Mystery of Spandex

Whoever determined that this was a desirable exercise outfit?

Nothing says “I’m getting in shape” like spandex and leg warmers. And don’t forget the leotard or the optional baggy, cut-up sweatshirt. Is it really more beneficial to wear these types of clothing while breaking a sweat, or did someone just decide at one point that it was an amazing way to dress and everyone should look as fabulous as they did. Maybe the fitness instructors used these outfits as a way of saying, “Hey! You could one day look as thin and ridiculous as we do, but until then, you will just look fat wearing this!” That doesn’t seem very nice, though, does it? No, it’s quite mean, really. Why would they say that..?

I was just a little tyke when people trotted around in such attire, so I have never had the pleasure of adorning any such thing, but it still makes me wonder. A sweatband won’t help much with a can of hairspray in gigantic, puffed-out hair. And I will never quite understand the point of a leotard over a pair of shorts or pants, when shorts and a shirt or tank is just as useful and maybe even easier to put on.

I guess I will never fully know or understand why this was the appropriate workout dress, but as far as I am concerned, spandex is definitely not for everyone, and I’m glad I do not have to dress that way.

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9 Responses to “Mystery of Spandex”

  1. Mel • 6 months ago

    It amazes me what the little sorority girls will show up to the gym in (not to mention they are often in full makeup). I went to an aerobics class once where this one girl was dressed like a complete slut. Tight little shorts and top, with EVERYTHING hanging out. I’m not sure who she thought she was showing it off to!

    How in the world can you work out if you’re worried about a body part becoming uncovered!?

    Reply

  2. Tom Radde • 6 months ago

    I’m not really going to argue the tight black pants look as I’ve taken quite a liking to it at the gym I’m working at, but I agree that it perhaps isn’t for everyone……We have a guy that comes in daily wearing spandex shorts and I’m fairly sure that none of us gave him the go ahead to do that.

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  3. Scott • 6 months ago

    As a former fitness instructor, let me tell you this: that is precisely what they think.
    Remember that clothing trends are also in the fitness world. While leg warmers, spandex, and baggy cut-up sweat shirts reigned as king in ’85, microfiber Slut Gear with iPod now has the thrown.

    Reply

  4. Michelle • 6 months ago

    This is true.. Which, in many cases, is just as (if not more) unattractive on most people as the spandex shorts, yet they still continue to wear these things.

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  5. Mike • 6 months ago

    My own gym-wear consists of tight short spandex shorts with a tank. My legs are pale white and thin, but toned, and I stretch inappropriately in front of you. Sounds pretty hot, right?

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  6. Melissa • 6 months ago

    I don’t know, but tight spandex sounds way better than those tinr running shorts with the sides slit to the waist band, a la Dr. Greene running in pour neighborhood! Ick! Ah, and the men who wear stuff that enhances the fact that they are going commando~a few of them at our Y! I myself am hoorified if my shirt starts to slide up and show my stomach while doing push-up with my legs on the stability ball. Not for my-self, but because I feel sorry for those who might glance my direction! Your thoughts brought up too many disturbing images! What are you thinking, Ms Jane Fonda Jr? (not in the political sense!)

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  7. Mike • 6 months ago

    My shorts most certainly have the slit.

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  8. Michelle • 6 months ago

    How am I Jane Fonda Jr.? haha..
    Yeah, old men who still wear their shorts from 30 years ago should probably stop doing that. It’s 30 years past-due.

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  9. Chris • 6 months ago

    Wait, this went out of style? I wore the same outfit as shown in that image to the gym a few months ago and nobody said a word. I think you need to get your facts straight on this blog post. Jenna thinks I look good in spandex. The butt-ular area in particular. She’ll say she’s never seen me in spandex and that I’m making this up, but we all know she is a liar.

    Reply