Workout schedule, fitness regime, gymming; these are modern creations unheard of till the last decade. Earlier physical labour took care of a person's fitness. Stress, lack of exercise, wrong eating patterns - in short a bad lifestyle - has forced us to put aside time to take care of ourselves. With so much stress on looking your best everywhere, it's time to be on full fashion alert even when you're sweating it out simply because looking good equals feeling great! Gone are the days of grunging on those XL sized track pants with your dads tee to the gym and stuffing those strands into a messy ponytail. Fashion is the latest entrant to the fitness world and you'd better join that bandwagon if you don't want to get left behind!
First rule
Rule number one: wear body-fitting gear and not loose baggy stuff. Tight fitting clothes ensure that you see your bulges, which motivates you to run those extra five minutes or do that additional set. Stick to lycra for the gym as its body hugging so it doesn't get in your way.
Ladies, please stop wearing those nylon salwar kameez to the track; agreed you're not comfortable in anything else, but at least for your exercise routine, make it a point to slip into track pants. Shorts are the best workout attire especially for yoga; gives you easy mobility for body movements. Just make sure you wear a long tee and tuck it in for those inverted asanas.
Not one for flaunting your legs? No problem, 3/4th length tracks are an option. Dancing queens, stick to short or knee-length flared skirts for Latino footwork.
Deal with body odour
You see a stunner in immaculate designer wear. When you go up to introduce yourself, you find you can't go within a two km radius! Stink management is essential especially when your main purpose is to sweat. Invest in a strong, long lasting body spray. And keep it permanently in your gym bag. Forget spraying on perfume delicately on your wrists; choose a citrus/fruity deodorant.
Another fitness rule is to wash up right after your workout; either shower at your gym or dash straight home and get that sweat off your body. When sweat dries on your body it makes the skin dry, flaky and prone to a rash.
Mix ‘n' match
Accessorise right and that's doesn't mean makeup and jewellery! A head band is a must to keep those tresses out of your eyes. Use a big stretchy scrunchy to tie your hair up in a bun, but keep a few wisps out for a sexier look. Low girly-cute plaits are super while exercising for a baby-doll appearance.
Those who do serious weight training must keep a pair of biker gloves in their bags to avoid blisters on the palms. Water has to be your number one accompaniment; make sure you down at least half a litre. Carry a separate bottle of Electrol or nimbu paani as well to replenish salts. Never wear ornaments to dance class unless you want to hurt your partner!
Make sure everything you wear for your workout is comfortable, able to stretch and sweat absorbent. Avoid synthetic and polyester totally; cotton is compulsory more so in the summers.
Let fitness shake hands with fashion in this year; the fusion is potent!
Expert take
Fitness stylist Neha Chabbria tells you what you must have.
Velour pants, zipper hoods and fleeced hoodies are in now.
Comfort comes first but that need not be baggies; take care to look good at the gym and, trust me, you'll feel great!
Racer backs or vests are ideal; carry a sweatshirt along to wear after the workout.
Most people never take care to change their innerwear; keep a separate pair for workouts.
Make sure your underwear is made of cotton to absorb sweat.
Always wear a sports bra as opposed to a regular one especially during aerobics and jogging.
