A Gathered Lady's Guide to Working Out In Style

By ヘザー heza on FlickrMy sister moved to NYC a few weeks ago and the arrival of a built-in workout buddy has re-kickstarted my workout plan. And although I live near Central Park, it is July in New York City, which for me means it’s too hot to even think about going for a run. So, right now I’m all about the gym, which means I’m all about stylish gym wear and cool tools and gadgets that make sticking to my workout plan easier.

1. Dress your shape. The clingy fabrics frequently featured in fitness wear can be anxiety-inducing, but have no fear. You can look good in the gym no matter how your body is shaped, simply by playing down problem areas and playing up assets. A tank with a little ruching across the middle can work wonders for disguising tummy concerns. Try side-ruching or paneling if you want to add curves. You can also strategically deploy darker colors to slim down problem areas. Wear bright colors everywhere else to draw attention to your favorite body parts!

Adidas2. Rock a trend. Yes, basic black can be flattering, but remember, you’re dressing for the gym, not a funeral.  Spice up your workout wear with fun, bright colors that will put you in a good (or at least marginally better) mood. Try color-blocking to make the most of your workout separates, and incororate super-trendy neon colors with your accessories. Try an eye-catching pair of gym shoes, a water bottle or hoodie.

3. Be prepared. Don’t forget the little things that will make your workout experience more pleasant. Bring a water bottle. Get an arm-band for your smartphone and create a workout playlist. Don't forget about your post-workout routine. A cute headband and a clip will make your hair easier to deal with, and don't forget to pack deodorant and shower shoes if you plan on changing at the gym!

Flickr4. Grab a buddy. A lot of people say the secret to working out is finding an exercise you love. And that’s great advice, unless you’re like me and can count the number of excercises you like on no hands. In these cases, enlist backup. Between my sister and one of my girlfriends, I’m guaranteed to work out at least four times a week. Not bad for a girl that hates working out. For some reason, everything’s easier when you have someone to suffer with you. Create a schedule and stick to it. The commitment you made to meet your friend will drag you out of bed on the days when good intentions aren’t enough. Yay, obligation!

Fitbit5. Tools, gadgets and apps. My favorite workout tool at the moment is my heart rate monitor. It helps me keep track of my performance and makes sure I’m getting the most out of every workout. I’m on my second at the moment, a monitor watch from Timex (purchased on Amazon, of course). If you want to track your health beyond the gym, gadgets and apps are the way to go. Fitbit and its accompanying app will track your activity level 24/7, your sleep and your food intake. Currently, my favorite food-tracking app is MyFitnessPal. It’s free and easy to use. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’ll help you estimate how fast you’ll lose it and chart your progress over time. If you don’t want to create your own workout playlist, or you just want listen to something new, try FIT Radio. You can select your favorite genre for fast-paced, fun (free!) music.

lululemonA note about makeup. This isn’t so much a tip, as it is a plea. Just don’t do it. You’re going to sweat, your makeup will run, you will have the worst case of raccoon eyes since that night you stayed out until 5:30 (I know, it was just the one time) and your lipstick will end up on your chin. Not to mention, toting around a sweat towel streaked with foundation is really embarrassing. Does it seem like I’m trying to scare you? Well, is it working? My main point is, if you’re doing it right, working out conditions are very unfriendly to the made-up gathered lady. So go minimalist. Slap on your favorite moisturizer and sunblock. For you lips, lip balm. If you need some color, use a lip and cheek stain. And if you absolutely cannot leave the house without mascara, make sure it’s waterproof.