This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Ladies, is Your New Years Resolution to Hit the Gym?

What to wear and where to get it will make sure you not only look fabulous at the gym, but will keep your body from getting injured or overheating.

You probably made all your resolutions for the year, and I bet one of them is hitting the gym and getting in shape. I can relate; I’m a self-proclaimed workout-a-holic.

Although you may see this as an excuse to throw on your husbands old t-shirt and sweatpants, I still feel strongly that you should try to look somewhat put together at the gym. Just because you are sweating, lifting weights or running on a treadmill doesn’t mean that people aren’t noticing you. Lets face it, people will take notice to you, especially if you are doing something they want to learn.

1) This is my biggest peeve; Please invest in a proper sports bra…

Find out what's happening in Malverne-Lynbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is one of those things that you should just do out of respect for yourself.  I have seen women of all sizes treat the “girls” in the wrong way; women who wear the wrong bra, or they don’t wear one at all (shame on you). Not only is this unsightly, but it can cause long-term health problems for you.And keep in mind the bras with very little fabric are not a good choice either. Look for a Sports Bra that has the utmost support, through out the chest and back, with some padding, and can be washed easily without falling apart.

2) You should wear sweatpants to the gym, not your husband’s pants…or pajama pants, jeans or pants that don’t fit properly…

Find out what's happening in Malverne-Lynbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There is no excuse for this one, considering that you can go out to any store and find proper fitting sweatpants for women at a decent price range. How do you expect to move properly wearing denim!?

Your style options are endless, and there are different silhouettes for every size and shape. Yoga pants are great! They can be found in multiple lengths and cuts.  You can wear a flare leg to minimize your hips or you can wear a pair of “tights” with a longer t-shirt for optimum movement. Some brands carry wide-leg options as well. And like anything else you purchase to wear, make sure you TRY IT ON.  There are plenty of reasons for this, but the main point here is to avoid embarrassing situations. Be sure to buy the right size and that they aren’t riding up in obvious locations or giving you muffin top.

3) Purchase quality, and consider purchasing Sweat Resistant and Breathable apparel…

I don’t want you to think you need to spend a fortune on workout clothes.  However, if you have holes in the seams of your yoga pants, or if your whites look really faded or yellowed, than its time to get rid of them and purchase something worth your dollar.

I really like the Dri-fast clothing that Nike, Reebok, and Under Armour carry. It will last you a couple of years (if you follow the washing directions properly) and they look great.  As an added bonus, these brands have new technologies to help disguise sweat, keep you warm in winter, and keep you cool in summer. 

4) Wear proper workout sneakers. Don’t ever wear fashion sneakers!

Seriously, if you plan on working out, than you need proper sneakers. Sneakers for training are meant to support your joints and back. Fashion sneakers typically don’t have the proper arch support, and if worn while working out, you risk tearing muscles, wrenching your back, etc. Look for sneakers that provide ankle and arch support, and try them on. And wear them ONLY for working out.  Workout sneakers are not cute with any outfit other than your workout outfit.

5) Lastly, your workout clothes are just that: WORKOUT CLOTHES

In other words, change into street clothes after your workout. There is no reason to wear your sweaty workout clothes to the supermarket or to lunch. You really should designate workout apparel for just that: working out! If you have to go somewhere right after the gym bring a change of clothes with you. 

Now I know it may seem like a lot to remember, so lets summarize it. Purchase an array of outfits (2 or 3 of each) and in colors that you can mix and match. Try everything on for proper fit. You can also purchase items that are specific to what you plan on doing; running, yoga, weight training etc. Here is a complete list of what a workout wardrobe should look like:

  • Sports Bras
  • Workout Bottoms, like Yoga Pants, Capris, shorts, tights, etc
  • Workout Sneakers (and socks)
  • Workout Tops, like tanks and t-shirts.  Ideally, they should have a spandex blend or are made of cotton.
  • Jackets and Sports Vest
  • A gym bag, large enough for a change of clothes, a gym towel, small toiletries (deodorant, make up remover, lotion, anti-bacterial etc), your Ipod, water, etc

Here are my top picks for all you’re workout apparel needs: 

I am so excited about this one! Victoria Secrets just launched their new VS Sport Collection and it’s extremely cute.  Color coordinated pieces make your selections easy, and the fit is so true to size, you will be extremely happy with all your purchases. Link:http://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/vsx-sexy-sport.

Under Armour is not just for football players; I am the biggest fan of their tights and sneakers.  I workout outside sometimes, and the tights keep me warm without overheating me.  They maybe pricey, but the quality is unsurpassed. Link: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/.

Love yoga? Than get your yogi-butt to Lululemon.  Comfy sweats, stylish tops, and pretty much everything is breathable.http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp

And of course, don’t forget the big leaguers: Nike, Reebok, Adidas etc.

Good luck achieving all your goals in 2012!

Make sure you check out my website www.Shopboutiquenoir.com for more about me, and my business, Boutique Noir!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?