Lulu Love (Fashion Fitness 101)

I was chatting with a friend the other day — she’s a runner who absolutely depends on early morning miles for her sanity. But I had to laugh as she described her “morning laziness”: how she literally has to drag herself out of a stupor to start a routine she knows will pump her with endorphins and have her running down the street smiling.

“So how and when does your transition happen?” I asked.

“When I step into my closet,” she said. “As soon as I put on my running clothes, I’m energized. I have a pile of workout clothes I love, waiting for my run. Just the feel of them makes me want to move.”

The psychology of dressing for success — whether in the office or the gym — is powerful. If we have the blahs and spend the day in old baggy sweats and a messy ponytail, we probably extend those doldrums. But put on an outfit we love, and we can be tricked into feeling more confident and upbeat, until… we actually do.

So it isn’t surprising that dressing for a workout has the same transformational effect. Workout clothes aren’t just a money-making gimmick, though some can be pricey. They’re designed with fitness-smart materials to keep you cooler, safer, and more efficient, along with fun details that boost confidence and mobility.

I’m a big fan of lululemon — they make some amazing pieces built to hold up well over years of use. My recent purchases include two swank tanks, a scoop-me-up tank, and a festival bag (did I mention I’m a big fan?). I love the tanks — super soft, supportive, great fabric. The bag is fabulous for long walks and holding all the essentials. And the designs? Totally clean and hip.

The no list

• Cotton — people often think cotton is best for everything, but it isn’t great for a workout. It absorbs sweat and moisture but doesn’t purge that moisture through evaporation, so you’re left with a very wet workout — which can lead to chafing, chills, and skin irritation.
• Big and baggy — some choose the potato-sack look out of modesty or in the belief that oversized clothing gives more range of motion. Instead, we lose ourselves in all that material and fall out of synch with our bodies. There’s also real danger in catching fabric on equipment or tripping over it, and instructors can’t read your body lines to monitor your motion for safety.

The yes list

• Wicking fabrics — try CoolMax or Dri-FIT. Moisture is pulled away from your skin to the outside of the fabric, leaving you cool and comfy.
• A solid sports bra — support matters. Consider a shelf bra for smaller frames and individual cups for a larger bust. The band, straps, and cups all contribute to support. Wash in cold water and line dry; spandex breaks down with heat.
• Comfortable gear — no matter how much you love the look, if it isn’t comfortable (move your arms, do a few squats, bend over) you won’t get a great workout. Make sure your gear feels great: fitted without squishing or pinching.

Whatever your style, it’s all about being safe, staying cool, and feeling great. See you at the gym — and remember, you look mah-velous!