Make Your New "Power Suit" Workout Worthy

Do you wear the ratty old sorority t-shirt, baggy running shorts and faded spandex pants at the gym, on the trail or at spin class? Are you grabbing the first clean, or at least semi clean sports bra off the floor to make it to that 5:30 AM boot camp class? 

Let's face it ladies, if you are not dressing for success, you are never going to make it to the big leagues, and that includes fitness. Think about the other women in your office, in your building or at the client luncheon. Did they put on their power suit? Do they dress for success in the office? We are only as good as we feel, or as good as we fake it, so why not feel good, or fake feeling good by dressing well at the gym.

I'm not talking about a full face of pageant style makeup and fully done hair. Also, please don't go head to toe lime green matchy matchy either. What I am referring to is a general sense of pride in your workout clothes. If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you feel like working out....maybe harder, maybe longer. Either way, the results are something you want.

Invest in some well fitted workout gear. Mind you I did not say skin-tight. I said well fitted. Also, dress for your event. If you are going to yoga, don't wear that ratty sorority t-shirt and baggy shorts. Also, there no need to wear the skimpiest gear on the trail. Dress like the athlete you have within you, waiting to tear out of your own skin. Even if it is your firstday of working out since 7th grade gym class, or you are a regular gym rat in need of a good fitness fashion overhaul, every woman needs to feel confident, powerful (inside and out) and pretty in any fashion, and fitness fashion is no escape.

Scores of retailers, such as Lululemon, Under Armor and Nike Pro Sports for Women are now investing millions of dollars in to fitness fashion for on-the-go looks. If you can't wear your workout gear to the gym, directly to the grocery store, and on to a quick fun dinner at the local hangout without feeling frumpy or unkempt, then your gear needs a pick-me-up. So, forgo that new pair of Jimmy Choos and new pair of skinny jeans (that need some time in the gym to REALLY look good after all) and purchase a great sports bra or two, an awesome pair of flattering workout pants in FUN new color and maybe even one or two new tops (go for one fitted, and one loose). With all your new fitness loot, it may even prompt you to work out more, releasing more endorphins like serotonin, which makes you happy, fulfilled and a more well-rounded person.

So, make your new power suit workout worthy, and go for a run! Don't forget to beat somebody!

For the past 10 years, Amy Mack has been coaching athletes of all ages in the art of running, speed, and agility - guiding them with her expertise in both fitness and health. Amy currently serves as the DFW Director of Camp Gladiator, voted the best boot camp in Texas by Competitor Magazine.