That's Fit

Last summer, when I decided to do a sprint triathlon, I wasn't too nervous about the race. It's not that I was cocky -- far from it -- I just knew that, regardless of how long it took, I would cross that finish line and feel fantastic. There was one aspect I was really nervous about though -- figuring out what to wear.

Whenever I looked at pictures of triathlons or saw them on TV, everyone was either wearing race suits specifically made for triathlon, which was well out of my budget, or sporty swimsuits, which is fine for swimming, but I don't have the confidence to run in front of people in a bathing suit unless I'm actually on the beach.

What I discovered is that you can wear just about anything you want. Ideally, you'll find a race day outfit that does the following:

Obviously, there's a big difference between clothing you'd need for indoor versus outdoor rock climbing. Either one is a fantastic workout, but they each have their own advantages, as Bev told us all about earlier. However, I'm much more familiar with climbing indoors, and I know that it's an accessible, easy way for people to get started, so for the purposes of this post, I'll be focusing on indoor climbing.

In case you're afraid to try climbing because you don't think you have enough upper body strength, let me reassure you -- it doesn't matter. You use your legs and core right along with your arms, so it's not like you're constantly hanging by one arm, like in the movies. There are lots of different levels of climbing, and if you're willing to give it a try, I'm sure you can reach the top of a beginner wall, at least. And it's totally safe -- you'll wear a harness and be roped in, so even if you fall, you won't go anywhere.

That being said, here are some tips on what to wear for your new indoor adventure:

Cycling is gaining popularity -- more and more people are looking for ways to commute in a more eco-friendly manner, plus many of us like the added benefit of burning those calories.

If you're planning to ride your bike around to run some errands, you can wear pretty much whatever you want as long as it's comfortable and allows a good range of movement. However, if you're serious about taking up cycling as a sport, there are a few items you might want to pick up:

If you're thinking about attending your first yoga class, first of all, congratulations! All kinds of people enjoy the benefits of yoga, and you're about to join them!

You should know that, as long as you're wearing something that's comfortable, doesn't restrict movement, and won't make you too hot, any clothes you choose should be fine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when packing your gym bag for yoga class:

The gym I attend has the initials GHFC, and it's often referred to as Gainesville Hair & Fashion because many of the members put a lot of thought into how they look for their workouts. I don't spend much time on make-up or hair for my workout, and I don't always match all that well, there are times when I want to look a bit nicer.

For example, I tried a new class this past Monday -- Hip Hop Live (it was awesome, but I'll tell you about it in another post). I actually stressed a bit over what to wear. I ended up looking like a dork, but my wardrobe was only part of the problem.

Also, if you're joining a new gym, sometimes you also want to make friends or meet someone special who shares your interests, in which case it makes a lot of sense to put some effort into your appearance.

For you ladies who are looking to incorporate a few special pieces into your workout wardrobe, check out Nina Bucci. You'll find everything from capris and workout pants to bra tops and jackets, with a few extras thrown in for good measure (like bottom cover-ups). While the prices are a little steep ($63 for a "mini tee"), there is a section for 50% off items that's well worth checking out!