Now you may scoff and say "Whatever. I can work out just fine in my sweats and old t-shirts." If that is you, I am BEGGING you to just go with me here. Working out is hard enough as it is, why on earth would you make yourself miserable? When you don't put any effort into investing in real work out gear, you're basically saying "I don't really care." What makes you think that you can persuade yourself to care about your body if you don't care what you put on it? Do yourself a favor and invest in just a couple pieces that you actually WANT to put on. I'm not saying that you have to go spend an obscene amount of money but here are the basics:
-a GOOD pair of shoes. Please. I'm begging you. Don't skimp here.
-a DRI FIT bottom
-a pair of running shorts or bottoms DESIGNED for running.
-at least two DRI FIT tank/tshirt/long sleeves...we'll talk more about what fit later...
*note, when I say dri fit, I simply mean something that is not just 100% cotton (unless it's "dri fit" cotton ; ) ). "Dri Fit" is just a name coined by Nike to mean that it is sweat wicking (absorbs sweat)...you know..."tissue"..."Kleenex...you get it. Anyways, every brand carries a dri fit version.
Here are MY personal favorites. I encourage you to find your own favorites-this is supposed to be fun, remember??
Lets start with shoes.
This is an area in which I'm still learning, but what I do know is the area that is going to take the most customization. There is a reason that the tennis shoe section is divided by sports. It is important to pick a shoe that fits YOUR needs and fits YOUR foot, and if you get lucky they'll look sweet too. Now I have only done my shoe shopping at DICK's Sporting Goods, but if you have a RoadRunner in your area, I strongly encourage you start there. They will assess your stride as well as help you determine which shoe fits not only your foot, but your workout needs. They also have a tool on their website called the Shoe Dog that will help you narrow down your needs if you can't physically visit.
*helpful tip: to determine your arch, wet your foot and step onto a brown paper bag. Trace the outline and you should have an easier time seeing your arch. If you aren't sure whether you are "outward, straight/neutral or inward" pronator, look at the wear on the heel of your shoes. If the inside of the heel is most worn, you're an over-pronator. If it appears evenly worn, you're neutral. If the majority of the wear is on the outside, you may be an under-pronator. This is usually determined by the arches of your feet, but may not always match up 100% (especially if you are a toe-walker/runner, like me) : D.
Point being, there is real science behind all the "bells and whistles" of a shoe and that pretty gel stuff in the heel is actually there for a reason. Read up before just picking the coolest looking shoe-your knees and ankles will thank you.
These are my RUNNING shoes. They rock, but are not for everyone. : ) I have others for weight training, group exercise and don't forget Zumba (we'll get there)!!
Next off is bottoms.I have two main types of bottoms. We're not going to discuss how many actual pairs I have. The first type are my Nike Dri Fit cotton capris, aka "non runners." Ok, I DO run in them, but I don't like to. Why? Because that much friction is going to cause MAJOR pilling (those annoying little balls that form from and make it look like your brand new clothes are decades old) and will become rather, how shall I say...unpleasant...against the skin. Anyways. These are marvelous, however for everything else. They're a cotton, so the breathe nicely and if you get the "regular" fit, they are the perfect amount of "tightness." Don't feel like you have to have Nikes though-go for any Dri Fit. Obviously we have a climate here in San Diego that allows me to wear the capris year round, but they also make a pant version of this that is really nice.
Now for running shorts.
I understand you may be tempted to pass over this section thinking this "doesn't apply. I'm not a runner, nor will I ever be." Well, I have news for you: if you really want to watch the pounds melt, you had better start-at least for short periods of time (unless you have injuries that prevent you to do so, of course). But we'll talk about in a future post. For now, lets just get some shorts in your drawer for when you finally decide to face them. When I was first beginning, I didn't understand the big hype over why you had to have shorts. Well, let's just say you don't want to learn that lesson the hard way. Remember the "unpleasant" feeling we mentioned before? Trust me. Get yourself a pair of running shorts, yes, liner and all. Your inner thighs will thank you.
I did you all a favor and found the PERFECT pair. I happen to be very picky though...You see, first of all, they have to pass the fingertip test (the good ol "gatta be as long as your fingertips"), which I understand may be much easier for me considering I'm 5'3". Then the waistband has to be super thick. That's the problem with running shorts: that elastic is so stinking tight and thin that the dreaded "muffin top" is INSANELY hard to avoid, despite how thin you are. The secret? A thick waistband and go up a size. Anyways. I probably sound psychotic now and I'm sure you all will walk into joe schmo sports store and be able to buy the first pair you try on. So here's my favorite: the Under Armour Great Escape. See that waistband? Bye bye muffin top!
These are also a killer short. They're not an official "running short" and don't have the liner, but they're a little bit longer, so I like that. If I still haven't convinced you to get yourself a pair of shorts, or you're an outside runner, they do make running capris and pants-I just don't know anything about them haha.
And finally, we come to our tops. This is where it comes down to personal preference. I'm sure if you were to research it, you'll find a very scientific reason for each type of design. 99% of the time, I'd tell you to listen to them; however, when it comes to your top, it's going to become very obvious which design is for what. For example, for a while, I was all about the cotton T. That's what they're made for, right? No mam. Worst mistake ever. Do yourself a HUGE favor and pick out at least 2 different, here it is again, DRI FIT tops. You're already a hot mess when you work out, why would you accentuate your sweat stains and raise your body temperature even higher? Oh, and guess what? If the sweat isn't being evaporated into a moisture-whicking shirt, guess where it's soaking into? Your skin. Awesome. Now you're a stinky, HOT, hot mess bathing in your own sweat. Perfect.
You will quickly find which fit you prefer. I am a tank girl. Personally, I have yet to find the PERFECT short sleeve workout shirt. I've found that there is nothing more annoying than trying to run or lift weights with sleeves. I have banished every single short sleeved work out shirt to the back of the drawer, only to be worn when I'm desperate. I did find one UnderArmour (you catching my trend??) "Go Pink or Go Home" shirt, that was a nice fit, but it's a seasonal thing and when I figure out which year round fit it's most similar to, I'll let you know.
Now I understand that at some point, it will become too cold for tanks. I'm trying to convince myself that my most favorite zip up ever will be enough to keep me warm, but at some point I may need a long sleeve. Until then, all I can recommend are tanks. They're dri fit, the sleeves don't get in the way when you lift, AND you can check out your muscles ; )
On the left is my favorite practical one. It's nice and long, the ribbing hides any unwanted imperfections and it goes with everything. I'd go up a size in it. However, if you really want to splurge, I'd HIGHLY recommend the one on the right. Every woman deserves just one (ok so I own two) article of work out wear that they canNOT WAIT to put on and it is actually upsetting when it's dirty (look how happy she is)! That is this tank. Softest thing you will ever feel, holds its shape marvelously, and I wear both of mine as regular tanks as well.
As for stores, I've found that:
Now for running shorts.
I understand you may be tempted to pass over this section thinking this "doesn't apply. I'm not a runner, nor will I ever be." Well, I have news for you: if you really want to watch the pounds melt, you had better start-at least for short periods of time (unless you have injuries that prevent you to do so, of course). But we'll talk about in a future post. For now, lets just get some shorts in your drawer for when you finally decide to face them. When I was first beginning, I didn't understand the big hype over why you had to have shorts. Well, let's just say you don't want to learn that lesson the hard way. Remember the "unpleasant" feeling we mentioned before? Trust me. Get yourself a pair of running shorts, yes, liner and all. Your inner thighs will thank you.
I did you all a favor and found the PERFECT pair. I happen to be very picky though...You see, first of all, they have to pass the fingertip test (the good ol "gatta be as long as your fingertips"), which I understand may be much easier for me considering I'm 5'3". Then the waistband has to be super thick. That's the problem with running shorts: that elastic is so stinking tight and thin that the dreaded "muffin top" is INSANELY hard to avoid, despite how thin you are. The secret? A thick waistband and go up a size. Anyways. I probably sound psychotic now and I'm sure you all will walk into joe schmo sports store and be able to buy the first pair you try on. So here's my favorite: the Under Armour Great Escape. See that waistband? Bye bye muffin top!These are also a killer short. They're not an official "running short" and don't have the liner, but they're a little bit longer, so I like that. If I still haven't convinced you to get yourself a pair of shorts, or you're an outside runner, they do make running capris and pants-I just don't know anything about them haha.
And finally, we come to our tops. This is where it comes down to personal preference. I'm sure if you were to research it, you'll find a very scientific reason for each type of design. 99% of the time, I'd tell you to listen to them; however, when it comes to your top, it's going to become very obvious which design is for what. For example, for a while, I was all about the cotton T. That's what they're made for, right? No mam. Worst mistake ever. Do yourself a HUGE favor and pick out at least 2 different, here it is again, DRI FIT tops. You're already a hot mess when you work out, why would you accentuate your sweat stains and raise your body temperature even higher? Oh, and guess what? If the sweat isn't being evaporated into a moisture-whicking shirt, guess where it's soaking into? Your skin. Awesome. Now you're a stinky, HOT, hot mess bathing in your own sweat. Perfect.
You will quickly find which fit you prefer. I am a tank girl. Personally, I have yet to find the PERFECT short sleeve workout shirt. I've found that there is nothing more annoying than trying to run or lift weights with sleeves. I have banished every single short sleeved work out shirt to the back of the drawer, only to be worn when I'm desperate. I did find one UnderArmour (you catching my trend??) "Go Pink or Go Home" shirt, that was a nice fit, but it's a seasonal thing and when I figure out which year round fit it's most similar to, I'll let you know.
Now I understand that at some point, it will become too cold for tanks. I'm trying to convince myself that my most favorite zip up ever will be enough to keep me warm, but at some point I may need a long sleeve. Until then, all I can recommend are tanks. They're dri fit, the sleeves don't get in the way when you lift, AND you can check out your muscles ; )
As for stores, I've found that:
- Dick's gives the best coupons, rewards and has THE BEST return policy. Oh and check out this little gem. You're welcome.
- Sports Authority is decent (would be second choice if we didn't have a Dick's
- Big 5 is cheaper for some things, but the bigger brands are the same price set by the manufacturer
- The Champion brand at Target is just ok.
So there you go; that's my line up! Obviously you don't need brand name to have wonderful workouts- find what works best for you. I'm sharing these brands and stores simply because I've spend the last year trying different ones. 99% of the time you'll only spend $3-4 more for an article of clothing that is 3-4x better quality. What works for me may be completely different that what works for you, but you asked what I liked, remember? : ) Hopefully this gets you started and stay tuned for this series. Feel free to submit any questions and I'd love to see if I have an answer for you.
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."
Good advise about finding a few pieces that you will love to put on.
ReplyDeleteMoisture wicking is essential, you wont stink after a work out. It feels so soft and stretchy will want to wear it the rest of the day.