Last year, a survey by Mind revealed that an overwhelming number of women are too worried about their appearance to exercise. A massive 60% expressed concern over how their body reacts to activity, while two out of three feel self-conscious about getting hot and sweaty in public.

It’s no surprise, then, that experts claim what we wear to the gym can have a knock-on effect on our motivation, our confidence, and even our workout performance. The right clothing can give support where it’s needed, minimise those pesky wobbly bits and boost self-image. If your fitness goals are being compromised by self-consciousness, then here’s how to transform your gym bunny look.

Choose Your Kit

Two out of three women who responded to the Mind survey said that they felt embarrassed about their body shape while exercising. Thankfully, cutting-edge figure shaping sportswear from the likes of Adidas and Nike means that keeping your curves under control at the gym is now as easy as slipping into a pair of Spanx. Invest in a pair of breathable workout tights that will create a sleek silhouette while performing well under pressure – we like Adidas Response ¾ Tights from JD Sports. A good, simple sports bras such as the Nike Pro Sport Bra will also help boost your gym image.

What we wear at the gym can affect our self-confidence: choose your kit carefully, leave body issues behind and get ready to glow

Shape Up

The key to ensuring you look and feel stylish is dressing for your body shape. Narrow shoulders? Choose a racing back top such as Nike Indy Racer Back Long Sports Bra to create the appearance of a more statuesque physique. If you’re on the short side, then three quarter-length legging will boost your height, while girls concerned about the size of their thighs should opt for full-length leggings or – even better – flared yoga pants. Although 67% of women opt to wear baggy clothes while exercising to disguise their figure, ill-fitting workout gear could actually make you look heavier than you really are.

Mirror Mirror

A recent poll revealed that seven out of ten women admit to putting on makeup before hitting the gym. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look fresh-faced while you work out – but traditional cosmetics could block your pores and cause post-exercise breakouts. Instead of reaching for your usual foundation, choose sweat-proof products that will keep you looking naturally dewy. Vichy Thermal Spa Water spritzed onto your face before a workout will maintain your skin’s pH balance and supress bacteria. Follow it with a dash of Bare Minerals foundation, and finish off by slicking on some waterproof mascara. We like BADgal waterproof mascara from Benefit Cosmetics.

Keeping your motivation up can be difficult when it comes to exercise. But with a gym bag packed with image-enhancing accessories, you’ll have one less excuse to skip your daily workout.