I used to wear loose extra large t-shirts and shorts at the gym. Not necessarily because I was looking to hide anything (ok, maybe I was *grin*)....but because that’s all I ever wore anywhere.

As I started to workout more, I realized that I needed to better see myself in the mirror, while at the gym - to keep me focused.

No, I’m not just talking about wearing form fitting tank tops to see muscles bulging. I’m actually talking about the OPPOSITE!

Yes, it’s great to see your arms and shoulders taking shape as your workout routines progress....however, I’ve personally found that by wearing form fitting tank tops I can remain focused and motivated on those body parts that STILL NEED attention (ie, abs).

I’ve found that by continuing to wear loose baggy t-shirts, I falsely convince myself that I’m in good enough shape to lessen the intensity of my workouts, cut corners a bit and head home for a rest. Instead, by keeping the clothing snug - I see all the work that’s still ahead of me, which gets me to crank up the elliptical machine to its highest settings.

What’s your experience been like?

Its funny, cause I have a goal to look buff in a tank top by the first of June. After reading your post, it makes me want to buy some so I can do just what your doing. Then when summer rolls around, I’ll be looking the way I want. So, I guess I wanted to say, thanks for the idea. I still like wearing my adidas shirt for when I play tennis though…

Well Tech Guy, I used to wear loose clothing because it was the only thing that I had lots of. I can easily go through three tops and two shorts / longer pants during a workout of class, my own cardio, weight training, stability ball, and stretching.

As my goals began to take shape, I started to acquire a workout wardrobe that gave me enough mix and match options to better suit the temperatures of the activities. When I go for personal training, especially for core and stability, I want to get the most out of the session; so I want to make it easy for the trainer to see the shape of those body parts for their support and alignment. I guess the same is true when I am doing the workout on my own. I can feel what I am doing, but it reinforces the effort when I concurrently see it.

I went jogging for the first time ever on Monday, and I was wearing a somewhat tight tshirt.  I chose it because it was relatively thin and would let the cool air through so I would stay at a comfortable temperature.  However, as I was jogging, my shirt kept creeping up to show off my belly!  Not a pretty sight, let me assure you.  Some guy yelled something from his car as I went by.  Luckily, I had my iPod, so I didn’t hear it, but I’m sure it was aimed at me because he was looking right at me… and I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t have been anything positive.

Yesterday I went to the gym with a larger tshirt and didn’t have the creeping problem, so that’s what I’ll stick with for now.  Maybe someday I’ll want to show off my belly and I’ll switch back!

squeakykitty - 08 March 2006 05:37 PM

Yesterday I went to the gym with a larger tshirt and didn’t have the creeping problem, so that’s what I’ll stick with for now.  Maybe someday I’ll want to show off my belly and I’ll switch back!

Hi Squeakykitty!

Scott actually did a minute about this not too long ago, called “The shrinking shirt club.” Because I’m at a computer with a weird keyboard, I’ll just give you the url to go read and listen to it:

http://www.motivationtomove.com/m2m/comments/the_shrinking_shirt_club/

TTFN,
Julie

Since I have switched to clothes that is actually fit, I get to see the results of my workout better, therefore I’m more motivated to go back.  I think this applies to everyday clothing as well, by staying away from the baggy attires, I think we can all see our progress if we’ve been good, or signs that show we need to shape up.  As Tony robbins / Scott said, first see it exactly as it is, then we can envision it better than it is.

Thanks, Jim, for your insight. I think the fit of your clothes is a better sign of one’s overall progress than the pull of gravity measured by a scale. Another factor for activity is: do I feel so good in my gear, that my choice of attire lifts me higher toward the complete focus I need to reach my goals? If my goal is relaxation and “getting away from it all”, then I might need something different than what I’d choose for 50 minutes of spinning or stationary cycling to the max.
What a freedom, to let clothing help your spirit --- or to ignore the clothing and “just do it”.

clothes that fit are better.

I see women with really big shirts, like down to their knees and it looks so bad.

Hi all,

I think that clothing is truly a reflection of self-image.  If you don’t feel good about yourself, wearing tight clothes probably won’t make you feel any better.  As you get happier with your body, you start taking pride in your looks and wearing things that are more form-fitting.  In the end, it doesn’t matter how other people see you: all that matters is how you see yourself. 

Another factor that needs to be mentioned in money (cash, moolah, dough, etc.).  Some people can’t afford new workout clothes, and need to use whatever they’ve got on hand.  And if all you’ve got is a baggy t-shirt, I’d rather see you in the gym wearing it than at home bemoaning the fact that you’ve got nothing better to wear!  Hey, it’s all about moving, right?

Julie

Yeah - the clothing thing comes up lots in my world.  It’s really a personal thing for folks.

Like I said in “The Shrinking Shirt Club” minute, it’s really common for folks, men and women who are just starting out to wear large T-Shirts to cover up.  Afterall, most are in a strange environment and need a little help with their comfort zone. 

As they begin to get results, most find their way into something a little more form fitting, practical and safer to workout in.  Eventually, you almost have to ask them to cover up.  Yep - it seems that in shape folks don’t mind being naked and showing off their body.

So, I say - wear what you want but match it to the type of exercise you do.  It it gets in your way, try another outfit.  If it doesn’t breath well, try another fabric.  Remember, as Laura in Alaska once said about living in a cold climate - you need the right clothing to make it comfortable.  Think of exercise the same way.  Nothign fact required - it just needs to work.

By the way - for me?  I hate fabic on my shoulders and arms so it’s tank tops for me.  Since I do group fitness and kick my legs up and down, I wear double lined shorts to keep things in place.  Low cut socks keep the sweat off my legs.  And for shoes - since I prefer a variety of movements, I prefer a cross trainer with a very soft base to absord the impact and keep my knees and shins feeling good. This has served me well for several years.

I went shopping yesterday for some new work shoes, and I couldn’t help but stop by the activewear department.  With the seasons changing, they had a LOT of stuff on clearance, so I picked up a moisture-wicking tshirt and jacket.  I have been using regular old cotton tshirts up until now, so I’m hoping this new material will be a nice change.

Since Scott mentioned his sock preference, it made me think of my own sock preference, so I thought I’d share.  My feet get really uncomfortably hot, especially when doing cardio, so I wear Old Navy socks with mesh on the upper portion.  It feels so much better!  If anyone else has a hot-foot problem, definitely check them out.  They’re great.