Forget fashion; think fitness

HEATHER, athlete and personal trainer: Fitness has absolutely nothing to do with fashion unless it provides some psychological benefit to you personally. When you go to the gym or engage in any type of fitness plan, you are there for hard work. You are supposed to sweat, not spend the duration of your activity comparing yourself to others and what they are wearing.

When I do strength training or cardio, I usually wear a pair of mesh shorts and grab a random T-shirt. During the summer, it's shorts and a tank or cut off shirt to help keep me a little cooler. The type of activity that you select may warrant some specific purchases. For example, if you are planning to do a spin class or outdoor biking, you may consider buying bike shorts that have padding to ease the soreness from the saddle that you may incur.

As most of my clients and friends know, I am very big into tennis shoes of all varieties. I do confess to owning 27 to 30 pairs of sneakers at any given time. But again, for me, this is a personal thing, and I do it for fun.

Deena Gerson works out at the Philadelphia Sports Club. (Jennifer Midberry / Daily News)

Even though I buy most of my sneakers for fashion, I do have a few select pairs for specific training situations. For example, a good pair of running shoes is the most important piece of equipment for a runner. Shoe choice should be determined by weight, foot structure and running regimen. Keep in mind that all shoes have a different shape, and sizes are not uniform from shoe to shoe. It's a good idea for a beginning runner to see a foot-care specialist before starting a running regime. Likewise, if I am planning to play some tennis, proper tennis shoes should have enough "give" to allow for side-to-side sliding. In addition, tennis shoes need to have padded toe boxes to prevent injuries.

Here are a few simple things to remember when buying your athletic shoes:

Have your feet measured while you're standing.

Always try on both shoes, and walk in the shoes before buying them.

Buy for the larger foot; feet are rarely the same size.

Shoes should feel comfortable immediately, not needing a break-in period.

Shop for shoes later in the day; feet swell during the day.

Be sure that the widest part of your foot corresponds to the widest part of the shoe.

Try on shoes while you're wearing the same type of sock you'll be wearing with the shoe.

Finally, whatever gear you decide to work out in, select it because it is comfortable. Your workout is for you and your body and not meant to be a fashion show. Check with a fitness professional to see if you really do need any specific equipment for an activity you are planning to do. Additionally, ask a foot or shoe expert to help you select the footwear that is appropriate for not only the activity but for your feet. Remember, fitness does not require fashion, but it does require good old fashioned hard work!

Posted March 12, 2003 05:37 AM