The right gear fits in all the right places

When it comes to workout clothes, you have your choice of what to wear — in every shade, style and fashion.

But if you don’t have an idea of what you want or need, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Never fear, here's the basics of what you need to know.

Begin by selecting a few different outfits that look good on you and provide a comfortable fit for your regular workouts. Once you’ve picked out a few outfits, head to the dressing room and try all of them on — from the shirts to the shorts and everything in-between.

When you are trying on workout clothes, make sure you can actually move in them. Do a few exercises in the dressing room — yep, right there in the dressing room. Don't worry if anyone else is there — if they are smart, they are doing the same thing. Try a few jumping jacks, a lunge or a squat — or two or three or more — to check flexibility of the garment. Remember that just because it looks good on the hanger or the store mannequin, doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for you. Every body type is different and you need to find clothes that fit you.

Don’t purchase a yoga pant that is too tight and reveals every little bump and ridge that you are desperately trying to get rid of.

Don’t select a pair of shorts that are too short. While they may look great when you are standing up, the view unfortunately changes drastically when you bend over. Workout tops can be a little easier to buy, as they are similar to a basic T-shirt.

Women need to pay special attention to the support system of choice … just make sure it fits you well. Try it on, jump up and down and make sure everything remains in place.

That's what I did when I picked out my fabulous new pink shorts. Their design fits me — and they are ink — which means I can just run and focus on my workout. The “right” workout gear matters in the end. Get it, in the end?

But, on a serious not, make sure you check the fit of your mindset. For me, this is how it went down more than 20 years ago:

• I have to do this for my kids.

• I have to do this for me.

• I have to do this because I’m NOT buying bigger clothes.

• I have to do this because my energy sucks.

• I have to do this before I can’t.

• I have to do this because nobody will do it for me.

• I deserve to do this and be in great shape.

Much like peanut butter on the roof of my mouth — I found myself in a “sticky situation.” There was no way out and, I had to suck it up and do the do if i wanted the results of doing the do. (You know what I mean)

Here’s the dealio: What I once thought totally sucked, I now am madly in love, over the moon passionate about, simply can’t get enough of and, have turned this new passion into a wonderful-and-love-it career.

For some, it might be all about the skinny jeans. For me, it is all about changing my life and helping my friends that I love change theirs. Mindshift — works every darn time. If you aren’t where you want to be, work on yours.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.