Mindset

March 30, 2022

Head to Toe Confidence while Working Out

Do you think that looking good while working out is a waste of time? Who cares, you’re just going to get sweaty and dirty again anyway right? Wrong. Like many others, I would just go to the gym in basketball shorts and a t-shirt thinking, “I’m here to sweat, not look cute!” It didn’t take long for me to realize that the same image you carry with you in your work and personal life is the same image you carry with you to the gym. I didn’t want to be the woman dressed to the 9’s any other time but looking sloppy while I work out.

Looking unattractive while working out for me guarantees a lack of confidence. Remember the way you look always affects your image, your image has a direct affect on your self esteem, and your self esteem will affect your workout. When your self esteem is high you’re more confident. When you’re more confident, even if your fitness level is low you will feel good, go harder, and be more motivated to complete your workout.

If going harder and being more motivated to work out is not enough for you to ditch the oversized workout t-shirt, consider that the gym can be a social place. As an image consultant I meet people everyday, everywhere. I always have to be on my A game as I am always the face of my business in the gym — or not. Looking good while working out will insure you have confidence to ask “where’s the leg press?” Or even when that gym cutie wants to come up to you and say hi.

So, I’ve sold you on looking cute at the gym but you’re still not quite sure how. Keep reading…

Hygiene

Hygiene issues can be especially noticeable once you start breathing and moving around at during your workout. It is important to shower daily, use deodorant, and brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to disinfect any gym equipment before and after use and bathe after every workout. These little Lysol disinfectant sprays are perfect to fit even in the smallest of gym bags.

Haircare

Get a gym-friendly hairstyle. If your plan is to be at the gym a lot you’ll need a style that is relatively low maintenance. Keep your hair neat and out of your face. Twists, braided styles, and even some forms of extensions are good for gym wear. To make sure your hair does not get sweaty opt for a high ponytail style. You can also use cotton headbands and sweatbands. Consider an appointment with a hairstylist to discuss how you can meet your hair goals with an active lifestyle. Click here to book with me.

Face

Regardless of the controversy, don’t be scared to wear a little make-up to the gym. Especially if you’re single (I’m just saying). You don’t need a pound of make-up. However, you should have a go to “gym face.” Which will consist of a light layer of tinted moisturizer or mineral foundation depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin opt for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. If you have oily skin opt for a mineral foundation to keep shine to a minimum. Next, you need a waterproof mascara. My favorite is Urban Decay LashFreak, it will not budge despite pouring swear from your work out! And finally, a tinted lip balm to complete the look.

Body

First things first, know your colors. Knowing your personal best colors will allow you to set the tone for your workout. Colors have different meanings, and everyones’ colors that energize and vitalize them are unique. If you do not know your personal best colors consider having a color analysis performed by an Image Consultant. Click here to read my blog post on why color analysis is so important.

Along with knowing your colors comes flattering and perfecting your silhouette. Wear something that is comfortable and flatters your body shape. If you are self-conscious about lumps and bumps, try tummy-control athletic leggings and tops, and high coverage sports bras which will smooth and conceal problem areas.

Speaking of sports bras… a well fitting sports bra is invaluable. Wearing the wrong bra size (or one not specifically created for exercise) can lead to serious health problems including back, neck, and breast pain, and poor posture. It can also affect the appearance of your breasts, both short and long term. Making it crucial that you get measured and get a bra that gives your bust the support that it needs.

Workout clothes are an investment and your time at the gym will involve sweat — a whole lot of sweat. For this reason you should opt for more expensive moisture-wicking fabrics, like athletic wear crafted with a lycra blend, nylon, bamboo, or polyester. These fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and will wick moisture away from your skin.

Feet

Have you ever heard the saying that you can tell someones’ social class by how well kept their shoes are? Don’t get mistaken for the person who only has a gym membership to use the showers. Pay attention to your footwear. Many times I see people in the gym with shoes that are falling apart. Not only is this unattractive, it’s also unhealthy for you feet and your joints. Wear comfortably fitting shoes that are appropriate for the kind of workout you are performing. I own and love a pair of Levitate by Brook’s (Can be purchased here). Brook’s makes excellent sneakers for any athletic occasion, this is my third pair.

Accessories

Matching your accessories to your outfits is great way to add some personality and fun to your workout look. This is also where knowing your colors comes in handy. I don’t expect you to have all pink workout clothes and accessories but when you know your best personal colors, everything coordinates together flawlessly. With that being said here are some appropriate gym accessories:

Stud earrings – earring will add a bit of style to any look however basic stud earrings can poke you if you will be wearing headphones. Consider screw back earrings, they won’t cause you pain and they won’t get lost during your workout.

Gym bag – Get a stylish gym bag that suits your needs. If you take showers at the gym get a duffle bag to carry any essentials and change of clothes you will need. If you’re the kind of person who is in and out the gym, a small backpack may be all you need.

Water bottle – Water bottles come in all shapes and sizes, remember you will have to carry the water bottle around with you during your workout. For this reason I suggest against gallon water bottles. Try a smaller one instead, like this collapsible water bottle.

Hand towel – If you’re not sweating in the gym, you’re not doing something right. Sweat in the gym is unavoidable. Carry a hand towel so you can wipe the sweat before it gets into your eyes. I’ve been there… on the treadmill, running, wishing there was something, anything, that I could wipe the sweat off my face with.

Sweatbands – Again with the sweat… Any kinds of sweat absorbing essentials will come in handy. They have ankle bands, wrist bands, headbands and many other items that can help you manage your sweating and to ensure you look great while you work out.

Apple Watch – I use my Apple Watch for so many different things. One of the most incredible features is the Fitness app where I can track all my exercise and calories burned for the day. If you don’t have one yet I highly suggest purchasing it here.

With all that said looking good in the gym is only part of the equation to workout confidence, remember to pick achievable fitness goals. Finishing your workouts with a healthy level of effort will make you look good and give you lasting confidence to meet your fitness goals in the long term.

December 31, 2021

Color Analysis Will Change Your Life!

Did you know that the psychology behind color attracts attention and emotional response? A recent Canadian study shows that 90% of consumer first impressions come from an assessment of color. The color you wear also impacts the way you perceive yourself — your self-confidence, your comfort, and your energy. If you want to be noticed and remembered when you walk into a room keep reading this post.

The importance of color

We live in a world full of color, which makes it important that we learn how to utilize color as an asset. Colors alert the brain by sending subliminal messages. The colors you wear can make or break your image. Studies show that when you’re wearing the right colors, you have a greater influence and impact on those around you. Not only that, you also look and feel great. There is no substitute for the way you look and feel when you wear the most complimentary colors to suit your skin, hair, eyes — and even your freckles, and tooth enamel.

The right colors

Never underestimate the power of color analysis. Color is a big part of your image, you need to find out what colors work best for you and wear them all the time. By knowing your personal colors you will be able to select your outfits and color combinations with confidence. Wearing the right colors for your clothing, accessories, hair, and makeup will make you look younger, slimmer, healthier, and more vibrant.

Color can also impact people’s moods in many ways. Think of how you feel during a gray cloudy day vs how you feel during a bright sunny day. Keeping color in mind when you’re choosing your outfits allows you to invite the feelings you want others to experience. Understand the message you want to send and choose your colors accordingly. When you know and apply the right colors to your image, you’ll shine. This is what gives you an edge when it comes to your personal and professional image.

The wrong colors

It is said that no amount of high-end fashion, expensive haircuts, best brand make-up, or even plastic surgery will hide the negative effects of wearing the wrong colors. The wrong colors just do not harmonize and will cause your complexion to appear tired, older, dull, and uninteresting. The wrong colors can even make you look sick, granting you the day off work if necessary. Also the wrong colors bring out imperfections such as bags, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation, etc. If you have dark facial hair, it shows a lot more when you’re wearing the wrong colors.

While these are all unfortunate occurrences, this is the reality of wearing colors that clash with your natural coloring. You can hire a tailor to make clothes bigger or smaller but, the wrong color you cannot fix. When you invest in a color analysis with a certified image consultant, you enable yourself to stop wasting money on the wrong colors. An image consultant can teach you the elements of color fashion experts and make-up artists use to mix and match outfits and create stunning make-up color combinations.

Finding the right colors

A professional color analysis preformed by a certified image consultant is the best way to ensure you’re selecting the right colors for you. During your color analysis you will be draped with different colors and you can see how the colors react differently with your skin. When draped with the right colors wrinkles will appear to lessen and you’re going to look younger, brighter, and healthier. An image consultant not only knows how to make her clients look good but, look great.

We can all wear most colors however, it is the specific hue, clarity, contrast, and undertone that make the difference. Because we all have different skin, hair, and eyes with different undertones we have to find our personal colors that enhance and blend with our natural coloring. A properly trained image consultant will not only consider your skin, hair, and eyes but also your personality too.

Taking everything into account

The very first thing everyone will notice about you is the color you’re wearing. Wearing the right colors in your makeup, clothing, and accessories can balance and enhance your entire look. Making you look good and feel better about yourself no matter what size, shape, or age you are. A professional image consultant can help you find the right colors for you personally with a service called color analysis. If you want to be noticed, respected, and remembered wear your personal colors.

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