This got me thinking: Does it really make a difference? Do better workout clothes enhance your performance? Do my three-year-old running shoes make me slower in a race? And what about on a psychological level? There's evidence that what we wear can affect our psychological processes. When I put my face on and dress to feel my best, I do feel better, and I act like it.
So would a few fancy activewear pieces give me a better mindset for my workouts? I decided to give it a test to find out. I was reluctant to shed a pair of cheerleading shorts from—gasp—junior high school and a college T-shirt.
I could have skipped the T-shirt because the sports bra was so flattering and the pants were high-waisted enough that it almost made me feel confident without a shirt. I loved how the bra tucked in the lumps and bumps and pushed me up while giving full support during my run. And the leggings were like a soft, flattering glove. So my being willing to take an outfit from gym to street is really saying something. I tiptoed into the Lulu waters during a trip to Denver.
The publicist from the company chose a few items for this story and mentioned that she, too, would run in old cotton soccer T-shirts and shorts but that the right gear has changed how she works out. What I loved most was that they boast a special pocket designed for my cellphone.
This head-to-toe activewear is not only functional, but went from mountains hello, Instagram hiking pics to the brewery while still looking chic. On this same trip, I wore the same ensemble for a run.
The biggest upgrade over my usual look? I also tried totally different Lululemon gear while indoor-cycling. The result? My hair was soaking wet, my brow was dripping with sweat, but my pants were as dry as a bone, post-workout.
Watching myself make tiny pelvic thrusts in a mirror for an hour is a great way to question why I still own Umbro shorts. No wonder I always feel so self-conscious in those classes—even if I love the workout. I might wear this for my anniversary next month. And you know what? I felt good about myself while bending, lifting, tucking, and squeezing. My pair hovered around three years of age, had a hole in the toe, and I suspect that the pain in my heel might have been caused by their advanced age and less than perfect condition.
This sneaker offers plush support with uniquely designed out-sole grooves. I could go all day on these and have since had zero pain. In fact, I left my three-year-old pair in a hotel room and am using these to train for my half-marathon.
I would say that new, good sneakers have certainly improved my runs. And I can also appreciate the bells and whistles of many pieces.
For training, the deep pockets in the Lululemon pants have allowed me to carry my iPhone for the first time, so that I can easily track my distance and listen to music while I run. A run backpack is something I would have never purchased, but is awesome.
Better gear does tend to stay put, chafe less, and allows for an over-all better workout. On my first day of this experiment, I was hesitant to give up my trusty workout clothes—like a baby with a security blanket. It wasn't long before I was fully embracing the cult of Lululemon. Especially if you take a barre class. So, did great workout clothes make a difference in my performance? SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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