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Poll: Do New Workout Clothes Motivate You to Exercise?

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By: Nicole Nichols : 3/20/2009 2:06:39 PM : 289 comments

Spring is officially here! Are you as excited as I am? I loathe the dark Ohio winters, so if you ask me, spring can never come soon enough! I love waking up to the sun shining through my windows, leaving work when there are still a few hours of daylight left to enjoy, tending to my vegetable garden, riding my scooter, planning the next 5K I want to run, and of course, rotating my wardrobe to put away those stuffy winter clothes and bring my warm-weather clothes front and center.

Speaking of clothes, I'm a bit of a clothing junkie�but not in the way you might think. Really, I don't have a lot of clothes and I rarely go shopping. I look for bargains and rarely buy anything that's not on sale. But when it comes to workout clothes�that's another story! I recently realized that about half of my wardrobe is exercise clothing�shorts, performance wear, sports bras, sweat-wicking tops and capri pants�you name it, I probably have it (in at least 3 colors, thank you). I have more pairs of workout pants than I do regular pants! I have more sports bras than I do regular ones! That's just the beginning.

I realized that I had a problem when I was shopping for a new pair of jeans recently. I found a perfect pair (which is so rare, am I right?). It fit well and made me feel great. And even though I'd wear these jeans multiple times per week for months on end, I couldn't justify their $60 price tag. However, just a week prior, I had spent $50 (yes, $50!) on a new pair of Nike workout pants�something I'll wear for an hour once a week. Am I nuts? (Don't answer that.)

So I started to wonder: Are you like me? Do new, cute, or cool workout clothes motivate you to exercise?

Workout clothes DO motivate me. I am much more excited to go for a run when I'm sporting my great-fitting, sweat-wicking exercise pants that make me feel comfortable and confident than if I threw on any old thing. You will never see me working out in a random oversized T-shirt or anything made of cotton (it retains moisture and keeps you soggy). I can't really explain it�I mean, I'm definitely not that into my appearance. For me, buying and wearing nice workout clothes is not about what others think when they see me exercising. It's about how the clothes make me feel about myself. I like to have the right gear for the job so to speak. Just as a new fitness gadget, like a pedometer, heart rate monitor, or even a bodybugg, can motivate other people to get moving, that's what workout clothes do for me. They don't have to be expensive or fancy�they just have to have the right fit, fabric, and style. If that makes me a clothing snob, so be it! (At least it helps motivate me to exercise 5-6 days a week and feel good while doing it.)

How about you: Do you care what clothes you wear when working out? Do new workout clothes motivate you, or do you think these "outfits" are silly?

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OAKDALE41 2/8/2010 2:48:07 PM	New workout clothes absolutely motivate me!! Particularly when I get a great deal on something. I just bought a new pair of Nike professional shorts for $15. As soon as I bought them i ran home to workout in them!!	289
NSSK06 2/8/2010 1:58:27 PM	i actually giggled a little at this post :) my husband often jokes about how he believes i'd be addicted to buying shoes & workout clothes if we could afford it. he's right, i totally would! since i can only buy clothes once a year (those lovely tax returns), i plan and budget and make sure i KNOW what i'm gettting before that money even shows up in our account. mostly so i know i only spend $20 on those $50 workout pants (or buy 2-3 pairs for that $50)!	288
LISA7465 2/6/2010 11:46:26 AM	Though I don't have many work out clothes, I do find that I enjoy the workout more and do it with more energy/strength than when I work out in a tee shirt and shorts. I love to wear a sports bra with matching sports shorts with (longer legged) Under Armour underneath!! I'm very much looking forward to buying a new pair of running shoes today or tomorrow!! :o)	287
MSKELR 1/29/2010 5:42:30 PM	most definitely.	286
CTONYAN 11/6/2009 10:23:10 AM	I have to say, when I was working, the first thing I did when I came home was to put on my workout clothes. 1. This habit psyched me up to workout. So I think I purposely wore work out clothes for this purpose. 2. How comfortable are they? Now that I am not working, it's what I wear 75% of the time. So, when the mood strikes, I can jump in the car and go to the gym cause I am already dressed. With most of us having working out on our minds so much, it just makes sense that we reach for the work out clothes. When I shop, I seem to gravitate toward the sportswear section even if I am shopping for other clothing...so, between comfort and working out in the back of our minds, I think that is why we gravitate toward wearing/buying work out gear..it's cute and comfy.	285
UTEXAS09 11/6/2009 9:30:44 AM	I am a huge fan of Under Armour compression gear - it shows off every muscle, or where the muscle should be. Seeing that in the mirror is a huge boost to my confidence and motivation! I want to look even better in the new gear! I love to hit up the outlets and find a great new top or pair of running tights. I'm now in the process of switching from working out in t-shirts to HeatGear and AllSeasonGear. Getting new workout clothes is almost as exciting as getting new running shoes. Not quite, but almost. :)	284
JUDISHOES 9/9/2009 3:14:48 AM	i too eat more at home than away and i also drink a lot of green tea but it does just make you thirstier and hungrier and my dr. said sometimes when you drink all day long bit it lowers your sodium level and removes electrolytes from you that you need to keep in your system. jshoes 9/10/09	283
ENGLISHTEACH10 9/7/2009 9:03:19 AM	Definitely...attractive workout clothes make me feel better, and thus, motivate me, if you will. I realize that it's not the clothes, but the person, yet, I do like looking my best. Ross's has some of the cutest, least expensive workout items I've found.	282
MAGNIFICENTMAGG 9/7/2009 1:09:37 AM	I like looking nice while I exercise. It boosts my confidence.	281
JAL138 9/6/2009 1:11:46 PM	I definitely find that a new pair of running shorts or a new kind of socks makes me want to get out and try them right away. Like you I'm not overly fussed about my appearance but there's something so great about stepping out the door and looking - and feeling - the business! "I'm running 5K - AND I'm looking good doing it!"	280
JERIBERI1 9/4/2009 3:03:57 PM	I absolutely love to buy new workout clothes! I usually get them at Target because they are cute and affordable. Lately I've been buying running skirts (instead of shorts), and I love them! I only use them to race. When I run around town, I wear shorts.	279
SUSANMIKESKA 9/2/2009 10:16:47 AM	Just this morning before work I stopped at Wal-mart and picked up some Danskin workout pants and a matching top! I'm hooked on new workout clothes. I recently "took over" another drawer in the bureau for my outfits. Love 'em!	278
MOIRAFITZ 8/3/2009 5:16:24 PM	I do enjoy buying new workout clothes. I will spend more on them if they are comfortable and make a difference in my workouts.	277
SUGIRL06 7/31/2009 1:47:59 PM	I love having new workout gear! Clothes, toys, whatever. Anything having to do with exercise or sports (and I am far from an athlete). I've noticed that if I wear any plane old tshirt or shorts to the gym, I'm self conscious the whole time but if I wear a cute pair of pants and a matching top (usually fitted because I don't like baggy clothes), it makes it easier for me to work out. I don't even think about what I'm wearing or if anyone is looking. Also, I love buying new gym clothes and then I look forward to wearing them. It definitely gets me moving more! ~Ang	276
YANKEECHICK1 7/31/2009 11:34:01 AM	Any t-shiret and shorts or sweats will do. But when I buy a new work out outfit I can't wait to try them on to see how I look on them and it pushes me to work out.	275
JASPER09 5/17/2009 12:36:21 PM	work out gear gets me motivated because i felt so fat before that i would never wear it ! God is so good !!!!	274
SOULCOLLAGESUE 5/14/2009 1:28:25 PM	It's nice to read about someone who had a similar experience. I've never been athletic, and a local female pediatrician who lost a LOT of weight by leaving her house one day and, incrementally, running further and further started a "Running for Women" group. It's safe and doable, because she teaches Jeff Galloway's run-walk method. Suffice it to say, I've been a "runner" for 8 years now (I just turned 50), and it's been the best thing I've done in my life. I started giving away more and more "regular" clothes, and even work many workout outfits to work. They are so comfortable, and wash and wear to boot. I enjoyed your article! I think it's time to go "shopping" again.	273
NSTGRANDMA 5/13/2009 9:46:00 PM	These Items are to spread the Spark. They may seem pricey to some but remember SparkPeople is Free & this is a Good way to help it stay that way!	272
BETTERME54 5/13/2009 3:02:52 PM	New clothes do not motiviate me but I do love these items, they feel good, look good and you can move around very comfortable in these items. I usually just work out in light clothing in the summer and sweats in the winter.	271
AHAUNTEDPOET 4/9/2009 11:25:17 AM	When I was working out alone, at home, what I wore didn't seem to matter much. Then I joined a gym. It quickly became apparent that I wear the same 4 outfits over and over again. It was boring! But I didn't bother to buy new clothes right away... I figured this was just a justification to hit the mall. Then I noticed that going to the gym felt less like fun and more like a chore. I figured I needed something to look forward to... something like wearing a new outfit! But then it snowed so I just went home... it was too cold to shop. (Again, I'm trying not to spend money right now, delay is one of the best ways to save money because with me it is usually an impulse. Anyway, last week I registered for a triathlon and signed up for a running coach (I DO NOT run... the tri will force me to learn to be a runner.) I thought hmmmm... I might need actual running shoes so off to the store I went. Found the shoes and to REWARD myself for getting registered, I got a matching outfit. One outfit put the fun back in working out and made me feel like anything was possible again... so yeah, I guess clothes DO motivate me. PS. I ordered THE cutest swim suit...	270
REVSERENA 3/29/2009 8:02:29 PM	I buy almost all of my clothing from the Salvation Army or the Good Will, because I'm big on reducing my carbon footprint, and reuse makes a lot of sense to me. But despite my principles, I just bought a new workout outfit (which I really didn't "Need") to reward myself for training for my first 5K. It's silly, but it made me feel great! (and a little illicit!)	269
BARKEEPER 3/26/2009 3:21:49 PM	I do love new workout clothes. I did a collage for my fridge and the ladies on there are out of my fitness magazines all are in some cute little outfit. The flat bellies in those sports bras and spandex shorts or sweats seem to motivate me. My weight has always been a problem for me. I'm not jealous of the girls, I just hope to look like them. I buy a new pair of workout clothes every chance I get.	268
QWERTYZ13 3/26/2009 1:27:27 PM	I'm only a little poor college student, so my workout clothes, sadly, do consist of a lot of cotton! Still, they're my workout clothes! When I find some cheap, cute (or just really comfortable) workout shorts, I will be really excited to workout in them! I think my clothes DO motivate me. I have to agree on the more sports bras than regular bras thing...I had to force myself to not buy more sports bras and get the normal kind instead.	267
GRAYSON6374 3/26/2009 11:11:43 AM	New sportswear motivates me. Its comfy and lets me get through my workout without any wardrobe malfunctions. I basiclly live in sportswear.	266
2WHEELER 3/26/2009 9:25:28 AM	New workout clothes definitely motivate me. I feel better, and I think I workout harder and do better, when I wear nice clothes. It's the same at the office--nice, professional clothes make me feel sharper.	265
SWILLIAM621 3/26/2009 8:49:07 AM	When I first started going to the gym I wore oversized t-shirts but that just made me look even fatter. I have since bought several pairs of outfits that I wear and although I am still not where I want to be I can see the progress I am making. It seems to make it more worth the effort I put in to it.	264
JACKS519 3/26/2009 8:29:33 AM	I definitely think it's motivating when you get new "workout" clothes - it gives you reason to go to the gym...then it helps break into the habit of just going... I always find it to be good motivation for sure!! :)	263
KARLAKRAFTS 3/26/2009 12:53:31 AM	Oops that was supposed to be "feel like." I recently accompanied my daughter on a business trip. After hours we went to a yoga class. Lucky for me I had packed something that looked sort of yoga-ish. Good thing we didn't go to a belly dancing class. I don't have the attire (but I do have a belly! lol)	262
KARLAKRAFTS 3/26/2009 12:45:52 AM	Now girls, I realize I'm old. When I taught aerobic dance years ago we wore leotards and tights (with sneakers and leg warmers, no less) They did not wick, Yuck. I am not buying special clothing to get drenched in sweat, I don't care if they do wick. The reason I hate the gym is you fell like you need to dress and put on makeup to go sweat (and sit in other peoples sweat on machines.) No thanks!	261
SUMMERBELLYNO1 3/25/2009 11:57:49 PM	Just talking about this with a friend a few weeks back. She looked go cute in her gear---it motivated me to sweat it out that day!	260
LOUDRIVER 3/25/2009 11:28:00 PM	Good workout clothes hold everything that would otherwise jiggle in place and even though I'm a big girl,I wear the form fitting things under my loose fitting active wear.The best of both worlds till I reach my goal.I look forward to the day I can reveal a lean body in some brand new workout clothes in vibrant colors.As of now,Iwear lots of black,navy and grey(dark grey)!Better day's are comin!	259
IRENEAZ 3/25/2009 9:50:58 PM	I like to look good in my workout clothes. There's a sense of self confidence and if you look good, you feel good.	258
GOLDFOXFARM 3/25/2009 9:30:15 PM	Of course! Someone in my bootcamp came up to me and told me that she loved how cute I always looked when I came to workout and I was sooo flattered! Made the clothes totally worth it!	257
MISSBEARYLOVES 3/25/2009 7:24:31 PM	I like to think so. I love my workout clothes. I think they look cute!!!!!!	256
CHIPPERMUNCHKIN 3/25/2009 3:53:44 PM	Yes !Absolutely new work out clothes help motivate me ...but then nearly any article of new clothing helps motivate me....thanks for this poll	255
KCSLOVESMLP 3/25/2009 3:24:05 PM	I totally agree...what I work out in matters to me. I feel if I look good to me, I'll feel good to me :-) That's my 2 cents...	254
SUMMERLOVIN79 3/25/2009 2:51:27 PM	I ALWAYS feel more motivated when I get new gear. I continue to get excited about a new pair of trainers, or tank top, or cute pants/shorts. New gym clothes is definitely worth getting excited over.	253
HSHARP063 3/25/2009 2:30:13 PM	Too many times I have signed up at a gym, gone shopping for new gym clothes and grabbed fitness mags. It's the actual getting to the gym that I struggled with so I told myself this time I have to Earn my clothes. Also, that I wouldn't keep the gym membership if I didn't start losing weight. This was around the first of the year, and so far I've lost eleven pounds, about ten more to go and I'm going to stock up on cute workout clothes! :)	252
OPENBUD 3/25/2009 11:20:32 AM	i have converted my attic into a gym, got boxing,trampette,airwalker, rowing machine, abs, ball, twister, bike, an a few other things, go walking alot, swimming early 2mornings wk, get my bike out, i think its good to wear new outfits, as it does motivate you, ( wel it does for me, ) i do gardening, as well, as spring--summer is approaching, now's the time to get cracking, (so good luk to all !!!	251
SONGGRRL 3/25/2009 10:59:29 AM	I dont' know about needing new workout clothes per se but I definitely need to feel like I have workout clothes I look good in. For example: I had been using the same workout clothes for the past year despite the fact that I gained 40lbs last spring on some medication. Now, had I not gained the weight I would have felt fine in those clothes for the whole year and even longer. I would not have needed new clothes to feel motivated. But last month I realized I was sick of looking and feeling like a stuffed sausage in these clothes that were all 2-sizes too small! So I bought some more and feel so much better about myself in my workout classes. What a difference! I think what it boils down to is that we all need to feel good about ourselves and if we don't think we look good sometimes some new workout clothes will do the trick!	250
PAULINLIM 3/24/2009 5:22:43 PM	This year I finally bought myself some new workout clothes; I've been using the some of the same exercise clothes for 12 years! I never thought about how dingy and dumpy they were until this year. I found some great bargains at Marshall's-- they have a lot of activewear-- and a Pearl Izumi outlet. Now I find myself eager to work out because it gives me a psychological lift to put on nice new togs.	249
SUNNY142 3/24/2009 3:45:03 PM	I dont know what it is but I am definitely more motivated to work out if Ilike my workout outfit or thing I look good/cute in it. I think the boost in confidence rolls over to my confidence about how my performance will be during the workout.	248
CRAZY_CAROLLYNN 3/24/2009 2:36:04 PM	I dont feel comfortable unless I have a nice long T-shirt that covers my lower Bulge. Perhaps when I get a body Im proud of instead of ashamed...then my workout clothes will serve to motivate me. But for now I need capris or long pants, and long shirts. I dont even like to show my upper arms so T-shirts and stretch pants are basically IT for me.	247
MOIRAFITZ 3/24/2009 2:20:29 PM	I agree that I love to buy new workout gear and am more likely to pay a higher price for it.	246
NUM1GAMOM 3/24/2009 11:33:07 AM	i like to be comfy,,	245
JAVADIC 3/24/2009 10:43:26 AM	No. I want workout clothes that are very baggy, but snug enough around the waist that they don't fall off, and very soft.	244
BONGOBETTE 3/24/2009 10:14:52 AM	Clothing does not motivate me at all-but reading this blog really gave me something to think about-I think that the clothing didn't motivate-the feelings did-and that's something to think about. Yes- when I know that I look good-I am more motivated as well. I never connected that with clothing-a "DUH" moment for me. Thanks-every bit of insight helps.	243
RUTHIECAROLINE 3/24/2009 9:54:21 AM	Yesss.... I'm still overweight with the stomach roll to prove it, and it's nice to have something that fits nice, and even for my size, makes me look good. I think workout clothes are also a proper choice as a "treat" when I meet a weight loss goal. I don't have to own a million things, but having enough choices that make me feel sexy & confident is really a booster.	242
RANDYRO 3/24/2009 9:42:22 AM	Hey Nicole, I am from Dayton, Ohio... I am starting to enjoy the sun again... wearing a nice, colorful and comfortable clothes during my workouts is a big issue for me... it makes me feel motivated and enjoy the activities... also, when I go to the gym I take more shirts, so if I feel too sweat, immediately change clothes, that way I could keep feeling clean and ready for more excercises...	241
KNASCAR 3/24/2009 9:25:51 AM	I would if I could. Right now I just work out in ratty tshirts and shorts or yoga pants, but I find it difficult to find good quality workout performance gear to fit my 2x-ish sized body. I find it exceedingly ironic that the people who "most need to workout" have difficulty finding clothes in which to do it.	240