If you only do one thing this week… Update your Workout Wardrobe!

Updating your old (and a little bit knackered) workout wardrobe is always a fun task. I strongly believe that treating yourself to new fitness gear is one of the best ways to keep you motivated! This is, after all, the last week of January where quite frankly, motivation is in short supply! However, choosing workout clothes is a specialized skill that does need a bit of practice! Take a read of H&H’s guide to giving your workout wardrobe a new lease of life!

Invest in your gym gear – If any section of your wardrobe deserves to be good quality it should be your gym gear. Think about it… you sweat in it, stretch in it, shove it in your gym bag and wash it after every use! It does get put through its paces! Buying cheap gym gear may be more cost effective in the short run, (pun intended!) but they won’t stand the test of time like the more expensive items. Invest now to ultimately save money in the future.

Consider what type of exercise you do –When trying on gym clothes, keep in mind the type of exercise you do. You may be tempted to get that gorgeously soft yoga bra but if you’re a keen runner, it might not be the most supportive of choices! Another aspect to consider is the different type of fabrics on offer. For example, if you love spinning, you might want to go for moisture wicking materials to help prevent the oh-so-attractive “sweat patch” look! Or if you love to brave the great outdoors, it might be a good idea to look into UV protected fabrics to help protect your skin from harmful rays.

Always have some staple items – The backbone to any workout wardrobe is your staple items! Think of them as the “Little Black Dresses” of your gym kit! You can’t go wrong with some classic, black, full-length leggings (we love these ones by Lole for comfort and style). You’ll get so much use out of them and they are universally flattering! Other items that should feature in your staples are a comfy and well-fitted sports bra and a simple base layer tank top.

Comfort is key – This may seem a bit obvious but feeling comfortable whilst exercising is very important. You definitely don’t need the distraction of your leggings falling down half way through your run, (I’ve been there, its not a good look), nor do you want anything to be digging in places it shouldn’t! Your gym kit should seamlessly support your body and allow you to focus on the task at hand –working out!

Find something that flatters you – We were all born with different body shapes so learn to accept that what looks good on your friend might not look good on you. Experimenting with lots of different brands will give you a good idea of what flatters your body and which styles to look out for. I want to point out that this can be a slow process, but there’s not a better feeling than looking in the gym mirror and feeling confidant and positive about the way you look.

Check out our Activewear Store for some ideas and inspiration! http://www.hipandhealthy.co.uk/product-category/shop/clothing/

words by Molly Jennings