owner of Core Conditioning Inc., and the creator of Bonnie's Bootcamp, says, "The more comfortable you are in what you are wearing, the better the workout you will have because you won't be constantly worried about how you look and if anything is showing that shouldn't be."
  2. Style — This is not about setting trends while walking on the stair master, however, with all of the different choices in exercise clothes you'll certainly be able to choose a style and color that works for you. For example, instead of wearing an old, cotton T-shirt, try a performance T that comes in a variety of colors, but also still covers your flaws. "The basic black is always popular, but bright colors and prints are always fashionable in every season," says Bonnie. Your style can be brought right down to your sneakers. Bonnie goes on to say that, "The best part about your workout outfit is that you can always accessorize with  a super-cool pair of sneakers. So even if you choose the ol' basic black outfit, you can always spice it up with sporty, pair of hot-pink, bright yellow, or neon green sneakers that are sure to get noticed." Puma sneakers, for instance, come in such a great variety of fun colors and can be found anywhere from Nordstroms to discount stores such as DSW or even TJ Maxx (if you're lucky...they may even be up to 50 percent off).  
  3. Layer for the elements — Your clothes should be versatile so that you can be ready for any kind of weather.
  4. Choose appropriately for the activity — You probably don’t want to wear baggy pants if you're biking or a long-sleeve shirt when practicing hot yoga.
  5. “Wickability” — This concept refers to “the ability of a fabric to transport moisture away from the skin,” according to www.textileglossary.com. Polyester/lycra blends are a good fabric choice because they not only keep the sweat away from you but also keep you warm when you need it and cool when the heat is too much.  

Whether you shop at for a pair of Reebok shorts for $19.99 or Lululemon for a fantastic pair of yoga pants priced at $85, exercise clothes are now made to fit every personal style, sport, and budget. Always remember that you can pick and choose the pieces you may want to invest more money in and combine the ensemble with less expensive options. No one will know the difference, except maybe you and your wallet.

OK, so the snow has finally melted and the grass is becoming green, let’s get dressed and motivated! Enjoy a great walk, run, or tennis match and do it in comfort and style!

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