I had a thought recently, and I’d like to share it with everyone.

Some of you, I know, are doing exercise that involves putting on a uniform.  This might be a jersey for a sports team or a gi for martial arts.  Personally, I do karate.  Every time I walk into the dojo and put on my gi, I feel a transformation coming over me.  I feel ready and psyched to be doing karate.  Just putting on the uniform prepares my body for the hour-long class that I’m about to do.

This isn’t actually all that surprising.  Scott spoke in recent Daily Boost episodes about anchoring.  Putting on a uniform is just that: a physical anchor that tells your body you’re ready to move.  You put on the uniform (a physical act) and your mind follows.

So, for everyone who doesn’t do a sport requiring a uniform: what’s your uniform?  Do you have a specific set of clothing that you put on when you’re about to exercise?  How do you feel when you put it on?  Are you psyched and ready to move? 

If your “uniform” doesn’t instill those sorts of feelings in you, why not consider a new one, one that makes you feel energized and bouncing?  It’s a simple step, but sometimes simple works!

Cheers,
Julie

Great point about the uniforms acting as an anchor. I’ve heard a lot of people say that they simply have that effect with their gym clothes.

I think I’ve begun to have the same anchoring effects with my “gym clothes”. A while back I decided that I would never wear this specific set of clothes unless I was going to work out. Actually, my initial intent was to stop looking “sloppy” in raggy gym clothes all day long.

In doing this though, the only-for-working-out clothes began to take on that uniform feeling that you discussed. Wearing the gym clothes reminds me of that awesome post-workout feeling and gets me excited to get moving.

Now I actually use the clothes to give myself a little kick in the butt on those days when I’m feeling lazy. If I put on the clothes and strap up the shoes, it’s not long before I find a way to start moving in any way that I can.

So yea, I guess my green shorts and white boy-tees are my uniform

Great point Julie!

Here’s my story

When I started to regularly exercise last year, I wore big tee shirts....and baggy swim shorts..... to cover my 210 lbs.....

after losing a few pounds i went and bought some inexpensive shirts at Target, and new shoes...the beginning of my ‘uniform’

After a losing a little bit more, my old shorts that I ran the 5K, 5 years earlier fit again, so I started wearing those.....by now the shirts were a medium and I needed new shorts too....

Eventually i found a shirt (made by body armour), just a simple shirt that wicks the sweat....a few more running shorts too, so I don’t have to do laudry so often…

My wife ‘coordinates’ the colors for me....but it’s mostly Black shirt, Blue shorts or Grey shirt, Black Shorts or a variation of that.

Then there’s my biking stuff.....(relatively new for me)......started with a ‘borrowed’ pair of bike shorts (with padding), for spin class, then I bought a pair for myself, and for christmas I received a ‘Jersy’ to wear while biking (talk about a uniform)......The other day, I picked up some arm and leg warmers (tight fitting to offset the cool morning rides)....with my jersey, bike shorts, arm and leg warmers, helmet, gloves, sunglasses, it really looks funny, (my uniform) but it works!

When I put on my biking stuff, I can almost feal and hear the wind!!!

and yes it’s true, I DO feel like working out when I put them on!!! what an ‘anchor’

Great Topic Julie

I have a ‘Uniform’ for every sport

Gym workouts are simple - either shorts or stretch leggings, depending on the temperature outside and in the gym, Sports bra and tank top with removable sweat shirt (depending on the temp) I’ve just added the HR monitor to the mix.  For volleyball I use the same shorts, either black or white, with our Spikers shirts.  Hiking is also fairly simple, dress for the outdoors, add a nice pair of hiking boots and my trekking poles and I’m ready to go. 

Then there are the equipment intensive sports that require special clothes. 

Tom is lucky - bike clothes are really cool.  Kayaking, and ski gear can be an anchor in more ways than one.  Fortunately the PFD (Personal Flotation Device) keeps me from sinking. 

For kayaking I wear either my magenta dry suit, my black wet suit with teal trim or as pair of fuzzy rubbers - fleece pants with a layer of neoprene on top to keep most of the water out.  I have a variety of tops, blue splash jacket, or sage dry top.  My PFD (sage) is mandatory for all paddles.  Then there is the spray skint, hydration pack (yellow), sun glasses - strapped firmly to my head, optional helmet (for going into the rocks or surf landings).  There’s no color theme here - quite a mix and looks a little odd when I’m not in the boat and on the water.  I dress differently for different conditions so when I’m in full battle gear (dry suit and helmet) I know I’m going to be in for an adventure and may end up upside down - that usually gets my heart rate up in anticipation.  When I’m in Neoprene shorts and a light weight top, it’s going to be mellow conditions - either a relaxing social paddle or a good long distance workout paddle. 

Skiing has its own wardrobe.  Ski jacket (White and tan with black trim) snow pants (black). black accessories.  No hat though, I don’t like covering the red hair.  The current skis and boots are also fairly neutral colors.  I’m fairly conservative this year, unlike the year when I wore Fuchsia stretch pants and a purple, white, and gold jacket, that matched my purple GS skies, white boots and fuchsia headband - .  My friends could always fine me on the slopes in that outfit.  Just thinking about my ski clothes brings up images of flying down those slopes.

Julie,
I have my assorted gym gear as a uniform. My new shoes, sports socks, fitted top and pants always get me in the mood. If I wear these things, I ALWAYS make it to the gym!

Tom, “padded” pants for spinning??? Now I’m laughing to myself - my padding is on the inside LOL!

Paula, I totally understand about the hat. I’m also a redhead!

Fi—yeah padded seat.....and I was amazed too when I first saw them.....but after an hour spin class, or 25 mile ride....they are a definate MUST!

My wife thinks I’m cute in my biker clothes, and that’s all that matters!

My uniform starts with the under clothing. I have socks I only wear for workouts, they have extra arch support and are tighter so less rub. Then there’s biker shorts, keeps the jiggle to a minimum and prevents the uncomfortable underwear migration. I also have several sports bras, some with more support and color coordinate for no show under the shirt.

What you see is the lycra top mostly t-shirts (my tattoos make people uncomfortable), and one tank and one long sleeve. The colors are gray, dark purple, light purple, light blue, and pink. I have looser fitting lycra cropped pants, 2 black, one gray. And my new Asics shoes-- love those. And you’ll never catch me without my I-pod strapped to my right arm.

Sometimes at home I wear my sweats, but not often because they’re getting too baggy and don’t work well for moving.

Bree - Tattoos?  I won’t ask.

Paula

Go ahead and ask, unfortunately they’re not all that scandalous. I have a heart with flowers growing out of it on my right shoulder and a heart made out of flowers on my left ankle. I got them when I lived in the Black Hills, home of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I really like them, but others aren’t sure what to make of the soccer mom with ink.

Bree

I wouldn’t make anything of them Bree! You are more than welcome at our ‘soccer’ club anytime. Obviously that would involve migrating, but that’s another story!

As long as we’re talking about uniforms… does anyone have a suggestion for socks or shoe inserts that help prevent a shoe from slipping?  I’m having trouble with my right heel.

When I was thinner, I used to have to buy narrow shoes.  As the years progressed, I have had the luck of being able to wear regular shoes (width).  However, I’m now noticing a slip just on my right foot.

I have brand new nike running shoes, and I seriously can’t tighten them any more, or they are too tight and my foot starts going numb.  I don’t want to spend a lot of money trying to find a good solutions, so I thought I’d come to the experts.  What do you think, any suggestions?

Back to the uniform topic - I wear the bigger, oversized shirts, but I have pants that are just for working out.  I also have a gym bag that makes me feel more in “uniform” mode.  If I put it in my car, it’s like I’m committing to doing something at the Y that day.  I’ve got the stuff, and it’s on my way home.  Also, the shoes that are especially for walking do put me in the mindset to walk!

It’s a seriously nice, new Y with all kinds of cool equipment that is hooked up to computers.  No funky, old showers and lockers, everything is nice and clean… which is a motivator in my book as well.

It’s funny that you talk about uniforms… has anyone heard of the FLY LADY?  She helps people to de-clutter their lives, and has a couple of books as well as an online Yahoo-type group where people exchange ideas.  New people to the concept, like me, are called fly babies… just learning how to fly ;o)

She discusses how our surroundings influence our behaviour, and also talks a bit about the “uniform” concept.  Her point is simple - what you wear influences your behaviour. 

One of the first habits that she gets you into is putting on lace-up shoes and getting dressed every day.  I know this is directed at stay-at-home moms and people that work from home, but it’s a valid point.  If you take time into your apperance, into taking care of yourself (hair, face, clothing), you radiate a different energy onto the world AND your efforts. 

I had a day off yesterday, and decided that I would “get dressed” when my boyfriend got up and off to work.  Shoes and all.  Let me tell you, that was a very, very productive day.

Half the time, if you just put on the clothes and make it to the gym, it will motivate you to go through with it - even if you’re just not feeling it that day.  I’ve made that bargin with myself, and it has carried me through on days when I just wanted to drive home and crash in front of the TV. 

I’d just change into my gym clothes before I left work, and drive to the parking lot of the gym.

Then I’d sit there, and see the people going inside… and more importantly, the people coming out.  Smiling, energtic… I wanted to be that person.

OK, I’ll just go inside and walk for 15 minutes.

15 mintues grew to 30, and it’s going to grow even more.  One of these days, I’ll take a class.  But I’m not there yet.... I feel out of place.

Does anyone remember the podcast from 01/17?  It might have been an afterburner, I can’t remember… but Scott was talking about going out to eat.  How he kept going from restaurant to restaurant and noticing the types of people that ate there… and how that followed through in other places as well.  How certain places might have a different energy than others, etc.

If I want to feel those happy feelings, see those awesome results, and live the lifestyle, it does involve going outside of my comfort level and stretching a bit.  Taking a class, when I feel like the fattest girl in the room that EVERYONE must be staring at… driving to the lot and working my way inside when I just want to crash.... and yes, putting on my uniform. 

My uniform is in my car right now, and I feel a completely different level of energy than I did when I started this journey after my birthday (01/18).  I’m also pretty happy with the number I saw on the scale today… but more about that in my 100 days journal later today.

In the meantime, I hope everyone is having a great day!

Cheers,
~ Josette ~

it does involve going outside of my comfort level and stretching a bit.

Josette,

Some great observations!  thanks!

It’s amazing to me when I go outside my comfort levels, and the benefits it rewards me ALWAYS. 

And when I see people that are the gym I go to, I always try to include those new....I remember how I felt....so I don’t think people are STARING at you! ...... Just find your groove and go!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for posting so much detailed information!  It’s been great to read it.

Josette, yes, there are definitely a few “flybabies” floating around the forum.  Flylady is the occasional topic of conversation here, and in fact I think her message jives really well with what Scott says a lot of the time.

Keep those replies coming!

Cheers,
Julie

Hi Josette,

I recently bought some wonderful new runners and one heel was slipping. The guy in the store relaced my shoe and used those little holes up the top to make a bar that the lace went back through (hope that makes sense). Anyway, that did the trick. Don’t know if that is of any use to you, but that’s all I’ve got! LOL

That’s a great point about having a uniform… I went to Wal-Mart recently and bought myself a set of “uniforms” for work-outs. Comfortable, but not too baggy T-shirts, and some loose-fitting, lightweight workout pants. I also got a few pairs of athletic socks that help in arch support, as well as a new pair of tennis shoes, and of course some sports bras for that extra support.

All of it was really cheap, but it gets the job done. I’m already noticing that when I put all this on, I feel ready to go and like I’m suiting up for an event. It’s great! I’m really looking forward to accomplishing my first goal (to be 196 lbs by 3/19)-- when I hit that I’ll reward myself with a pair of high-quality shoes for my workouts. As I begin to shape up and feel better, I’ll get some more cheap shirts that actually fit me-- I know these 2X ones will be way too big, and I can’t wait! 

My favorite uniform is my “finisher” t-shirt from the Honolulu marathon. When I put that on, I’m instantly transformed into “athlete” - which is not something I ever thought I would be. Funny how a little t-shirt can do that!

Like others said, I think having clothes that are specifically for your workout, especially something you feel you look nice in and are comfortable, can also really get you in gear.

Anne Marie from Hawaii