May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I will be publishing content that focuses on mental health topics. To read past posts, click on the Mental Health tab under the Dimensions of Wellness Menu.
I’ve got a bit of a rant some musings for you today, Wellness Warrior. Specifically regarding workout attire. There has been much written in the past few years about why what you wear to workout matters. And from the standpoint of improved performance and activity specific gear, I am totally on board. But there is another trend happening simultaneously that bugs me. That’s the trend of trendy exercise attire.
You know what I am talking about. The perfectly matched sets, the leggings with a billion details, the skimpy bike shorts and the even skimpier sports bras that we as women are supposed to wear during workouts. Again, from the standpoint of improved performance, I’m all there. The leggings with compression make for faster runs and higher jumps. The sweat wicking fabrics are lighter and less restrictive than a soaking wet cotton T-shirt. And you’ll never get me to argue that proper sneakers aren’t important.
Is it necessary that we, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, be made to feel less positive about our workouts because we aren’t in the latest Lululemons? As long as you are coming correct with your workout, what you wear should have no actual bearing on exercise itself. With the only caveat that what you are wearing actually allows you to move in the ways necessary for your workout du jour.
I would argue that since many women and LGBTQ+ individuals also feel more discomfort with and within their bodies, many of us also feel more discomfort with the workout attire we are “supposed” to wear. It places a huge mental load on someone when they are in clothing that amplifies body discomfort. Instead of concentrating on squat form and running speed, there are a thousand other unnecessary thoughts happening. “I bet my bat wings are jiggling.” “I feel on display.” “Can people see all my cellulite… I should have worn a longer top.”
Don’t get me wrong, I am all for cute workout clothes that help you feel confident. I am all for fun colors and animal prints that match (or don’t) if expressing yourself via your clothing – including workout gear – is who you are. I mean, Serena Williams is a goddess and good on her for wearing exactly what she wants. It doesn’t take one iota away from her bazillion Grand Slams or the work she put in to earn them.
But if confidence for you means wearing an old sweatsuit, then I say have at it. Exercise and physical activity shouldn’t be a mental burden. Movement should be a place where you come to accept that some parts of you are going to wiggle or jiggle. It’s the nature of living in a human body. Physical activity should be a path to embracing what your body is capable of instead of worrying about what it looks like.
And someone else’s idea of what is appropriate exercise attire should never even enter the equation. Your body is yours to display as you see fit. And how much you choose to show, or not, is not a reflection of how fit you actually are. The clothing you choose is not a reflection of your dedication or consistency; you actually showing up for your workouts day in and day out IS.
If you’ve been around my little corner of the web, or if you follow me on Instagram (if not, please do), you have hopefully noticed something about the pics I post. My job through this platform is to encourage you to move your body by demonstrating different types of exercise. Joint position and camera angles and lighting are all things I take into consideration so that I can bring the clearest info.
I also, though, consider my clothing choices. And my aim is for neutral attire. My choices are typically form fitting yet unrestrictive so that I can properly move to demonstrate. But, I am always covered between my shoulders and mid-thigh. Even when I am alone I don’t workout in just a sports bra because I am more modest. But more importantly, I am here to make exercise and physical activity more accessible, not more intimidating. My clothing choice should not be what you are paying attention to.
And one final point: men’s workout clothing is made will all those fancy bells, whistles, and fabrics, too. But as a general rule, men aren’t judged for what they are or aren’t wearing in the gym. Men show up in what they are comfortable in and what will work for their activity of choice. When was the last time Rafael Nadal’s outfit was broken down as much as his backhand?
So while your favorite fitness influencer might be hawking their perfectly coordinated Gymshark release on Instagram, it’s totally okay if you feel more confident in a T shirt and basketball shorts.
What is your favorite workout ensemble, tell us in the comments!
