Let's work out this workout wear business.

In a nutshell: Dress like sh*t. Feel like sh*t. So I try not to.

Right, ok. This request came from a few friends here. And much like working out, I’ve managed to procrastinate on this one. Fitness for me is a thing I have to do, not a thing I love to do. I work out 2x/week with my trainer, Jason (lifting weights, a circuit, etc.) over Zoom. I walk the rest, aiming (aiming!) for 10k steps a day. And in the past, I looked at workout wear as a place to save money. Who cares? Not Jason! My typical uniform consisted of a sports bra, my husband’s shorts (or, ok, sometimes boxers) and whatever shirt I grabbed.

But a few things have led me to change my mind. (Not trying to be cute, they just all start with F.)

Function. Having the wrong clothes can actually hinder my workout. Like I’m too hot, too sweaty. My shorts are so baggy I have to be careful to set up so facing away from the camera! Also, when I’m doing, say, mountain climbers in a big shirt, that shirt’s flopping around toward my face and it’s really annoying. I want to just get though, have the right form, and not think about what I have on.

Feelings. Looking like shit makes me feel bad. And I think that impacts my motivation. And I need every ounce of motivation to get through this stuff. It’s also ironic - to look your most horrible in service of feeling your best.

Friendship. I’ve worked out with peanut butter on my face and XL Michigan shorts covered in cat hair. But now I know Jason! And I sometimes I think: Poor guy. What did he ever do to me? (Although it’s better than with other clients of his, the ones whose testicles make a surprise cameo.)

Are you with me? Good. Onward.

My ahas are threefold: