In the past several years, a string of new kinds of clothing stores have sprouted up across the country. Rather than selling nice dresses or designer jeans, these clothiers sell clothes for the gym. Whether it’s a pair of yoga paints, a running skirt and matching top, or a funky top with a built in bra, many women like to look nice when going to the gym. Getting ready for the gym isn’t just about a good looking exercise outfit, but some women even do their hair, put on makeup, and work-out appropriate jewelry such as stud earrings and tennis bracelets. Though these women enjoy looking their best at the gym, others feel it is a waste of time, thinking that it’s pointless to dress up just get work up a sweat. So, what is more appropriate to wear to the gym: dirty sweats and messy hair or a matching two piece running outfit and a French braid? According to By Women For Women, the dirty sweats should be tossed. But The Stay Fit Bug says that paying too much attention to how you look at the gym is pointless.
Motivation
Truthfully, it depends on the woman. While certainly one doesn’t need to have a cute outfit to work up a sweat on the elliptical machine, it can help to motivate some people to go work out. Just as a new professional outfit can help boost confidence before a big job interview, a great-looking work-out outfit can help get you in the mood for a workout and boost your confidence. When you feel like you look the part, you may just run that extra mile on the treadmill or stay on the stationary bike for another 20 minutes. If you’re lying in bed in the morning and your alarm is telling you it’s time to get the gym, maybe knowing what you’re going to where will help give you that extra push to get up and get going. It’s important to do what works for you. If you could care less what you look like at the gym, it doesn’t matter, but if the right clothes motivate you, why not do what works? Put on your work-out clothes and feel good about it.
Socializing
Although it’s true that the main reason to go to the gym is to exercise and maintain a healthy mind and body, some people enjoy the social aspect of going to the gym on a regular basis. Some women, especially those who are busy with work, children, and other day-to-day activities, like to see friends at the gym and visit before and after their workouts. If you have very little time in the day to socialize and the gym is a social outlet for you, it’s understandable that you’d want to look your best.
Dating
Some people—both men and woman—find that the gym is a good place to meet potential dates who share an interest in staying fit and living an active lifestyle. While looks are certainly not the most important characteristic to look for in a potential partner, everyone knows it’s important to look and feel your best when you’re scoping out possible dates.
Fun
One of the simpler reasons why some women prefer to dress for the gym is that it can be fun. If working out is a regular part of your week, you might get bored with the same plain gym clothes and simple pony-tail. If that’s the case, why not spruce up your wardrobe with bright colors and fun patterns and do your hair in a way that is both functional—keeping it off your face while you burn calories—and fun. Lots of workout clothing is made to be bright, colorful, and fun. Working out regularly makes you look and feel your best, so why not do what makes you happy?
So while matching workout clothes and exercise-appropriate jewelry is certainly not necessary for the gym, to each her own. If you like looking your best, go for it.
Byline
This article was composed by Roy McClure for the team at badoo.