Starting in 4th grade, I started wearing Umbros. Usually navy or black. That’s what we all wore for soccer / field hockey / lacrosse.
In college, I started going to the gym regularly. I still wore my Umbros and paired them with old t-shirts. I didn’t really care what I looked like when I went to the gym per se. I just wanted to work out but I also did not want to draw attention to myself.
After college, I noticed that all the women in the gym wore capris, usually black. It took me a while to embrace the capri. I thought that they drew more attention to my legs than shorts because of their silhouette. There were also the women at the gym wearing super bright colors and form fitting clothes. I would look at them and think, “That could never be me.”
Capris are now a staple in my workout wardrobe, usually black and sometimes gray. Always muted colors.
Last week, I put on my capris and tank top and headed out to the gym. As I stepped on the elliptical, I looked over at the mirror and stopped in my tracks. I didn’t realize that I was wearing electric blue capris. Yikes.
You see, I’ve been so used to working out in the basement gym of my condo. Very few of my neighbors use this gym so I usually don’t think twice about what I wear. I forgot that I was headed out to a real gym that would be packed with people.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I started to feel embarrassed. I was drawing way too much attention to myself and I kind of wanted to shrink down to a tiny little ball and disappear. I kept thinking how the blue accentuated my curves and really wasn’t all that flattering on me.
I looked again and made myself stop. And then I laughed. Who cares what color my capris are?
Source: weheartit.com via Christine on Pinterest
OK, I may not be as confident as that quote suggests but I’m working on it.
P.S. Thank you all for your kind comments, tweets and texts. After lying in bed sick for the past 3-4 days, I’m starting to feel more human again. I’m itching to move and workout but promise to rest some more and take it easy.
What color are your workout clothes? Do you think flashy clothes and sneakers = a more confident person?
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I used to worry about what I wore to run or to head to the gym all the time. I stuck to black, navy and grey as a rule, just like you. After I hit goal weight I leaned even more on the black, always maintaining the poor body images regardless of the 70 pound weight loss. Somehow, someway, over the past year, I have found a way to embrace colors and build the confidence to wear them… despite the fact that I have gained some of my weight back and I am fighting to take it back off. I don’t worry about what other people think anymore… I have worked hard to feel great about who I am and I don’t care if people don’t like my neon purple tights!!!
Sarah MomRunningonEmpty recently posted..Ever wish you could experience a Groundhog’s day??
Amen!! I totally agree Sarah and congrats on your weight loss!! That is so awesome and you have every reason to be proud of how hard you work. I also have a pair of neo purple capris that I adore! They were my gateway into colored capris
I love bright tops and flashy sneakers, but all of my capris and workout pants are black! I sweat like a super freak and am horrified of how that would look in pants…. but I always LOVE seeing people in bright workout clothes!
Maggie @ fatbottomslim recently posted..On Fire At Pilates ProWorks & GapFit’s Awesome Event: TRX With Will Arrufat
You know, I didn’t think about the sweat factor! So thanks for saving me from an inevitable embarrassing moment at the gym
You make a great point, who really cares what we wear to the gym. Nobody but ourselves, but that person is the hardest to please. It is so nice to become comfortable enough that we just don’t care (aside from being clean at least).
I usually wear black, brown or grey pants or capris, but mostly because I like to wear bright tops, and I don’t want to clash with my pants
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..Awesome Vegan Athlete: Arian Foster
It’s really funny but now it takes me forever to get dressed for the gym because I have to coordinate my tops and bottoms now!! So much easier with black or grey
I used to always wear black EVERYTHING. The workout wardrobe has been one of the last vestiges of the transition to color. I recently bought a pair of purple heathered capris (my first non-black or dark grey) and I still feel funny in them.
Girl, I saw your new profile picture and you have good reason to have people stare. You are fierce!
I’m trying to embrace more color in my life in more ways than one.
Glad you’re better!
Melissa Burton recently posted..Healthy Timesavers
I love that you are embracing more color in your life (in lots of different ways)! Those purple heathered capris sound awesome. And thank you. xox
I love wearing fun colors when I work out. It’s just more motivating to me as I work out. And I think that it gives you confidence, too.
Jen recently posted..Sick Day, but Exciting News!
If we’re working out, we should have fun, right?!
So glad you are feeling better!
I wear black mostly… but it’s my favorite color!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Plump My Ride + WIAW
I am a mix of bright colors with black and grey. Hope you are feeling tip top very soon!
Thanks Elle. I feel so much better now!
Oh goodness. I have the exact opposite problem. I’m in the sandals-with-socks phase of my life. Okay, I don’t really wear sandals with socks, but I mean, kind of equivalent. Like, I wear my pajama pants to the gym…the fleece ones with Angry Birds on them that are a few inches too short. And if I shower at the gym, I leave with a towel wrapped around my head. I don’t know when this lack of caring happened. I think some of it’s because I’m 30, some because I’m married, and most because I live in Tacoma, WA, and seriously, I don’t really think anyone here cares to judge me. What I do know is that when I have kids, they will surely be embarrassed by me. And I will not care that they’re embarrassed, because just like my father before me, I will know: No one cares. Except my kids.
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..Wholistic Health
haha. I love this Becky. There is power in knowing the truth that no one cares, isn’t there?? Our poor kids will just have to suffer until they figure it out for themselves.
I don’t own any capris or tights that aren’t black. I feel like it screams LOOK AT MY BUTT! Plus, I think about sweat marks – will I get the sweaty crack? hehehe! You know you’ve seen people with that at the gym and made a mental note never to wear gray capris!
I do have brighter tops and a few shorts. I mostly wear muted colors because those are my favorite colors. Although I must say I really like your electric blue capris in the pic. Maybe it’s time to branch out??
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Eats From The Week #1 + Healthier Fudge Brownie
See, I didn’t think about the sweat factor!! And I’m glad that I didn’t before heading to the gym or when I realized that I was wearing these bright blue capris because I surely would have headed straight home. Good thing I didn’t run or something in them!! haha. I have to admit though that the colored capris are fun. I got these on sale at Old Navy so minimal investment for a fun piece
i’m with angela! wearing non-black bottoms is hard for me…but colored tops are not!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Healthy sELF Challenge
I used to be really self-conscious about what I wore to the gym or to various sports practices. Then I slowly started to realize it was all in my head. I hardly ever pay attention to what someone is wearing at the gym, unless its totally inappropriate. At that point I started transitioning into wearing clothing to the gym that made ME feel better. Yes, some colors do make me feel mor confident, and there for my workout is better because of it. When I feel good, I work harder because I believe in myself more. That’s silly, but we’re all kind of guilty of it.
Black or grey is about as far as I can go with capris or running tights. I’ve tried bright pink, white (stupid), purple, blue…. I just like to stick to a nice blak bottom. Anything else makes me feel like I’m running around going HEY YOU LOOK AT MY THIGHS!! LOOK AT ALL MY CELLULITE. As for tops, its the complete opposite, though. The brighter the better
Charlotte recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: One Week From Today
It’s so true – I realized that I only really notice what someone is wearing at the gym is they are totally inappropriate…or smelly. Or if it’s a hot guy
All of my capris/pant are black or dark blue. I have one pair of electric blue like yours, but I wear them to lounge around in or jut for work outs at home. I have the same fears about sweaty marks as Angela
I did recently buy a canary yellow winter coat…I’ve gotten a lot of “that’s a bright coat” hmmm, really? I think the reaction I’m getting to the coat is exactly why we fall into the safe zone with colors!
AmyC recently posted..Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 16s
Maybe it’s just the grey winter but I’ve totally been craving color lately. But I totally didn’t think about the sweat marks! OK, I’ll still wear my electric blue capris but be a bit more judicious as to what activity I will wear them for
Im a FLASHY SNEAKER person whose typically clad in black apparel.
unless Im not
Miz recently posted..Im in love with Sweet Relish!
I always wore black. Now I am digging colors. I do think some of that has to do with the fact that over recent years my self-confidence has increased dramatically. I used to really doubt myself and had a rather negative self-image. Still working on changing that but headed in the right direction. Now I say bring on the neon
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..WIAW + Pretty in Pink Juice
Love that Madeline. I’m with you and I think that’s a bit reason why I’m embracing the color too. My self-confidence has grown of the years (or maybe I just don’t care anymore!). Glad to hear we’re both headed in the right direction.
Ohhh umbros!!!! I was in a phase where all my shirts were white and shorts were black…but the last 6 months i have broke free and I’m loving the variety in colors
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..ING Miami Half Marathon Race Report – PR Alert
I have to admit, there’s a part of me that misses my umbros
that was me! I wore black or green umbros and adidas shirts! sexy, right? I thought capris looked crazy on me too. But now, i LOVE the blue. You look great… CONFIDENT!
lindsay recently posted..Wellness Walk and Talk
I loved my umbros so much. Don’t forget the adidas sandals!
I’ll bet you rocked your electric blue capris! Good for you. I definitely fall into that muted category. I think a large part of that is my age. Give me 10-20 yrs. back, and I might go for the color!
misszippy recently posted..What’s your (exercise) type?
This is awesome on so many levels. First, I grew up wearing umbros. Although I did play soccer I also found myself wearing them day in and day out. I loved them. A couple years ago I even bought a couple generic pairs. Gotta love them. As for the capris, it took me a long time to embrace them as well but now that I have I love them. Like you, I tend to stick with muted colors and actually just had this conversation about bright colors with myself yesterday. I personally prefer brighter colored clothes in general but have since gone more muted for versatility. Great post!
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..I’m A @MizunoRunning Maniac
Thank you Heidi. I hadn’t thought about my umbros in a very long time but seriously – best.shorts.ever. I still primarily wear black on bottom – ingrained in my head that black is slimming and will minimize the butt but sometimes it’s fun to have fun, right?
Adore that quote! And thinking about Umbros makes me giggle. We would try to find reasons to be able to wear them to school in 9th and 10th grade. They were too short for dress code but if you had cheerleading practice they counted right
I typically would wear running shorts and a sports bra to the gym b/c I get SOOOOO hot. Then I started to get self-conscious b/c of the men in the weight area staring and not one other female dressed the same – usually they were wearing baggy t-shirts over capris or even baggier shorts. So then I started wearing tanks. At home, all bets are off – booty shorts (as hubby calls them) and sports bra and a fan blasting on me
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Meal Prepping and I Heart Post
I would try to wear my umbros under my uniform skirt. Kind of bulky but I would still do it! That is so funny about getting so hot when you work out. I’m the same way. I turn beat red. I think that’s part of the reason why it took me so long to embrace the capris because I would overheat!
I used to wear black everything to the gym. Boring! In the past few years I have totally turned my wardrobe around & wear black bottoms with very colorful tops. Not confident enough to rock colored bottoms yet….soon!
Maureen recently posted..What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me STRONGER
I tend to wear more colored tops than bottoms. It’s fun to infuse some color!
I usually wear black capris with a bold shirt. I have a few pairs of colored capris but usually save those for yoga or when I work out at home. My Mizunos are a nice bright blue and I get lots of compliments on them.
Natalie recently posted..Getting it done.
The stare factor doesn’t bother me, but when I’ve had colored capris I’ve noticed that when I sweat, it’s a lot more, um, evident. LOL
uglyrunnerfeet recently posted..Stick in a pin in it!
So true! So many people have mentioned the sweat factor which I totally neglected to think about! haha.
This morning I ran in purple capris, and a neon green long sleeve shirt. I like being loud and flashy, not so much for the sake of other people, in fact I hate attention, but I love loud colors and if I’m going to work my butt off I may as well enjoy what I’m wearing and what I look like while I’m doing it.
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Amen to that!
The flashier the better!
I tend to stick with black capris though because I have a lot of fun tops and its easier to mix and match with solid color pants. As for shoes, I have always run in Nike but have recently switched because they are not keeping up with the fun colors the other companies are offering. I replace my shoes every 3 months, they need to be fun!
I think if you are happy, and feel good, then you will have a better workout!
Andrea recently posted..“Typical” Training and Babies
After I bought a couple of pairs of colored capris, I realized that I was making my life a little bit more difficult since I now have to make more of a effort to match my tops and bottoms!! haha. But totally agree – feeling good and happy is important to having a good workout!
I always go for plain black capris on the bottom (the area I’m more self conscious about, now that I think about it) but will wear a fun bright colored top, and there is something fun about feeling a little bit cuter in my work out clothes!
I never worried about the color of my workout clothes, but I do worry whether I show too much skin or not during my runs in the summer time.
I have, what I like to call, runner and soccer thighs. I prefer to wear black or grey, and I always wear capri’s. Whether it be 90 degree summer or 20 degree winter. However, almost all of my tops, sports bras and socks are neon or have pops of neon.
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly’s recently posted..Year of Baking: Joy the Baker’s Chocolate Bourbon Banana Bread
My bottoms are usually black or grey…I do like hot pink but I have yet to find a pair that look good lol
I love bright tops and shoes
Kierston recently posted..Ohhh I Love That…
I have a feeling that you would rock hot pink capris
HAHA. I typically wear black or grey capris but I pair it with hot pink accessories =) =) I prefer dark when I’m running b/c I sweat a lot and I like the sweat marks to be safely covered. I wore hot pink shorts one run and have never put them back on (for runs outside). It looked like I had an accident during the run :/
But I do love the color of your capris!!
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..PR Spotlight: Steve L
I love all your hot pink accessories. So I totally didn’t think about the whole sweat factor thing and totally makes sense. Good thing I wasn’t running that day at the gym or this post would have had a totally different tone! haha.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Too funny about the capris… I would admire them on someone else at the gym. And if anyone was looking at you, they were admiring how fit you are.
But I can identify with the umbros and tshirts, and slowly coming around to capris and brighter colors. I still avoid bright colored bottoms, mostly because I’m afraid if I sweat too much it will look like I peed myself. 
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..10 Winter Soup Favorites for the Crock Pot
After reading all these comments on this post, I’m only ever going to wear my bright blue capris to do non-sweaty workouts!! And thank you Laura. It’s nice to feel human again.
My capris are black, black, and more black – for all of the reasons that you have stated. My heart kind of pounded at the thought of electric blue – but you give me hope that maybe one day…
ilene recently posted..Happy Endings…Kind of
You would totally rock the electric blue capris!
Funny, I never thought of bright colored clothes equating confidence. But so true actually, but in a good way. WORK IT
You know I love my colored lulus, they are the best! glad you are feeling better!
jobo recently posted..The barre n9ne journey that just keeps getting better.
I swear that you and Jess have totally inspired me with the colored capris!
We all have done that! Looked in the mirror and thought..What?! escpecially now at 29 weeks, nothing looks really good and I do get stares as I walk through the weight section of the gym. It’s comical and all I can do is laugh. take it all in boys!!
I love the electric blue! Rock those capris!!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Cast your vote!
Those looks in the weight room when you’re pregnant are priceless! It definitely motivated me to keep working out throughout my pregnancy. haha.
I only have black…sad..but I love bright colors. I love your blue ones. I saw some fancy ones at Dicks the other day they were just so expensive so I passed! I think wear what you feel comfortable in
sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Healthy Blueberry Muffin Bake
LOVE THOSE!! Personally I ADORE all BRIGHT colors for capris or pants in general! SCREAMING PINK, NEON YELLOW or ORANGE… ELECTRiCUTED GREEN! HECK YES!
I love rocking pants that people think are weird, lol!
I love this! Good for you for taming that shameful voice in our head that tries to trick us into believing we are not good enough. LOVE your electric blue capris! Wear them daily!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Running… My Life Manual
Those voices truly are tricky, aren’t they?
xox
Rock those bright blue capris! I wish I could pull those off, but the voice inside my head is still too loud. One day I’ll get there!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life recently posted..LosingIt!
I really like your blue capris! I’m a black tights person, and also have a few grey pairs too. My funkiest tights are Team GB Olympic tights, with Union Jacks around both calves. I was going to get a pair of long tights in that colour until I realized my shoes are also bright blue and might clash. I prefer the trend of brightly coloured running shoes than bright coloured tights, so will stick to that and a bright shirt on top for now.
Danielle recently posted..Time for your piece: Ode to Robert Burns and a haggis
Thanks Danielle! I love your Team GB tights! Those sound awesome. I know, sometimes I feel like a huge clashing mess when I head to the gym with a bright shirt, bottoms and shoes! haha. No wonder people stare
I love this! I wear some crazy stuff at home but at least try to match in the gym. BUT, and I think running has done this for me, I wear whatever the he#% I want, brights, skirts, you name it. Some may say I’m too old to wear some of this stuff but I say eff em. Confident!
Love this Marcia!
I used to have a pair of Umbros in high school too!!! I thought I was so cool when I wore them. Haha. I love those blue carpis and I love the attitude you had wearing them. Who cares what people think! And where did you get those capris? Cause I think I want a pair:)
On sale at Old Navy!! I think I was willing to give them a go because they were on sale. haha. They are great though. Love them.
YES. I love this post. It shows how far you’ve come in your own growth as you find your way in your own skin and reminds me that this is a major reason why I actually am able to wear those bright colors now too. I’ve finally found comfort and peace in my own skin, bright colored lulu’s and all. SO glad you are there too, you’ve worked damn hard for it. (my fave continues to be my electric blue pair from lulu…but DYING to get the orange ones there this weekend!!)
Jess recently posted..Why (I) teach.
ohmygosh there are ORANGE ones?!?!?!
Have you seen that Pinterest sign that says “I wear back, because it’s a funeral for my fat” …or something like that… that’s how I feel. I love bright and crazy sneakers, though.
Martha recently posted..A Good Lawyer
I have seen that sign and kind of love it. I think that the crazy colored sneakers were my gateway into the crazy colors!
I’m okay wearing bright colors on top, but the shorts/capris have to be black. I wish I had the confidence to wear something a little more fun though!
Kimberly recently posted..Just A Dream
Awesome post, girl! I think we do this to ourselves from time to time, whether it’s about the color of our capris or a way a certain shirt makes us look or (gasp) when you realize you’re the only one wearing non-designer clothing in a yoga class filled with lulu (That’s happened.) But I LOVE your attitude because it’s true, it doesn’t matter..what matters is that you showed up for the gym and rocked whatever outfit you so choose
Plus I realize most of the time, people are far too busy judging/staring at themselves…we are all our #1 critics.
P.S. I really love your blog – thanks for stopping by mine today too!
Thanks Rachel! I’m glad that I found your blog too!
Im like you, before your comfort revelation. I hate wearing anything too tight or attention grabbing at the gym. And I don’t think capri’s look great on me. But it is silly isn’t it cause no one really cares! And I always think capri’s and bright clothes look great on other people.
I have always been a black/muted kind of girl. I NEVER wanted people to look at me in the gym or when running because I thought I looked “ugly sweating”. Boy has running and real healthy living changed me. Lately, I dipped into getting flashier shoes… which led to flashier tops… and now shorts. I walked out of the bedroom the other day in a pair of shorts that even made the boyfriend double take and ask WTF, but you know what? I walked right out the house and finished my 9 miles in them never thinking twice.
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..January #goalgetter2013 Results
haha! Love this Beka!!
Great post! My workout clothes are a mix of black and bright. What I wear totally depends on how confident I’m feeling – which lately isn’t super high, because my injury is keeping me away from the activities I really enjoy (running, Zumba, walking), and I’m feeling irrationally pudgy.
Arah recently posted..Art Sled Rally. Art sleds spin!
Oh no! I hope that you’re not out for too long. I had a hard time last year after knee surgery and definitely wasn’t prancing around in colored capris then. I hope that you feel better soon and get back to all those activities you enjoy!
I always workout in flashy bright clothes and running skirts, love it!
I love your running skirts!
I don’t have capris!! Now you’ve made me obsessed with getting a pair!
What do you mean you don’t have capris?? Really? Huh. Never knew that. You can get a nice bright colored pair from Old Navy
I used to be more conservative in my workout clothes, but lately I’ve been having fun with colors and patterns! I love those capris – I’m ready for some colored ones myself.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..February Fun: 28-Day Blog Challenge
I have electric purple, green and yellow cheetah capris just like RunWiki! LOVE them!
Jen recently posted..Marathon Training and Racing
Ahh Umbros, I had those too! How funny! During my first “gym rat” spell in the late 90′s, I never cared what I wore and didn’t really have official workout clothes except a couple of pairs of running shorts. I’m more picky about what I wear now….not sure if times have changed or if I can afford it now that I’m not a poor college kid! LOL
jan recently posted..Quotes Project
My workout pants are black and grey, but I do throw a brightly colored shirt in there every so often.
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@mfashforward recently posted..Go Red: Choosing and Styling the Color Red
I love seeing gals in brightly colored clothes at the gym – so many ( like myself) wear all black ( I do wear neon shoes) but wearing colors means you are confident and don’t care what others think. Which you shouldn’t care. I don’t care what others wear – so why would I think they care about my gym clothes? I say rock those electric blue capris!!
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Thanks Shanna!
I love that color blue! Kudos to you for going to the gym. If someone is going to judge you for what your wearing then they aren’t worth your time anyways. Loved this post. Reminded me I need to put on my capris and head to the gym myself!
Tabby
http://www.shoppingwives.com
Tabitha Vos recently posted..Don’t wanna miss a thing. Newsletter!
I think your capris are awesome
The 5th Level of Motherhood
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Thanks Melanie!
You are so cute! I honestly think that cute workout clothes can make a difference in your workout quality and consistency. If you feel good about yourself (and sometimes that comes with looking cute) you will probably push yourself harder because you’re not wasting any energy on worrying about what you look like or what others thing!
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