Being in the health and fitness industry for 16 plus years I have seen it all, heard it all, and experienced a lot of it myself as well!
Here are the most common questions most are thinking to ask but too afraid to bring it up.
#1 What if I have to go to the Bathroom during class:
Do your best to visit the restroom before or after class, but sometimes when you gotta go you gotta go. No need to tell the teacher or apologize, just politely leave the room trying to not make a scene and then just hop right back in where you left off as quietly and non discreet as possible.
The same goes for coughing fits, allergy attacks or anything else that should prompt the need for you to leave class. Head out quickly and quietly, and return the same way. Don’t worry about other people noticing!
#2 I sweat so much is that normal?
Sweat is normal, and it’s not gross! Don’t be embarrassed if you sweat. I always say as an instructor if you are not sweating I feel a little offended. It actually makes your workout better and really helps get inpuritys released from your body.
Also your skin actually benefits from sweat! Your pores open and release dirt on the surface of your skin. It also boosts your immune system too.
If you sweat a lot bring an extra towel with you, and maybe even an extra shirt to absorb more and not be so obvious if you are self conscious about it. You can wear a headband or wrist bands to wipe sweat so it doesn’t get in your eyes or in the way of your workout!
I am in favor of sweat nothing says hard work more than a nice sweat angel on your floor after your done!
#3 My Workout Clothes Have Permanent Stink .. Can You Get Rid of It?
Baking soda: Add 1 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle (note that vinegar does better in the rinse cycle, while baking soda is best used right up front in the wash cycle);
Laundry boosters: Use a booster like Borax or Charlie’s Soap in addition to your detergent;
Specialty detergents: Check out brands such as WIN, Tide Plus Febreze Sport, OdorXIt,OdorKlenz, and Scent-A-Way
Sunshine: Good old sunshine is a fantastic odor neutralizer; turn items inside out to prevent fading and to maximize the freshening power of sunlight (that sounded like terrible marketing copy, oof);
The freezer: Yup! Go on and freeze your gym clothes, which will kill smells (this also works great on jeans that you’d prefer not to wash).
Best for laundering gym gear:
Allow items to air out a bit immediately after use rather than tossing them directly into the hamper/laundry bag while damp from your workout;
Turn garments inside out;
Wash with cold water to preserve the integrity of high tech fibers;
Use less detergent to prevent build up;
Avoid fabric softener;
Add a ½ to full cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash to keep odors at bay;
Air or low-heat dry.
# 4 What if people can see my underwear or sweaty crotch?
You don’t need to have a fancy matching outfit, but you should choose clothes that allow movement. I prefer capri pants and a tank top. If you prefer to cover your shoulders, choose longer T-shirts that will stay tucked.
No flashing: To keep your shirt from falling down during inversions, tuck it in, or choose a snug-fitting shirt that hits your hip. Do a test: Can you lift your arms without exposing your bellybutton? If you do choose tanktops, lean over and make sure your chest doesn’t fall out. Take a couple of twists for safe measure to see if anything budges. If you don’t like snug-fitting tanks, choose one that has adjustable cords around the bottom or is baggy around the middle but tight at the bottom. (If you have a slip, don’t make a big deal. Chances are no one is in a position to see. Adjust and move on. It happens to the best of us!)
Go with black: Light colored yoga pants are super cute, but I will only wear black to avoid showing sweat in places no one wants to see. (When they get sweaty, a lot of light colored pants are see-through, too.)
Don’t go super low (on pants that is): Low-rise pants are not a good fit for exercise. With all the twisting and flowing, you might end up exposing your crack.
Test your pants before you buy them. Bend over and touch your toes (or not!); sit down and twist to one side; squat down–did you feel a breeze back there? If so, choose a pair that comes up higher.
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, Target has a great active line. I also love TJ Maxx for quality brands that fit all types of bodies. and theDanskin line at Walmart are great. If you want to spend a little more on workout clothes, check out Lululemon, Athleta, and Lucy.
#5 If I am too sore I shouldn’t work out right?
If you can barely get up from the toilet, roll out of bed, stand up from desk etc… NOT working out would be the WORST thing to do! Bringing movement and blood flow to the areas of soreness allow the muscles to break up your lactic acid and work that soreness out!! You will feel much better if you move than if you stop and sit. Go at a pace that is not too intense but keeps your warm and feeling great!
Now you don’t have to be self conscious or feel embarrassed entering your gym!
Fit Chic