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How to Style Your Workout Clothes In & Out of the Gym

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Workout clothing doesn’t just have to be reserved for the gym. In fact, the athleisure trend has been sweeping the globe in recent years, with everyone from A-list celebs to the woman next door rocking gym leggings for all occasions.

But is it really acceptable to wear yoga pants all day? What are the do’s and don’ts of wearing workout clothes outside of the gym? Keep reading as we discuss how you can style your new workout gear in and out of the gym…

1. Stay on trend

Until recently, fitness wear didn’t have trends. Gym clothing was all black, functional items with little thought for fashion. Fortunately, that’s all changed, and workout clothes have seasons, just like the rest of the fashion world.

If you’re going to be styling your gym gear outside of the gym, its important that its on trend so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

2. Accessorise

Whether its some statement specs, killer heels or a structured jacket, it only takes one item to transform your athleisure look from gym to glam. But make sure your accessories are in keeping with the sporty, sleek look to avoid looking mis-matched.

3. Play it safe

If you’re unsure on how to style athleisure or you’re not comfortable heading to the supermarket in bright blue leggings, sticking to neutral shades is best. Opt for a monochrome look or add a little vibrancy with a geometric print or slogan tee to ease your way into the style.

The most important fashion rule to follow is to make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you’re wearing, so choose something that will make you feel confident both in and out of the gym.

4. Dress for the occasion

Of course, the athleisure style isn’t suitable for every occasion. You wouldn’t want to turn up to a work meeting in a sports bra and leggings, just like you wouldn’t head to the gym in heels and a blouse.

The key to pulling off the athleisure style is knowing when to choose which pieces. Heading to the supermarket, picking the kids up, running errands, lunching with the girls… yoga pants are the perfect option for comfortable style.

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What Is Eco-Friendly Fashion?

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From the high street to online stores, sustainability is the new buzz-word in the fashion world. But what exactly does it mean for brands to produce eco-friendly, sustainable fashion? Are brands actually taking climate change seriously?

In this post we go beyond the buzz to truly understand the importance of eco-friendly fashion and the impact our clothing choices can have on the environment…

A closer look at ‘eco-fashion’

Words like ‘sustainable’ and ‘organic’ are thrown around a lot, – from organic materials to sustainable packaging and eco-friendly shipping. The question is – can the clothing industry really be eco-friendly? And what exactly is meant by the term ‘eco’?

At the core, eco-fashion is about making clothes in an environmentally friendly way, that takes into account the consumers, the resources and the working conditions. It encompasses everything from the raw materials right through to the factories, manufacturers and logistics.

As climate change becomes an even more pressing issue, it’s not only important for consumers to wake up, but also the entire clothing industry. By stepping away from ‘fast fashion’, brands can make a conscious effort to help minimise their impact on the environment.

The problem with ‘fast fashion’

So, what is exactly is ‘fast fashion’? Put simply, clothes that are made cheaply, in bulk and with poor materials. These are then sold for incredibly low prices and have a quick turnaround. The problem with this is that the materials are sourced from low-quality and often toxic textiles, which can easily fall apart and degrade.

This can have a big impact on the environment, affecting not only natural resources but also the people who make the clothes. Especially if consumers are throwing away these items, only to repurchase more on a continuous cycle.

How can you make eco-friendly choices?

For consumers, changing the way in which you interact with fashion and buy clothes can have a BIG impact. For starters, avoid lower-cost ‘fast-fashion’ and choose clothing that is better quality and will last longer. By investing in sustainable, quality brands you will lower your impact and look good doing it. You can work together with ethical brands, making a conscious choice to put eco-friendly fashion first.

 

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Pre Vs. Post Workout Protein Shake – Which Is Right?

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Whether it’s finding the perfect gym leggings, the right strength training routine or the best spin class, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to maintaining a regular exercise regime. Throw protein shakes into the mix and things can get even more confusing. Why do you need them? When should you take them?

In this post, we’ll explain why protein is an important part of a balanced diet and when you should be putting your protein shakes to the test.

Why is protein important?

Daily protein intake isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, as a minimum. So, somebody weighing 70kg would need 56 grams, while someone bigger – let’s say 100kg – would require at least 80 grams.

However, if you’re doing regular strength training and cardio, you may need double this amount. Why? In short, protein is made of amino acids which the body needs to function properly. They boost the immune system and help build muscle.

Should you have protein shakes?

You can easily consume protein through a balanced diet, with things like eggs, milk and chicken. However, more and more people are adding a protein shake as a supplement to their daily balanced diet when hitting the gym. Rather than a food replacement, this provides an additional boost to your protein intake.

If you’re unsure what you’re doing when it comes to shakes, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. A recent study by the University of Montreal found that a whopping 3 in 4 professional athletes don’t improve their performance with the help of protein shakes, simply because they don’t know how to take them properly.

So, when exactly should you be chugging your shake?

Before your workout

The advocates for pre-workout shakes say that consuming the extra protein before exercising can help increase your strength, enhance muscle repair and growth, and lead to greater changes in your body composition.

If you do prefer a pre-workout shake, then you should have it in the 30-minute window before working out. This allows the amino acids from the protein to be ingested properly.

After your workout

There are also benefits to a post-workout protein shake, as they can help balance your protein levels by reducing protein breakdown. Feeding your body protein after a strenuous workout can be a great way to help the muscles recover leading to faster muscle growth. Again, it’s best to have your shake within 30 minutes of working out.

The verdict on protein shakes

Although there are benefits to pre and post workout shakes, it can be mostly down to when is most convenient for you. Just remember it should part of a balanced diet and never as a replacement and you should always follow the recommend dosage on the packaging.