Workout Wardrobe 101

So you've been on the workout circuit for awhile now. While we practise and preach so often about eating well, motivating ourselves to make that training, or exercise on our own, I also feel it's important that we look after ourselves on the outside as well. 

Many (or perhaps most) people would argue that looks are not everything, but I strongly believe that by looking good whilst you exercise, in turn makes you feel great too.

I'm not talking about gym make up or perfectly ponytailed hair, but by dressing like you're prepared to kick butt, will make a squat jump of a difference!

Here are some tried and tested tips on keeping your hard-earned gear fresh and long lasting.

Washing

After every session - sweaty or not - wash everything you wore. Cold water works best as most workout gear these days use fancy shmancy moisture wick technology which keeps its shape, colour and function best in cold water washes

Lorna Jane Sweat Towel $29.99 | www.lornajane.com.au

Gym Bags

If it's a fabric bag check the washing instructions before you chuck it in, and aim to wash it every now and then. In between cleans you can spray the inside with a light room mist to get rid of shoe smells

Nike C72 Legend 2.0 Gym Bag $70|www.nike.com.au

Runners

After each session, air them in a laundry or undercover outdoor area (don't make the mistake I did and leave them in the bedroom!) If people are falling unconscious as you walk past, it may be time to consider inner sole replacements or a dose of odour-eating salts

Sports Bras

To keep the elasticity of your crop top or bra, wash it after every use and never put it in the dryer. If taken care of properly, it should last you around two years of effective use

Lorna Jane Lindy Sports Bra $65.99| www.lornajane.com.au

T-shirts and Tanks

Lighter coloured tops may need the occasional overnight soak to make sure all that sneaky sweat doesn't make itself at home

Drink Bottles

If you have a reusable bottle, run it through the dishwasher or clean it well with washing liquid with the spout open. Allow it to dry well so that it doesn't develop a damp smell or allow bacteria to build up

Bobble Water Bottle Medium Size $9.99| www.waterbobble.com

Images: Google Images| Lorna Jane| Nike

Words: Womens Fitness| My Own

8 Ways to Keep on that Fitness Track

Keep a Diary

Set aside time to schedule/plan your workouts and meals each week. Knowing what you will prepare for dinner after your workout, for example, makes it easer to follow through. Sunday evenings are a great time to wind down from the weekend and diarise your exercise and menu.

Add cinnamon to your meals

Cinnamon helps increase your core temperature, allowing your body to use energy (burn kilojoules) to cool down.

Fitness Goals

Set some fitness goals to stay on track. Knowing you have goals to work towards, makes the exercising much more motivating and you will find you have more of an urge to follow through.

Healthy Snacks

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Keep some nuts, fresh fruit or low sugar healthy fruit bars in your bag, car or desk drawer for those unexpected snack cravings.

Enjoy Exercising

Don't force yourself to run, lift or swim if you hate it, or it will become a chore and you will start to dread it. The best way to maintain a good fitness regime is to enjoy what you are doing, and do it often!

Identify Triggers

If you know factors such as stress, long hours working or social activities weaken your resolve, develop healthy coping strategies. Looking for a way to de-stress or a "pick me up"? Take a walk with a friend and grab a coffee.

Try not to deprive yourself

Cutting out your favourite foods and going cold turkey will only make you want it more, and this is not a realistic long-term solution. Instead, try to limit treats to once a week as more of a "cheat day" option.

Be Organised

I can't stress this one enough! Plan your next days meals. Prepare your breakfast and lunch the night before. Lay out your training clothes so that they are the first thing you see when you wake up, or pack your training bag the night before so you can wake up, grab it and go!

Image: Pinterest

Words: Womens Fitness Magazine|My Own

Fitspiration

Tonight my routine changed a little and I found myself training inside a gym. As someone who is used to training outdoors, in the heat or in the rain, this was quite overwhelming. I could have bailed, come up with an excuse as to why I couldn't go, but I went anyway and have no regrets. Whilst my session was drastically different, my legs feel like jelly, my hands shake as I type this, I'm proud of myself for not backing out of something new and different that was potentially challenging and outside my comfort zone. I hope the below can also inspire you to do the same

Nicole

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