The first thing I want you to do is go dig out your old Magnum, P.I. shorts from high school, and that ratty 'FRANKIE SAYS RELAX' t-shirt with the yellow stains in the armpits, find a safe place, and burn them.
Now I'll admit that I'm not a serious fashionista; my fitness wardrobe costs more than my business one, but that's mostly because I buy cheap suits and like to push casual Friday to the limits.
But I do have a lot of workout clothes, and they're all high quality. There is a good reason for this: having nice-looking and good-quality clothing makes exercise more enjoyable. And if it's more enjoyable, you'll exercise more frequently, for longer durations, and at a higher intensity. It's all about positive reinforcement.
Nice workout clothes are more comfortable, they look better, and they last longer too. I am a firm believer in the adage that you get what you pay for. There is a certain brand of fitness clothing I'm exceptionally fond of (OK, I'll tell you: it's lululemon) because not only does it look and feel good, but I can beat it like a rented mule, wash it again and again, and it still looks new.
I engage in some really intense exercise that makes regular clothing so foul it needs psychotherapy. Higher quality stuff can take anything I can dish out, and then after a trip through the washing machine it comes out fresh and saying, "Is that all you got?"
Beyond the positive reinforcement of wearing the appropriate attire, it also has an impact on your feelings of self-efficacy, which is a situation-specific form of self-confidence. Good exercise clothes can be considered tools of the trade.
For example, I'm a regular runner, going out in all kinds of weather, and having clothes that are specifically designed for different running conditions allows me to perform better and makes the experience more enjoyable. Here is a sample list of my running wardrobe:
* Five pairs of running socks that cost $15 each. Yes, they're socks, and yes, they cost $15 a pair. They're worth it.
* Shoes that are not only made for running, but that I had an experienced staff member at a running store help me pick out, based on my gait and foot shape.
* Numerous pairs of shorts that keep things where they belong and prevent chafing.
* Shirts that wick the sweat away.
* A GORE-TEX jacket that doesn't let the wind in and has vents along the sides if I get too warm.
* A running-specific balaclava that wicks away sweat and warms up the air before I breathe it in.
* Thick running pants for those exceptionally cold days to make sure vital parts of my anatomy don't get frostbite.
I've got plenty of nice shorts, track pants and shirts for the gym as well. One of the great things about this is that I never have to worry having something clean to wear, and I won't get pegged as one of those annoying gym patrons who wear the same workout clothes day after day.
Some people suffer from gym intimidation because it can be a bit of a fashion show. People who aren't the hottest or slimmest patrons can feel inadequate compared to some of the prancing and preening "beauties" (NOTE: sarcasm) who are out there. If you aren't the fittest person at the gym then I've got something important to tell you:
No one cares.
I started out in the gym at a BMI that almost qualified as "obese," and I found it to be a very accepting and encouraging environment. I've exercised in about 40 different gyms across five different countries and two cruise ships, and they are full of people of all shapes and sizes. Maybe in hardcore bodybuilding gyms there is a pecking order, but at the typical health club my feelings were always that it didn't matter what shape you were in, but that you were simply there and working on being fit and healthy.
With that being written, there are things you can do to look your best. Take a look at the lululemon shirt I'm wearing in my bio page. Whoever designed that shirt is a genius. It makes my chest and shoulders look bigger and my waist appear slimmer. If you're concerned about your appearance while at the gym, then there are workout clothes you can buy that slim the bulging parts and accentuate the nice ones.
Finally, this all costs money. I didn't go out and drop a couple grand on clothes when I started working out; I built up my exercise wardrobe over time. What's more, people always know what to get me for Christmas.
Exercise is not only a big part of my life, it's my #1 hobby, and hobbies cost money. I don't play golf, own a boat or have a monthly World of Warcraft charge on my credit card, so I can afford it. Staying in shape is where some of my disposable income goes, and I consider it money well spent.
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