That Old T-Shirt and Those 10 Pounds

That old t-shirt we’ve been sporting might be adding ten pounds…or stopping us from losing them. Oh the memories…Do you remember how the uniform got into your wardrobe in the first place? You know the uniform I’m talking about. The old baggy t-shirt that you pair with the baggy sweats. That outfit that was supposed to be your workout gear that turned into your do everything but workout in gear. The old t-shirt that was your boyfriend's now hubby's that you are still wearing. Or the t-shirt from your rushing days or your favorite concert keepsake.  Is that a boy band on the front? Most of us can’t remember exactly how that old t-shirt by passed that closet full of cute clothes to become our staple.

And can you remember your waist line? You know the one that buttons used to easily close over. Before the baggy t-shirt covered it and those fitted jeans got replaced with baggy sweats. If you are like me, you routinely fall victim to well, routine. Despite that closet full of cute clothes you find yourself in that same baggy ensemble.  The uniform. And the uniform has made its appearance just about everywhere, the grocery store, video store, gas station…yeah, just about everywhere but the gym.

The irony is that the uniform was originally meant for the gym. It has been shown that putting on flattering clothes actually motivates people to go to the gym or to exercise. When we look good we generally feel good about ourselves and have intrinsic motivation to do things such as workout.  

Poorly fitted clothing can impair a good workout in more ways than one. Functionality and fit help you with a good workout; clothes that chafe or irritate your skin while working out impede a good workout. And let’s not forget the cuteness factor. Walking past those floor length gym mirrors in that baggy stained t-shirt can definitely motivate you to run to the car but not so much on the treadmill.