Looking to justify all the running and workout gear you’ve purchased? You’ve come to the right spot. I’ve got just the reassurance you need that yes, your workout clothes can motivate you to perform.
How your workout clothes can motivate you to perform
“Dress for success” what does that really mean? What you wear and how you feel when you wear it really can influence your mood, your self confidence and your actions. While “Dress for the job you want” is most often used in the business world, it has some practical applications in the fitness and running world as well. Let me explain.
New Running Shoes
How many times have you laced up a new pair of running shoes and instantly felt a surge of confidence? Did that confidence then lead to a fantastic run? Unless you are Cinderella and those are some magic slippers, the act of dressing like a runner and feeling that you look like a runner, may have given you the psychological boost you needed.
Graphic Tee Shirts
Pulling a cute graphic tee shirt on to go out for a run or hit the (home) gym, can allow you to adopt a fun or carefree attitude. Just as an actor might become their character by donning a costume, a runner can adopt confidence to take on a tougher run. Wearing a “fun” shirt allows you to feel fun and self confident. That confidence boost can motivate you to push harder.
Look good feel good
When we feel that we look good, we tend to feel more confident and positive. Those endorphins can motivate us to perform. Take this example. You wake up on your planned Saturday rest day and throw on some baggy sweats and an old t shirt. This kind of puts you in the mood for a more relaxed, lay on the couch kind of day. The next day, you wake up on can’t wait to put on your favorite running skirt and tank. Feeling good in your outfit has now given you the motivation you need to get that workout done. You expect a certain outcome from putting on certain clothes and that leads to a certain performance.
[you may also like 5 minute closet hack to organize your workout clothes]
Especially now, when it’s so tempting to just throw on the sweats, I say, put on the new running shoes you’ve been saving. Pull out your fun, feel good outfits that you might save for race day. Dress for the part you want today: runner, cyclist or gym girl. You got this!
Tell me: Do you find certain outfits give you a mental push or psychological boost?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Rachel, Jen , Sandra and Lisa
I absolutely agree that a feel-good running outfit can make a difference!
I always put on my running clothes as soon as I get up. All the same, sometimes I switch a shirt before I leave because it doesn’t feel as good as the one I first put on.
I always love seeing your graphic shirts!
I agree definitely helps to feel good in your clothes
Totally agree! I always feel better when I wear running clothes that I like and that are comfortable. And new shoes definitely give me a nice boost!
they sure can!
The right clothes and shoes makes all the difference! If you feel good, you won’t be thinking about your clothing. Oh and just wondering where the woman in the first pic got her tights. I wonder if they’d help me with my handstand? 😁
ha ha I wish!!
In high school, I always heard “dress well, test well” and it’s true! I always put on new clothes or a cute outfit when I need a little more workout motivation for the day
That’s a great motto for school and for life!
You know I’m a big fan of the cute graphic workout tees! Not only do they make smile but other people appreciate them too. I figure its a small way to bring a smile to someone’s face so why not?
I know you are my “sole” mate with the cute tees they do make us smile don’t they
Absolutely!!! “Dressing the part” is a crucial part of the equation 🙂 I’m all about bright colors in keeping me on task with my workouts…which is why you seldom ever see me in black.
I am all about the bright colors too! They just instantly make me feel better
I agree! Even seeing all of YOUR motivational tanks and tees motivates me so much! That’s one of the fun reasons to follow so many people on SM!
aww thanks! They do just make you smile don’t they!
A few times I’ve had new shoes that gave me a boost, but clothing doesn’t do anything for me.
Hey new shoes always make me smile!
I totally agree. I have different outfits for running vs. lifting because they put me in totally different headspaces and motivate me in completely different ways! Funny how clothes can affect our moods so much.
It is amazing how they can effect our mood isn’t it?
Dressing the part has always been important to me. Way back when I first started exercising, using videos at home, it was motivating for me to wear pretty fitness clothing. Now it is the same with running clothes.
I always love your graphic tanks and tees. So fun!
They make a big difference in my mood as well and just make me feel happy
I always love new running shoes! As for clothing, I feel I have such basic stuff and race shirts…I really need to branch out and get some fun tanks or something!!
I find it definitely changes my mood!
I love a good graphic tee, especially Sarah Marie Designs Studio. I could use a few more in my closet. I love the feeling of putting on new workout wear, it always lifts the mood and makes you feel motivated!
I agree! Sure does just make me smile
You know I love me some fun workout clothes! I definitely feel more motivated when I have my favorite gear on. I’ve been loving all your fun tshirts this year!
Thanks I have been digging everything out lately to keep myself entertained
I was wearing an outfit I didn’t love today on my walk, and I absolutely felt draggy and unmotivated. Cute outfits make a HUGE difference. It’s just facts.
Truth! It really does
And this is something I don’t have! As far as fitness clothes, I mainly had clothes for figure skating plus yoga pants and T-shirts for the gym. Now that the only things I’m doing are off-ice it’s probably time to upgrade (not to mention, the yoga pants are getting long in the tooth!).
It’s a good time too so many sales
I’ve been craving some new workout clothes lately but I’m going to wait until after pregnancy is over. But I agree, it does make exercise seem more pleasant with something to look forward to!
Definitely true!
I’ve just bought new shorts and tanks since it’s getting way too hot in Texas for running tights/leggings. Sometimes pairing my outfit with a fun pair of socks will totally change my mood!
I definitely agree! Thanks for stopping in
Having new shoes or new clothes to try also can be very motivating! That said, I tend to keep reaching for the same outfits — from the top of my (clean) laundry pile. 🙂
I am. pulling out all the gear to entertain myself and try to stay motivated
I totally agree! I need to upgrade my running wardrobe. It’s SAD!!!! I always love your graphic print tanks.
Thanks they keep me motivated!
Ha, I definitely have a couple of favourite t-shirts that I save for harder runs. All psychological but it seems to help.
I thought I was the only one.
Nope we all do it! It sure does help
Speaking of…I need some new leggings! Thanks for the reminder! haha 🙂
Lots of sales right now!
You know how much I love my Skirt Sports (and how sad I am that there will be no new SS). I’ve always felt you need to dress the part, whatever you’re going in life!
I totally agree! It is sad that SS is closing but we were a part of it at the beginning and that was special
Workout clothes definitely motivate me! In fact, I have more exercise clothes than regular clothes…hahaha!!!
I definitely do too!
Definitely agree with you. New shoes, new shirt, new leggings… these things really gives you a boost. I know I’m always excited when I buy something new. I get eager to go out and show it off hahaha
exactly it works!
I love new shoes! I love them even more when they’re fun colors instead of a boring one. And clothes make me feel good. I love all of my Oiselle tops and shorts and love wearing them on a run.
They can be super motivating!
it will really help me to do my workout as Near by surroundings plays a major role to our mood of work out.
I agree!
Besides all of the good points you made, I’ ve gotten so much good use of the fun tee shirts that I normally don’t have occasion to wear. I still have too many, but this is helping me identify the favorites.
Yes very true here too!