Tuning up for workouts - Body talk: black health and fitness.sports apparel, shoes, and health club etiquette - Brief Article

Ebony, April, 2002

THERE'S enough to worry about in the gym, from setting up and following your workout routine to using equipment to achieve your workout goals. But the one aspect of exercising that should never give you cause for alarm is your personal workout gear. From sneakers to leotards to tank tops, there is an etiquette of clothing dos and don'ts not only for your gear but for accessories like makeup, deodorant and towels. Using and maintaining your personal equipment is not only important in terms of good hygiene but is also a courtesy to your fellow gym-goers. And if you follow these simple rules, you will not only feel good, you will also look good.

1. Buy the best equipment you can afford and maintain it and clean it properly as instructed. And by equipment, we mean everything--shoes, clothing, knee-wraps, headbands, tennis racquets, even sports bottles. That doesn't mean that you should blow your whole budget on the new Jordans, but you should definitely go for quality. You'll spend more now, but you'll save in the long run.

2. Don't go overboard on makeup. Wearing lip-gloss or lipstick is fine, but putting on a face that would make Tammy Faye blush could cause problems, some fitness experts say. If you exercise with a lot of makeup on, it could a) run down your face, ruining the very aesthetic you want to advertise, and b) clog your pores, which could result in acne. You can, however, fill in your eyebrows with an eyebrow brush and use lip moisturizer.

3. Your workout gear should include at least two quality, comfortable outfits. While cotton allows your body to breathe and is the least expensive of all materials, keep the white cotton tees at home. They tend to stain in the armpits rather quickly, depending on your body chemistry. Avoid multicolored outfits and stick to three basic colors--anything more resembles Mardi Gras. When choosing your bottoms, wear shorts that allow a greater range of motion. For men, the shorts should fall a little above the knees. Women have more leeway on the length. Choose bottoms that fit nicely, nothing too tight or too droopy. Don't skimp on the quality--cheap bottoms will develop holes and rips in embarrassing places. If your budget allows, splurge on a dazzling warm-up suit.

4. Keep it clean. It's important to have fresh clothing for your daily workout. Athletic apparel should be washed frequently to avoid fungus buildup. Follow the instructions located on the tag of workout attire.

5. Travel with a towel. The last thing another Brother or Sister wants to find is hair grease on the mat or a puddle of sweat on the workout bench. In addition to keeping sweat off your brow, towels can be used to wipe down the equipment and keep your sweat off others. Most gyms provide towels for just such a reason.

6. Choose shoes that complement and protect you. Your shoes either give you the support and comfort you need or cause the blisters and shin splints you loathe.

Look for shoes that have cushioning for shock absorption, especially if you participate in high-impact aerobic exercises like running or tennis. You should also replace your shoes every 350 to 500 miles of use. Always use athletic socks.

For basketball players who spend almost 60 hours a month on the hardwood, that means changing shoes every month.