Thursday, July 11, 2013

the Erika Method for choosing sports

Thanks for your excitement and support yesterday, yall. That means so much to me and each of your words of encouragement and hope made me feel all warm and fuzzy, so thank you!!

And now back to your regularly scheduled nonsense.

As I was mentally preparing my outfit for tennis lessons on Tuesday night, it suddenly occurred to me that since I have demonstrated such commitment to and excitement about my new sport (played twice), I should reward myself with a cute tennis skirt...because if you're going to play a sport, it's important to dress the part, right?

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 I mean, surely there's a reason women wear skirts to play tennis in other than the fact that they're cute, right? So I didn't want to miss out on whatever that reason is, so clearly I needed to go shopping.

So I did, and although I technically bought a running skirt (who knew?! Now running can be cute, too!), I definitely felt like a more legit tennis player during lessons that night. Some people say that like 80% of the game is mental (okay, I made up the statistic AND have no idea whether that saying applies to tennis, actually, but I'm pretty sure I heard something like that applied to SOME sport, so whatever)...I would like to say that 80% of the game is dressing the right way.

And then I realized that apparently I feel this way about every sport or athletic endeavor I attempt. I think I have an issue with workout clothes.

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

My workout wardrobe is seriously way better than my 'real' wardrobe. I need to get a job in a gym so that I can have more opportunities to be cute (without feeling obligated to sweat or get stinky). But I've noticed that over the past year or two, almost every new sport or fitness thing I attempt tends to 'require' cute new clothes. Let's review:

1) Zumba. Oh yes. Zumba classes found me rushing out to buy workout leggings (in multiple lengths) and loads of neon tops and sports bras. Oh and two different pairs of neon shoes. Trust me, your ability to dance and burn calories increases proportionate to the number of neon things you are wearing.
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2) Running. Thankfully, for running I can use most of my Zumba clothes (leggings and tanks being my preferred outfit), but you do need cute running shoes (different from Zumba shoes) and about 10 pairs of Nike Tempo shorts (or knock-offs) to maintain cred on the treadmill. If all of your cute/preferred tops are dirty, it is moderately acceptable to wear an old nasty t-shirt while running. But only if you're outdoors in the country. Not acceptable at the gym.

3) Tennis. I've already discussed this, but it seems that cute and sporty skirts are the way to go here. So far I'm pairing them with my favorite neon tops and shoes, but if I decide I need something preppier, I'm not opposed to going shopping again. Surprisingly. 

I've also taken up some sports with decidedly less cute wardrobe requirements.

1) Biking. I had to buy some of those padded-butt bike shorts. Wow. Trust me, this booty doesn't need padding (except for when riding...it feels like it does), so I apologize to anyone who has to see me in those. I normally just wear them under some Nike Tempos so that the padding part isn't so ugly. Also, bike shorts are banded at the bottom (so that they don't slide up while you ride) and therefore squeeze in on the middle of your thigh, giving you this amazing little Thigh Fat Roll. Trust me. It's awesome. To be honest, as much as I'm enjoying bike riding, I don't know if it's the best way to make yourself look cute. My thighs have GOTTEN BIGGER (I guess it's muscle, but who cares? The net result is that jeans and shorts look LESS CUTE) as I've progressed, and I'm just not a fan of that. So I'm struggling to figure out the redeeming characteristics of biking as exercise. Not the wardrobe. Not the way it makes your thighs look. ......??? anyone?? Oh, also DOGS CHASE YOU, which is not particularly fun. That never happens during Zumba.

2) Swimming.

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I have almost this exact suit. Trust me, it does not look like this on me. Nor does swimming make me look like this. Possibly because I only do it for about 10 minutes every other week? Who knows. I can't stay committed to a sport that requires me to look so extremely un-cute while participating.

Alright, so those are the current sports I participate in (to some extent). Clearly, the cuter the clothes, the more I like the sport. Therefore I would like to take a minute to examine some sports I don't participate in and evaluate the likelihood that I might take them up in the future (when the Clothing Budget gets filled again, perhaps).

1. Golf.
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Skirts! Looks basically like tennis, only a little preppier? Sign me up. Plus you'd get a killer tan. I could definitely do golf.

2. Basketball
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Baggy, shapeless, long shorts and wide-strapped tank tops? NO THANK YOU. I will not be taking up basketball anytime in the near future, thanks.

3. Horseback Riding

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Oh Lord, yes. Adorable skinny pants, tall boots, structure jackets? Why did I not take up this sport years ago? And let us be specific: that kind of equestrian wear is appropriate. NOT this...

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Alright. That was loads of fun, but now I need to get to work. In my boring, non-exciting work clothes. Such is life!

25 comments:

  1. Love it! I took up running initially because it was "a free workout" but then I started buying clothes and gear and stuff....not so free.

    And girl, I also teach Zumba. The crazier the colors, the better! Gotta look the part! :)

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  2. Cute workout clothes totally make it worth it! Even if you get dressed in your cute clothes and then bail on your workout, which I may or may not have done a few times.

    Also, my college had a pretty decent equestrian team and I remember being quite jealous of their outfits when they would come in to the dining hall after practice.

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  3. What's wrong with a white jacket filled with flowers, matching red scarf and pants with a weird crotch button area and a gynormous belt buckle? :)

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  4. This method sounds equally as scientific as your March Madness bracket picking!

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  5. Neon is just something I don't understand... it should have died in the 80's-90's in my opinion... but if it helps me dance better, there might be redemption yet!

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  6. I loved your adoption update, and I just really hope you get a baby soon!!!! And then you can buy the baby matching workout outfits!! Or accessories, I suppose. Jogging stroller, bike trailer, little tiny sunglasses and sun hats. Cuteness.

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  7. I swear we think so much alike! I'm pretty sure not having the proper amount of neon is the reason that Zumba and I did not work out!

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  8. As a former soccer player, I would like to submit soccer as another contender for sports that make you look ugly...

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  9. I am dying over here. Last Saturday we had a Zumba party in the park, and there was so much neon there is was blinding. I was wearing bright blue pants and a neon yellow sports bra under my tank. The winter sports (skiing, snowboarding) all have really cute clothes too.

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  10. Apparently I need to get into Zumbo because that outfit looks way comfy and I'm all about covering up my hideous looking thighs! Plus neon is my favorite right now, mainly pink of course because it makes you appear to have a great tan even if you dont :)

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  11. Ok, this post is the reason in a nutshell why I have never joined a gym. Or played a sport, really. Way too much fashion knowledge (which we know I do not have) is required. Plus money to spend on clothes. Plus feeling completely self conscious about what you're wearing in addition to worrying about how ridiculous you look attempting an activity that makes you feel awkward. Yep. I'm never working out again.

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  12. This is fantastic. I really want to run in one of those cute running skirts, but if I don't wear leggings...ouch. That's all I have to say.

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  13. YES, I love Zumba clothes!! hahaha I do feel that if you dress the part and you feel like you look good then you are more likely to continue with the exercising.

    Hope you enjoy the tennis :)

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  14. I hereby call for a FASHION WEEK Featuring Work Out Clothes!!!

    And obviously I would like Zumba better if I owned some neon so I need to go shopping before I try Zumba again.

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  15. I could not agree MORE! I am a workout clothes addict!
    When I started playing golf 4 years ago I told my husband that "looking the part" is half the battle!
    I take dressing for athletic endeavors very seriously.
    Side note - I am a HUGE fan of athletic skirts (running, tennis, golf) I love them all. My fav one I purchased at Target a while back and I love it so much that I frequently wear it when I am NOT doing anything athletic.

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  16. You are so funny! I loved this post! I would have added in yoga. I dress like I do it every day.

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  17. I was unaware of a special Zumba uniform. Very interesting. I love tennis clothes. I play tennis and all the skirts are so fun and FUNctional!

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  18. I guess that is why I am not very committed to working out. I have 2 pair of gym shorts and old t-shirts that I go for walks/jogs in. I think the best outfits are the horseback riding ones. Maybe after you get tennis under your belt you can try that. Some sports you should look into is winter sports they have some cute clothes.

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  19. Tennis is and has always been my very favorite sport. And it is so crucial to have a great tennis skirt. And there is no reason other besides what you mentioned.....dress the part.....and give Serena and Maria a run for their money....I mean in the outfit dept obv, not the actual tennis playing part. It's more like a leisure sport. At least it is to me :))

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  20. You may have found a way for me to actually be interested in sports... :)

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  21. I vote for Erika as Personal Trainer--cute clothes, less sweat, and I can personally attest to your motivational prowess. All of your posts about training for the triathalon helped me finally get my rear in gear and start running (which I have claimed to hate most of my life). Last night I ran 2 miles without stopping for the first time in the history of ever. All I need now are some cute clothes to go along with it :)

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  22. I totally noticed your cute tennis skirt on Tuesday was appropriately jealous. :) My cute workout clothes are only yoga appropriate. Pants on the tennis court?? NOT HAPPENING.

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  23. This is one of my favorite posts of yours so far. Had me laughing out loud. LOVED it! I also have that same Nike suit, except on me...it looks like crap. Lastly, I don't mean to be gross or vulgar, but if you look closely at the front of that cowgirl's pants...looks like she might be a cowboy. Just sayin.

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  24. This was seriously the best blog I've ever seen. And I feel the same way about horseback riding. I wanted to be an equestrian all these years because of those high boots and preppy clothing. Then I rode a horse as an adult and realized it is getting punched in the crotch, no thank you. Luckily, high boots came back in style and now I don't have to. You forget to include sumo wrestling in your roundup, BTW.

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