6 Gym Outfits for the Body-Conscious Woman

Science has long established a positive link between exercise and confidence. A 2016 study in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, for example, reveals that increased physical activity directly and indirectly influenced self-esteem. So grab your cutest gym outfits and sign up for the nearest fitness center. Simple, right?

The journey isn’t as straightforward, especially if you’re not that confident to begin with. What should you do – how should you act between signing up for that gym membership and waiting for the exercise endorphins to boost your poise? Are you shuffling your feet feeling unsure as you watch the already-confident gym rats strut around in their tight exercise clothes?

You know what they say: fake it till you make it. While waiting for your natural confidence to kick in, try to feign it with gym outfits that will make you feel terrific about your body.

Here are some body-inclusive gym outfit ideas and fashion tips to help you.

Many assume that a well-fitting outfit is a tight one, but it’s not. Don’t be afraid to go into a sports apparel store and find the ideal size for your body. Whether a tank top, a fashionably oversized shirt, or sweatpants, properly fitting garments can flatter your shape. Anything too small or too large will only work against you.

Remember the old rule that black is slimming? Tweak that a bit when you style your gym outfits. Are you conscious about your midsection but proud of your legs? Wear a dark-hued top and go for brighter pants or leggings. Remember: just because you’re a little timid about some parts of your body does not mean they’re not beautiful. Sometimes, self-love takes a little time – and that’s why you’re in the gym.

Gone are the days when gym clothes were all about skimpy tops and leggings that all bunch up at your least loved body parts. There are A-line tank tops, workout dresses, and tennis skorts. Peplum is also a good option if you want to highlight your waist while you’re still working on your paunch.

Sculpting exercise wear pulls you in and holds you up. But beyond the flattering appearance a properly fitting compression ensemble can give you, these garments are also functional. It promotes better blood flow during and after a workout, helping you recover faster.

From physical convenience to emotional ease, you should feel like you can move freely when exercising. For example, if you’re wary about your belly but wearing a short tee, you might not be able to perform Asana poses as effectively because you’re too busy pulling down the hem of your shirt.

Honestly, if you’re not in that place yet, there’s no shame in going for classic baggy sweatpants and sweaters. Unless your workout requires fitted clothing for safety purposes (such as aerial yoga, spinning, or Pilates), just go with what makes you feel good. It makes for a more dramatic reveal when you’re finally ready to flaunt your gorgeous body.

There are other ways to boost your confidence apart from your gym clothes. These can be as deep as focusing on your strengths and transformation or as simple as never skipping deodorant so you’re assured you’re as fresh as you feel.

Use Rexona Vitamin + Bright Roll-On Deodorant Sakura Radiance before exercise. It has an Antioxidant Complex with vitamins B3, E, and C to combat odor, sweat, and stains. It also helps strengthen your skin, which is helpful with the constant friction your skin experiences during workouts. Now you can do that clean and jerk without feeling conscious of your underarms!

Don’t forget to wash up with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10, too. Always have this ready in your gym bag. It has Activ Silver+, a powerful germ-fighting ingredient that combats bacteria, including those that produce confidence-shrinking body odor.

Listen, starting an exercise regimen is about making you feel more comfortable about yourself, so when it comes to your gym outfits, focus on yourself and not what others may think.