Yes, you already know that you must have the right shoes for the right activities. There is no use in wearing ballet shoes if you are going to go out for a run. For one, ballet shoes will not give you any support when you are out hitting the pavement and two, you’re going to ruin a good pair of ballet shoes in 5 seconds flat!

The same principle can be applied to your fitness clothing.

It is rather quite hard to wear a pair of jeans or canvas pants to a fitness session, especially when you are asked to do 20 squats! You will not be able to bend properly as denim jeans and canvas do not have any stretch in them.So that is why we go for clothing that allows a little stretch or is made with lycra.

In my past blogs I have mentioned appropriate fitness clothing a few times, but today I want to touch on something a lot of us do not think of, but end up in a whole lot of pain because of it.

And what I am talking about is chaffing. I think we all get it from time to time, but don’t really mention anything to anyone. Some people find it embarrassing, or think it is just themselves that experience it. Well, you couldn’t be further from the truth if you thought that.  Even professional athletes get chaffing!

When you are long distance running for example, you really do need to make sure that you wear clothing that breathes very well and which will absorb the sweat. However, most of my male friends who run and wear this type of clothing can and do most of the time bleed from the nipples. Yes, this does sound rather uncomfortable and I can see your face squinting up a little, but it is a fact.  Because of the body constantly moving up and down and obviously against this clothing, it causes friction and in turn starts bleeding. This can happen to anyone doing almost any kind of fitness activity.

It happens to me when I run. Now, I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed - no hang on, wrong story - I know I am not leanest person in the hood, so when I am out running I have to be sure to put on Vaseline in places I never really thought I would.  For example, if I am going out on a long run, prior to even thinking of putting on any clothing, I have to put Vaseline in the line of where my bra rests in between my breasts, then I have to put it under my arm below the underarm to stop it rubbing against my clothing and also on my back where the sports bra sits on my back. But wait, there is more! I also have to get some talc powder and place it in my groin area for my comfort from sweating.

Now this may not sound very pleasant, but it is a reality. A lot of us do not talk about things like this and we shouldn’t be ashamed to do so. It can happen to the best of us. 

So please for your own benefit, if you are experiencing chaffing, friction or anything alike when you are doing your fitness activities, please make sure to use a little cheap remedy of petroleum jelly or talc powder. I am sure you will also be able to purchase some super duper lotions and potions if you did some research.  But really, for the time being, you can just use what you have currently available in your home instead of spending your hard earned cash. I certainly do.

As a personal trainer who's always loved her body, Sue Bary was tired of being classified as 'mildly obese' and wanted to help others experience Enjoyable Body Movement without being subject to the usual verbiage of weight loss and dieting. Thus, she created enarji, a personal training practice steeped in the Health at Every Size approach and attitude. To learn more about Sue, click here. Because you are a special More of Me to Love member, Sue wants you to enjoy a FREE consultation through enarji's Virtual Health Coach services. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule your free consultation today!