New Challenge, New Kit!

The first part of any new fitness challenge is always exciting. You have your new kit that you want to show off to everyone and you’re feeling the best you’ve ever felt. There will be social media posts (of your new outfits and accessories) and everyone will know your progress – but don’t worry that’s not a bad thing, it’s perfectly normal, everyone does it. However, it is important that you have the correct gear that’s going to help you, not drag you back. In most cases, it’s important to look after your feet – so footwear is key! Treat your feet nicely and they won’t give you any grief! Nowadays when you go into a sport shop it’s difficult to get trusted advice. Even if it seems like you’re getting told expert advice from a fully knowledgeable person, sometimes you’re not, they may just be knowledgeable in selling. The best place to get advice is from people who are experienced within that sport or activity. This could be a friend you see regularly or even an experienced person who you may follow on social media. I’m sure they would be more than happy to give you advice so don’t be afraid to ask, especially if you’re a beginner within the sport.

As well as shoes, you have the rest of your body to kit out – however this isn’t so difficult. It may seem obvious but going out in the heart of winter with a string vest and shorts on is probably not the best idea – unless you’re mad. The same kind of logical people would be wearing tracksuit trousers, a hoodie and maybe a coat out in the heat of summer – which is probably not a wise idea either. It all depends on your sport you’re taking part in, how you’re feeling and what’s outside the window, or inside in some cases (gym or indoor sports). Also, it’s important that what you’re wearing fits you and it’s not a classic “hand me down” like it used to be when you were a child and you got given your older siblings clothes to wear. Clothing that doesn’t fit you could restrict your movements and when it comes to sport, that’s not good – even though you look really good in that smaller size, it may stop you getting the most out of your sport. Likewise, if you go for a size that is too big, realistically, all of that extra material is just going to get in your way when you’re trying to exercise.

Who knew that fitness outfits could be so complex! ​ At the end of the day, it’s about what you feel most comfortable in because if you buy an outfit, for you… it’s probably not going to fit the person stood next to you, unless they are your twin. All of this shopping hassle is definitely worth it when you find something that fits great but looks even better. So when you get that feeling, shout about it – Why not? Let people know about it, make them envy the way you look and how amazing you feel. If you reach out to people, others will then reach out to you, creating a community/network of people. You may have the same challenge, you may have different challenges but you all have the same thing in common. You will all have an aim that you’re trying to achieve. Although you may never meet some of these people, they will stick by you and support you through thick and thin. They will laugh with you, be happy with you but they will also know to encourage you when it’s getting tough. Stay connected and share your story because someone will be reading it – and you never know, that maybe the thing that’s motivated them to get to that exercise class or up that hill.