"It's very important to have the right clothing to exercise in. If you throw on an old T-shirt or sweats, it's not inspiring for your workout"

Cheryl Tiegs points to a subtle but powerful lever of behavior: what you wear shapes how you feel, and how you feel shapes what you do. Exercise clothing isn’t just fabric; it’s a cue that signals intention. Putting on supportive, purpose-built gear can flip a mental switch from “maybe I’ll move” to “I’m the kind of person who trains.” Psychologists call this effect enclothed cognition, the idea that clothing influences mindset and performance. An old T-shirt or baggy sweats may be comfortable, but they can also carry associations of lounging, chores, or neglect, dulling the energy and focus that a workout thrives on.

There’s a practical layer, too. The right apparel reduces friction. Proper fit prevents chafing, moisture-wicking materials manage sweat, and supportive footwear protects joints and improves mechanics. These small comforts preserve attention for effort instead of discomfort, making it easier to push a little longer or return tomorrow. Consistency often depends on eliminating tiny barriers, and clothing is a daily, controllable variable.

Aesthetic and identity matter as well. Feeling put-together can raise confidence in public spaces like gyms or classes, increasing the likelihood you’ll show up and stay engaged. Color and design can add a dash of excitement or calm, depending on what you need that day. None of this demands expensive brands. “Right” means intentional: items that fit, function, and make you feel capable. For some, that might be a favorite old top that now symbolizes progress; meaning counts more than price tags.

Clothing can become a ritual, laying out your kit the night before, tying your shoes, small acts that declare commitment. Treating your workout with respect teaches your brain that it matters. Dress for the behavior you want to reinforce, and the behavior becomes easier to repeat. The body follows where the mind is led, and sometimes the mind is led by what you wear.