You get off of work, roll into the gym, get into the locker room and put on….an old pair of sweats and holey cotton socks? Stop right there! You’re probably thinking this sounds crazy…but hear me out! Your outfit choice may play a bigger role in your workout than you ever thought.
What we wear can actually impact our cognition and mindset. So thinking about the concept of ‘dress for success,’ it makes sense that putting on workout apparel that we love and feel strong in can actually affect our workout! Experts call this ‘enclothed cognition,’ and it relates to the way we perceive ourselves and orient our attitudes. When we slip on that cool new racerback tank top, we experience a mental shift. Our brains subconsciously prepare to go into exercise mode, like an actor getting into character once they put their costume on. Therefore, designating specific ‘workout clothes’ can help to facilitate that shift! If you’re anything like me, you wear yoga pants around the house just because they’re comfortable….but research suggests that keeping your exercise gear separate from your everyday wear can help distinguish those mental settings, so that the next time you put athletic leggings on your brain knows it’s time to get down to business!
But it’s more than just that! Not just having clothes you designate especially for workouts, but wearing workout clothes that you love may be especially important. Leading sports psychologists say that putting on your favorite sports bra or an especially cool pair of sneakers will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which may lead to improvements in focus and motivation. And if you feel comfortable in the clothes you’re wearing you’ll also be happier and more likely to enjoy the exercise experience, leading you to workout longer and more often!
Finally, it can be hard to get a good workout in if you don’t have the right tools for success. Not only will quality apparel like good running shoes enhance your performance and make the process more comfortable, it will also reduce your likelihood of injuries. I can tell you from firsthand experience that I’ve suffered far too many blisters from the chafing of my everyday socks during a jog, or chest soreness from an ill-fitting sports bra. Getting outfitted in appropriate attire will ensure that you’re looking AND feeling your best!
Feeling excited about the prospect of your workout wardrobe but don’t know where to start? We’ve curated a special selection of womens and mens athletic apparel especially for you! At amazing prices with cashback offers, these carefully selected items are bound to get you on the road to fashionable fitness. And if you want a little extra motivation or a way to finance that new pair of biker shorts, give HealthyWage a look! These custom weight loss challenges pay YOU to get healthy! Experiment with the HealthyWage Prize Calculator to see how you can earn for losing those lbs. HealthyWage winner Amy R. lost 30 pounds, won $2,058.04, and treated herself to a fitness clothing subscription service to celebrate with cute apparel!
