20 Jun 2012
Posted by Jay Ell Vaughn 
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By: Shaila Strayhorn
Ok ladies, maybe you can help answer a question for me. After a long day, nothing helps me relax more than going to the gym and sweating my troubles away. I exchange my dress shoes for tennis shoes, wrap my hair in a scarf, put on a t-shirt and sweat pants and I am out the door. Yet as I am jogging on the treadmill I look around and see many of my work out colleagues dressed to impress. Lip gloss shining, matching and sometimes very revealing work out apparel, and yes “hair did, nails did, everything did”.
Now I am all for the idea of “when you look good you feel good”, but have the days of working out without trying to draw to much attention to one’s self become a thing of the past? Whatever happened to wanting to work out in order to take some time for you? When I work out, I love being able to have some time to myself. For me the gym is a place of freedom where I do not have to worry about what I should wear or who I should dress for. Yet with each day I attend my local gym, the more I notice that more ladies feel a need to dress as a means to draw unnecessary attention to themselves.
Is it because these ladies hope to attract a potential suitor through their attire? Or are they so impressed with the results their workouts that they feel the need to show these results with their fellow gym goers? I really do not know, but whatever the reason I only hope that the ladies who choose to wear flashy attire do so for their own self-satisfaction and not the satisfaction of others.
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20 Comments
Hi Shaila!
Many women reward themselves with new workout clothes after they have reached certain goals (completed 5K, 10K, half-marathons, etc.). A new workout outfit is also an esteem booster. I love to look “cute” when I sweat during my dance classes or out on a run with the ladies of BGR!
i like to purchase new workout clothes when I meet a set workout/weight loss goal. But for the most part, I’m a hot mess. no make up, hair wrapped up, and sweat dripping. But, some ladies stay fly, just how they roll.
I don’t believe it’s about finding a suitor or a date. I love to be color coordinated, right down to my shoes, sports bra and underwear matiching my outfit. A little extreme “YES” but it definitely keeps me going. Like Connie said, A new workout outfit is a great esteem booster. It also lets me flaunt my progress and keeps me motivated throughout this process. If we as women don’t believe in our inner and outer beauty then who will!
I say, “Whatever motivates you, go for it!” I have no idea why most people do anything that they do. But, if it makes them smile and gives them access to their bliss, well I hope they keep doing it. As long as they are not hurting anyone else that is. I’m like you: working out is my “me” time. It’s actually why I am not a member of a big chain gym. But, I have felt the pressure of needing to look good before you go to the gym…which is supposed to help you look good, right?. LOL! It’s crazy!Comment
Hello Shaila,
I believe that there will always be women at the gym who are there to “catch” more than me time!
. It just makes me focus more on why I am there. I am there to show up for me, to do do something that is going to benefit me physically, mentally and yes spiritually.
I think it is amusing actually and say more power to them!
Hi Shaila!
I’m definitely guilty of “dressing to the nines” when I go to the gym. In fact, my coworkers tease me that everything is a fashion show, even the gym. However, it isn’t about attracting attention or getting a man (and any thoughts of the latter are out the window after about 5 minutes on the treadmill). Typically, I like to dress nice and look nice. I find myself more self conscious if I feel like I look messy and concentrate less on my workout. If I feel like I look good then I focus on getting in a realliy tough workout. And, anybody who works out with me, knows that I work hard in the gym – I just happen to match while doing it.
I would venture to guess that some of the women are simply like me and feel less self conscious when they feel pulled together.
Hope this helps!
I’ve noticed the same thing. When I use to go to the gym, women would be in the locker room putting ON makeup before they worked out. I just don’t get it, but I guess some to go to attract attention. I’m old school, I wear a tshirt and large shorts. Now when I run, I wear running/workout clothes and that’s more for comfort and prevent chafing. But to each it’s own I guess.
I don’t fee as though all of that is necessary either. Hell, I look good in anything! however, knowing that I look good while working out, gives me that extra push! I dont do it for attention, I do it for me. If I get attention then, so be it.
I agree with Connie, After dropping 60lbs, I love to look good when I go to the gym or run. It adds a pep to my step and makes my workouts even more enjoyable. However, I dress for myself and my hubby and no one else.
Hi Shaila,
For me I was always heavy, and to drop a few pounds I see that I can finally wear the nice workout stuff, rather than just sweats are men shorts and oversized shirts. To be able to fit in nice attire while working out makes you wanna look your best even though you are sweating it out. Are me it motivates my to aim higher and to reach the goals that I have set for myself, that’s how I look it
I agree that going to the gym can be reserved as “me” time and getting into a zone to focus on my fitness. Perhaps some of the “extra” dress is used for a boost in confidence and motivation. That may be the only way for some to pull themselves off the couch and get into the gym. Hopefully, ladies know that we can look nice and stylish at the gym while also keeping it appropriate for fitness and the location. The number one goal should still be your workout.
I agree with the comment above. I reward myself with cute fitness gear. Of course, I don’t wear makeup or stress about my hair. But I do motivate myself with workout outfits.
Ditto Connie…Sheila my nails and hair, like most women are already done…I would hate to think that one does that “just to go to the gym”….As for as the lip gloss…so do I…Im a happily married woman who happens to want “unchapped white flour looking lips” while pumping iron/running. Not sure what gym you go to but I hope all these “personal choices” women make at the one you go to doesnt interfere with your sweat session! Keep it movin Sistah!
So sorry Shaila…I mispelled your name!
Hi Shaila. Thanks for your post it gave me insight on something I’ve been wondering… do women intentionally dress down because someone told them that’s “gym attire” and serve as proof they’re “getting it in”. I believe, the goal to dress down draws attention too.
Going to the gym or anywhere else to workout, even at home, is no different than when I go to my job, run errands, out with friends, or on a date. I LOVE to look cute. I’m not a full makeup type though I see those women at my local gym but daily I wear an “outfit”, hair pulled up w/headband (no scarf), and gloss. That takes no extra effort when transitioning from my work clothes.
Just like you, my workout time is my “me” time – its not about anyone else. My time to unwind, reshape my body, and get the heart pumping.
My appearance, before and after weight loss, has always been important to me. I do it for myself but its nice when someone (man or woman) says how nice I STILL look AFTER working out.
Hi Shaila, I am an avid gym goer myself. While I do not like to wear tight revealing clothes to the gym, I do like to be fashionable. I am into the matching outfits whether I am in the gym or running. I don’t get bothered by the regulars in the gym because they know that i am always there to work hard. For me, I just like to feel and look good and if I decide to stop after the gym to run a quick errand, I am also looking decent. It’s the ones that get dressed all pretty and parade around like a fashion show but don’t really work out that get to me.
I’ve seen some interesting things since I started going to the gym more often. The other day I saw a woman wearing tight workout pants, a tube top, hair down her back and bright red lipstick; walking around drinking a coke in the gym. Like you can tell she was trying to be seen, by the way she was walking around, It was actually kinda sad to watch. There is nothing that anyone can say to convince me she was there to be productive and workout.
It seems strange, to those of us who go to the gym to workout, but yes, some women go to the gym with the sole intention of catching a fit man.
Now, I will admit that I wear a bit of concealer under my eyes and lip balm when I go to the gym. Not because I’m looking to catch someone, but because I don’t want to look ALL the way relaxed.
I guess whatever makes you feel better about getting out the door and into a workout regime is perfectly fine with me. While I admire the cute workout clothes that are available for women nowadays, it’s not at all important that I sport the latest rear hugging Nike attire. I’m happy with a good sized T-shirt and some nice fitted, comfortable leggings or shorts. And the makeup? Not for me. I wouldn”t want event the hint of the discomfort it causes when it gets into my eyes. If I’m logging a 10-mile run, the last thing I’m thinking about is how I look to others. The outside world, I might look nuts, but inside my mind, I’m golden.
lol i’m a gym rat. i wear whatever’s clean and comfortable even if it has holes. i have been to fitness centers where people dress up, and it’s made me self-conscious but i don’t feel it’s a big deal. when i get into a workout zone i’m not checking on anybody. so if you can afford to have new gear then do you…you do that best.
peace & happy trails.
When you feel good ,you look good…I feel more self conscious within myself if i look like I”m dressed like a clean up woman..lol…I prefer to look “cute” in all my Nike gear head to toe…Motivates me…..to make myself feel as good as I THINK I’m looking…lol…(no make-up though but a lil lip gloss hasn’t killed anyone…