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| Jacket + Leggings from Jane.com |
Exercising with confidence is a hard endeavor. Whether your at a public gym, running out on the streets, or even working out at home; getting your body moving and sweating takes confidence. Its about putting on those blinders and getting into the zone, finding that sweet spot where all that matters is hitting that next mile or pushing hard for that final lift. Our bodies are beautiful and we should celebrate that by treating them with care. We should be exercising for the joy of movement and not as a punishment for dormant motion.
"Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it."
When I exercise I stare down my reflection, I call this my "Eye Of The Tiger" moment. I look at my whole self and take in all that I am. I pull my shoulders back, tuck my stomach in towards the spine and take a deep breathe. I repeat, "I can do this, I can do more, I can be more, I can push harder, sink lower, press deeper, and fight through the pain." I do this all with a cheshire smile, because I know I'm strong, and I know how much more I can give to my workout. I have the mental strength to keep up with the physical demands I place on my body. I dont stop when its hurts, I stop when its over. I challenge myself to put those gym blinders on and focus on the reasons why I am exercising. I exercise because;
- I love movement! I cant keep still and I'm almost always in motion. Because of my dance background, I have a strong connection with the musculature of the human body. Every step, extension of a limb or release of the spine breathes in new life into our bodies. It's fascinating to me. I'm in constant awe of the grace, strength and beauty that is the human form. I love the way our bodies move and never want to take that gift for granted.
- I want to live a happy and healthy life. I want to find a balance between enjoying my happy treats (a daily dose of Chocolate and Diet Coke, thank you very much!) and treating my body to what it craves- aka water, protein, vitamins, fruits and veggies. I want the good stuff and the good for you stuff. I exercise because it helps me maintain a healthy weight and gets my body moving and grooving.
- "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't.".... Ok this one, not so much Elle Woods, but I see her reasoning pretty clear. Endorphins make you happy and increases your self confidence. When I exercise I feel great! I love the confidence it gives me in and outside of the gym. I feel more well rounded as a mother and wife when I take that little bit of time to do something that benefits me. I'm happier when I work out and I love the stress relief it brings me.
I not only mentally prepare for my workout, but I physically prepare for it by dressing my body for success. When I teach I bring my A game. My hair is pulled back tight, (you can thank my classic top knot as my signature Barre babe look), I wear form fitting attire that shows how my body is moving so I know if my form is correct or not, and I usually put a splash of makeup on my face. Nothing dramatic, just enough to give me that confidence when I'm giving myself the "Eye Of The Tiger" look. It's not about dressing to impress or intimidate, for me its about taking pride in my body. Showing my clients that I am a professional, I dont roll out of bed and go teach. I take the time to physically prepare myself to take on the roll of instructor, drill sergeant, and fitness guru. How embarrassing would it be if I came into class looking like a hot mess!?!? As a certified instructor, I know what I'm talking about when I tell you to lift your leg higher, open your turn out, or pull the abs into the spine for safer support of the lower back. So when I instruct, I aim to present myself as a professional in my field of work.
Looking good when I work out helps me feel good. I love uGo Apparel's motto, "Look Good, Feel Good," I dont dress to impress anyone but myself...because when I workout i'm not doing it for the attention, I'm sweating for me. My choice of workout clothes definitely influences my attitude and fortitude in my classes. My confidence radiates to my clients and helps inspire them to be their best selves.
Shape Magazine journalist, Julie Ricevuto, wrote an excellent article about how our workout clothes affect our performance in and outside of the gym. She listed the top reasons why dressing for success during our workouts improve our overall performance. They are,
- They give your brain a boost
- They up the intimidation factor
- They can improve performance
- Help prevent injuries and offer protection
Dressing up for your workout, per the examples listed above, can improve your over all performance. Your outward appearance reflects your mindset, it tells the world you are ready to sweat and crush your goals. I loved the idea that Ricevuto's article brought up of "enclothed cognition," which refers to a sort of mental shift you experience when you wear certain clothes. One study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that clothing influences behavior and attitudes because it carries a symbolic meaning. So, what you wear is actually subconsciously changing how you act.
Dr. Jonathan Fader, sports psychologist for the New York Mets, says these findings totally hold-up in real life. "When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance," says Fader. "As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task." Basically, when you wear cute workout wear, not only are you more inclined to actually be active, but Fader says those tank tops and racer-backs will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which could lead to an improved focus, motivation, and gains.
Dr. Jonathan Fader, sports psychologist for the New York Mets, says these findings totally hold-up in real life. "When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance," says Fader. "As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task." Basically, when you wear cute workout wear, not only are you more inclined to actually be active, but Fader says those tank tops and racer-backs will also make you feel more confident in your abilities, which could lead to an improved focus, motivation, and gains.
Dressing for success is a great motto for 2018. It can apply to virtually any situation, like a final piece of the puzzle, this quote completes my health and fitness goals this year. For 2018 I created practical goals that promote self care and good health that specifically focus's on NOT involving my scale or counting calories. Regardless of the number on the scale, I want to feel beautiful and strong in the body i'm in. Thus I want to dress my body in activewear that flaunts my curves, provides support, and most importantly; gives me the inspiration to exercise with confidence.
Jane.com has done exactly that.They are an online boutique marketplace that features the latest in fashion trends, home decor, and children's clothing. I've shopped on Jane.com for a few years now and I always find something fun and stylish either for myself, my kids or my home. I love getting a good deal, and on Jane.com, the deals are right at my finger tips.
Jane has an awesome Work It Out campaign going on right now with the best workout clothing, gear and accessories available on the market. I recently picked 3 items that I knew would up my game in and out of the studio. By typing in Activewear to the search engine, it pulled up all the discounted deals in the fitness category. The deals running at that time were;
Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture
Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane
Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadgets
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| My Jane.com haul |
"Style Is A Deeply Personal Expression Of Who You Are, And Every Time You Dress, You Are Asserting A Part Of Yourself."- Nina Garcia
Luxe Workout Leggings, Seller: Luxe House Of Couture
This powerful tight delivers unbelievable softness and lightweight compression in a new print and cutout design for a fun energetic feel. INSPIRED FOR: yoga, studio workouts, hanging out or whatever you're doing that day! I've only worn them a couple of times when I teach Barre, but I'm telling ya, these are going to be my go to leggings from here on out!
Jane.com- $22.99
Retail-$48.99
Bluetooth Headphones with Ear loop, Seller: LAX Gadget
Sweat proof, lightweight, take anywhere Bluetooth Wireless In-Ear Sports Earbuds Headphones for your active lifestyle. High Quality Sound: High-fidelity stereo music and clear speech via Noise reduction. Built-in microphone allows you to answer and end calls, allows you to adjust the volume, pause, select songs and pick up calls completely effortlessly. Soft Secure Hooks allow for the earphones to stay in-ear while working out. Comes with tough carrying case.
Jane.com- $9.99
Retail- $29.99
Black and White Wind Runner, Seller: Jacey Lane
This designer inspired Wind Runner will be a must-have for the fall, winter, and spring! Perfect color to go with any work out top. Even throw on some jeans and tennis shoes for a casual day of running errands! I love that Jacey Lane's boutique goal is to give you practical, fashion forward clothing at an amazing price. Now that's something I can definitely get behind!
Be sure to check out the links to both Jane.com + Jane.com/activewear! Jane's deals change frequently, so you may not find these exact items, but there's definitely going to be something that you'll fall in love with! I love my new gear and I love the confidence they give me! Now go treat yo self to something new and fabulous... YOU DESERVE IT! Go forward with confidence, positivity, and love my friends! Get your "Eye Of The Tiger" face on and get to work! The link is in my profile, so go shop and check out all the fun items up for grabs! You can thank me later! ;)"The Secret To Great Style Is To Feel Good In What You Wear"
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**DISCLOSURE: Jane.com sent me these products, but all opinions are my own.**
