Feeling good, looking great! GayNZ.com's fitness guru Julz Darroch has some welcome advice on what to wear at the gym... Why is it that clothes apparently maketh a man and yet we shouldn't judge a book by its cover? I can't work it out. Perhaps my sports bra is cutting off the oxygen supply to my brain? Anyway, one of those pieces of wisdom is sure to be sound advice. Bottom line is though, that while to many of us there's no point in experiencing all the advantages of exercising if you look terrible, it's true that you should exercise even if you don't look the part. So the truth is: It's a bit about the outfit, a bit of how you look in the outfit and a bit more about how you feel in the outfit. Still, it's no good if you have a chest that says 'come and get me big boy' if your ass says made in china. Undies Speaking about asses, let's talk about the G-string. The theory behind the G-string is that after enough jumping up and down your smalls, no matter how large they are, will disappear up your butt anyway so why not pop them there in the first place and save the trip. If you butt keeps eating your undies but you can't face a G-string try no knickers at all, you can guarantee no visible panty line and you'll save a fortune in soap powder. Bras OMG! I could write an entire article, wait a book on the topic of the right bra. (And possibly a sequel or two on the delights of the contents…) If you are an amply-endowed woman then the old double bra trick works a treat, a steel reinforced, industrial grade, divide and conquer nylon number on the inside with a compression style, breathing optional, crop top on the outside. Lusty flex, dri-cool, no-sweat nanotech fibres The market is flooded with this stuff these days. It's awesome stuff, especially if you are running a marathon or doing a multiday trek. Doing a barbell class or a quick jog round the block? Perhaps not so important but if you have enough cash don't let me stop you, that third world nation that could be saved with the amount your spending can wait… Just one more thing on the subject - they are tights boys, it doesn't matter if they are no sweat, extra fit, techno dry fabric, they are still tights! Accessories! There are some rules when it comes to those bits and pieces that aren't really clothes but that you feel naked without. If in doubt, go without. This does not extend to pink wristbands with black skull and crossbones as there is no doubt I work harder and look cooler when I wear mine- despite the opinions the wife, the ex, the daughter, son, big sister, lady in the front row of my boxing class... Julz Darroch is a Wellington-based Personal Trainer and Fitness Educator with 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. Send your fitness-related questions and personal training enquiries to julzdarroch@actrix.co.nz. There's more fitness advice from Julz on the links below. Julz Darroch - 1st March 2010