MissusSmartyPants
Personal Profile Style Article
Volume 10 Week 1
January 1, 2015
Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!
Motivated to Move
"Dressed to exercise" is like FlyLady's saying "dressed to shoes". Which
means we are dressed for the task at hand....in other words, we're ready to
go exercise!
Being dressed properly for exercise prepares us with the right attitude
(and clothes, of course). It tells our head that we are indeed ready-to-go. In
this case...we are ready for exercise workout. Dressing in FUN exercise
clothes will get you motivated to move...a lot more than that baggy tee-shirt
that gets cold and damp when you sweat! Getting started is all about
dressing the part.
Cute, comfortable and moisture wicking. Now you’re motivated to move!
Zella "Z 5" Moisture Wicking Tee (Plus Size)
Undefined waist? No worries. These are the perfect “camo” for your midsection. These “motivating” exercise tops can be matched up with long
capris (instead of these short-shorts) for a cool exercise look that will get
you moving!
Gianni Bini Meister Burnout Tank
Gianni Bini A-Line Burnout Tank (3 colors)
What a great way to start 2015! Discover your best figure-flattering
clothes for exercising. Fab exercise clothes are one of the best motivators
for starting an exercise routine and this means the beginning of a healthier
you! Remember, it's not about the "weight loss" (although this happens
when you consistently exercise because you have made it part of your
weekly routine). It's more about HEALTHY, LOVING MOVEMENT & LEARNING
TO FLY (Finally Love Yourself)!!!
MSP’s Top Fit Tips For Exercise Clothes:
The most important property is “wicking” fabric. Wicking fabric means
the fibers draw the moisture (sweat) away from your skin so you don’t feel
damp or get cold after you cool down. Wicking fabrics are synthetic blends
and go by names like: Dry FIT and Cool Max (look for names like these on
all of your athletic apparel--including your sports bras). Being able to get
sweaty, then not get cold from damp fabric is a BIG deal when you exercise!
Go with dark colors. Stay with darker colors for your bottoms. Dark colors
have a more slimming effect (why not get all the help you can?) plus, it also
hides lumps, bumps and cellulite. Lighter colors bottoms will show
everything.
Grab attention with bright colors and wild patterns. Where bright
colors are located— is where everyone’s eyes will look--so place them
strategically.
Bring attention upward!
Wear a fun headband to wick up sweat and keep you hair out of the way...
Dressing well is all about FIT—and exercise clothes are no exception.
Beware of ultra baggy clothes, no matter your body shape or size. Instead
opt for body skimming exercise wear that you can move around in easily.
Start with the basics. You will need a few bottoms, tops, socks, shoes, a
couple sport bras and possibly a warm-up suit. You only need a couple of
outfits to get started.
__Choose pieces that match with each other so that you can wear them in
different combinations for a new look each time. Like dark gray & black
bottoms that will go with ANY color of top.
__All of your exercise wear should be made out of fabrics that have
wicking properties to them. This allows you to stay drier while you
sweat the pounds away.
Put this on top of your list! A supportive sports bra! You don’t want to
have your bust hindering your workout because your bra does not give you
enough coverage or support. Your sports bra should fit snuggly and not allow
bouncing. Look for wide straps and wicking fabric. Most women select
the wrong size. More often than not, you should go down on your band size
and up on your cup size. The best way to know for sure is to be
professionally fitted and/or try on quite a few of them in a variety of styles
to find your best fit.
STYLE TIP: Avoid the “uni-boob” look from compression sports bras! Sports
bras with wide padded straps that are offered by cup size will gives you a
better fit and that means better support too!
Here is a sports bra I personally wear & love:
I LOVE this brand...Moving Comfort!
Moving Comfort "Endurance" Sports Bra
This bra (below) is a fab choice if you have a very full bust!
Panache Underwire Sports Bra ( E Cup & Up)
Exercise tops, tees, tanks. Look for styles of exercise tops similar to those
that are recommended top styles for your body type. Use your body type
MSP shopping guides to choose the right necklines, straps and lengths.
Exercise tops are just like regular tops, you should follow body type specific
information.
Top heavy: Look for v-necks, with wider tank straps in darker colors and
simple designs.
Zella "Double Scoop" Ocean Solid Tank (Plus Size)
Beyond Yoga Quilted Racer Tank
Small bust: Try bright colors, detailing at neckline and/or prints
with higher up necklines.
Moving Comfort "Dash" Tank
Lole "Central" Tank
Don’t let your shirt length cut your body in half. Longer shirts can
make you appear heavier because they come down too low. Your shirt
should stop around your mid-hipbone area--not the low hip area (where
your leg bends when you sit). Experiment in front of a mirror and find the
most pleasing length for you.
Below, I’ve jumped on a spin bike to warm up prior to class starting.
Notice my shirt length. It is around the mid-hip area.
Notice, this means the shirt stops above
the widest part of the low hip area.
Zella "Live In" Reversible Leggings (Large only)
Sleeveless tanks and tees are often the better style choices. It just
looks better and is easier for exercising. But if you really aren’t comfortable
exposing your upper arms, try a ¾ sleeved (or 1/2 sleeved) zip-up hoodie
over a colorful tank. (It also makes a stylish layered look on a casual
weekend!) Make sure ALL tops are body skimming and yet you can move in
them—remember Lycra is your best friend!
Want your arms covered up when exercising?
Wear a long-sleeved tee and vest or short-sleeved jacket!
prAna "Diva" Vest
Hard Tail "Vintage" Space Die V-Neck Hoodie
Pants, shorts and exercise bottoms. This is a personal preference. If you
like your legs—show them off. Just don’t wear too short of shorts to the
gym because they are not practical. Consider wearing a bike short
underneath your shorts to be sure you have enough coverage. For an
exercise pant go with a stretch Lycra/Spandex blend in a dark color (navy,
black, dark gray, dark brown).
Look for a boot-cut flare at the hemline to balance a fuller booty or
torso. This style will work for most body shapes and makes you feel that
you don’t have that much further to go to be the next Cindy Crawford! LOL!
I highly recommend these for a basic gym pant! The most flattering fit
for curvy gals, comes in moisture-wicking fabric and 3 lengths! PLUS: They
have a hidden security pocket too.
Under Armour "Perfect" Pants (Reg. Short, Tall)
Moving Comfort "Fearless" Pant (only avail. in 2x)
There are also various length of capris you can wear. Beware: this
proportion can be tricky to wear. Often if you are petite and/or heavier, the
cropped length works against you and makes your legs appear shorter or cut
off. Avoid any exercise capris, crops that stop at the MIDDLE of your calf.
Instead above or below the calf. BEST length for capris is at or just below
the knee. Don’t wear thick baggy sweatpants--they aren’t motivating you to
move.
Nike Capris (Plus Size)
Zella "Live In-Streamline" Cross Dye Capris (xs-l)
Go “Matchy-Matchy”! Usually I say don’t dress “matchy-matchy”...but
when I dress for the gym I DO match, LOL! I like to match my black sports
bra w/ my black pants, my pink top w/ my pink bootie socks and Asics Gel
shoes! I often wear my hair back with a headband of some sort...and yes
that matches too!
Sweat suits and warm-up suits. It doesn’t matter what you call them,
these look great when you walk in and out of the gym. If you have to run an
errand or two before or after the gym, you can do it covered up in style.
Shoes and socks. Invest the best quality shoes you can afford. You may be
able to find a discontinued style at a deep discount—I know I have! Wear
your gym sneaker ONLY to exercise in. This keeps your shoes nice and clean
and they will stay that way for a lot longer.
Here are the Asics gym shoes I wear to the gym. They are my favorite pair!
Since I’m a group fitness instructor, I rotate my shoes so I never wear the
same pair day after day. Rotating them makes them last longer!
ASICS Gel-Kayano Running Shoe
Regularly exercising? If you are a regular exerciser and run (tread mill or
outside) you will need to replace your shoes more frequently (perhaps every
6 months). If the inside cushioning in your athletic shoes get stiff, it’s time
to replace your shoes. There are all sorts of styles of athletic shoes. The
most important part is good cushioning and support.
For socks, the best look is bootie style. These socks come up to your
lower ankles and can hardly been seen. Taller socks create a horizontal line
and that make your legs look thicker and they just look funny.
I’m loving these socks right now! Short bootie socks are best and a fun way
to add a little color to your basic black gym pants. These ultra comfy socks
come in lots of colors!
Thorlo "Experia" Socks (12 Colors!)
Techie gadgets making keeping track of your exercise-loving
movement FUN. Sometimes we need all the help we can get to get
moving! Why not use a cool gadget to record your progress? How fun is
that?!
Fitbit "Flex" Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband
Don’t forget... carrying a stylish gym bag will up your new sassy
attitude! It’s nice to have something to match your sassy attitude, right?
My gym bag keeps track of my keys, phone, snacks, water bottle and towel.
Here’s a cute one that you might like...pssst...it’s reversible!
Under Armour "Define" Power Reversible Tote
Regardless of your exercise ability—whether you are ready to teach a
spin class or only want to start walking around the block daily, dressing well
will make your new routine a positive experience. Now lace up those shoes
and get moving!
Love, Leslie MSP (Your exercise-minded fashion stylist)
P.S. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s article. I hope it helps you select your
best styles for exercise clothes. It’s true, when you wear something nice to
workout in, you’ll feel better about the whole experience.
Going to the gym can be fun but sometimes just getting there is the hardest
part! I hope you are motivated to start 2015 in a healthy and stylish way!
<smile>
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