So you may not look as hot as you feel (if you're working hard enough), but there are some key elements to improving your self-image before hitting the gym, sidewalk or park. I've mentioned before how important it is to make working out fun. If you don't, you're likely to get bored and plateau or worse, quit all together.
One of my favorite ways to make exercise fun is to wear a new outfit. So, I thought I'd chronicle some of the things I wear when I'm working out.
You should know that all of the photos in the gallery to the left were taken after my workouts because I often go straight to the gym from work, and well, I didn't want to take those awkward "selfies" in the mirror unless I had to. Hence, I'm sweaty.
It's important to always keep a couple of sporty jackets in your closet (and in your gym bag), because if you're like me, then you get absolutely freezing during your post-gym cool down. Stretchy clothing works the best for me because the last thing I want to worry about when I'm working out is if my pants make me look fat or if my "muffin top" is showing. Plus, that kind of material lets you move.
I bought the black kicks from the Nike Outlet store in the mall for $29.99. You can find some good deals if you keep your eyes peeled. I found the pink gems on clearance at Ross. My hot pink Puma's give me a little extra boost of energy when I wear them. And who says every piece of your workout gear has to match?
One of my favorite things about the green top is that it's tight enough to support me, but it still fits and doesn't pinch my back fat (come on, you know what I'm talking about). The pattern also does a good job at camouflaging sweat.
Black, cropped yoga pants are a must-have — even if you don't plan on taking yoga. These pants are good for all seasons, as long as you're not running outside in the Texas summer heat. I like this style of pants in other colors, but the black ones are the best at hiding sweat.
May I present my Cardio Dance Party outfit? When I teach my dance classes, I think it's fun to look the part. If I'm going to be dropping it like it's hot and shaking what my Momma gave me, I can't be out there in my running gear.
Both my lime green sports bra and white tank are from Forever XXI. Nobody said all your workout clothes have to come from Sports Authority or Academy. You can actually find a lot of great deals at places like Agaci, Body Central, La Patricia, Rue 21 and other trendy stores in the mall.
Santa (a.k.a. my husband) brought me these teeny-weeny striped spanks this year. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked them. I wore them for the first time the other night, and I want to go back and get them in about 15 other colors. I didn't have a problem with them riding up or sliding down. They're called "Nike Pro" shorts, and you can find them anywhere that sells Nike gear.
If you're committed to taking dance classes like Zumba or Latin Cardio, you might consider investing in some dance shoes. I just bought these Nike Musique dance shoes from Zappos.com for $49.99. They were voted the best Zumba shoes for 2012 and had really good ratings. So far, they make pivots and spins flawless, which is awesome for my post-gym feet.
If you have long hair, it's hard to keep it from whipping you (or another poor soul) in the face. I've found a few ways to keep your mane in tact. You can try braiding your pony tail or braiding the front part of your hair, and then pull it back into a ponytail. This hairdo keeps your bangs from falling down, as well as preventing tangles.
Last but not least are my weight-lifting gloves. While I'd advise you to invest in a decent brand, these $5 pair of cute, girly gloves lasted me about three months. I use these for dumbbells, pull-ups, burpees, mountain climbers and pushups.
What are your favorite pieces of exercise gear? What makes exercise fun for you?