Does the fit of your athletic clothing affect your workout?

YES IT DOES!  When your athletic clothing/apparel fits you well, you feel good about yourself, and feeling good about yourself is an incredibly powerful motivator in helping you stick with your health and fitness goals.

As the new year begins, MANY people will flock to the gym in hopes of making this year the year they get healthier, get fit, or lose weight.  The sad truth is that about 50% of these people with drop their new workout dreams a goals within six months.  To be included in the half that STICKS with their fitness goals, go shopping!  You need to find an outfit that you love and that makes you feel good when you have it on.  Here are a couple items you need to find and things to think about when choosing your new apparel.

1. Sports Bra 
If you are running, Spinning, doing cardio circuits, etc. you will want to go with a very supportive sports bra.  If you choose a tank top with a bra attached you may still need to wear a sports bra underneath for adequate support.  My favorite sports bra is made by CW-X.  But you have to be comfortable with your sports bra being really tight to wear this!  If you prefer to breathe a little easier, Champion makes a good one.  Be sure to buy a sports bra that is made from a moisture-wicking fabric.  Typically, these include fabrics such as nylon, Lycra, Supplex, Coolmax, etc.

2. The Top

First choose between a tank top or a tee shirt made of a moisture-wicking fabric (same as above).  Now I'm not talking about a huge, baggy tee shirt! :) I want you to find a flattering tee shirt that has a feminine shape that flatters your curves, and not one that hides your body!
A tee shirt offers more coverage.  However, try on a few tank tops because you may find that they are more flattering.  The fitted tank tops with a bra attached are often more flattering than a tee shirt because they show your shoulders and collar bone.  Pay attention to the length of the top and also how tight it is.  If you'll be doing yoga or pilates, you will want the top to be more on the fitted side.  Typically a top with a bit more length is better for feeling confident.

My favorite tank top with a bra attached is the Chelsea Racerback by ellasport - it's why I started a new line!  It's fitted at the top and waist and then falls gently over your hip.  My favorite tank top without a bra attached is the Charlotte Running Tank by ellasport.  This tank offers a looser fit but it still has a flattering feminine shape.

Next post I'll talk about what to look for in choosing bottoms!