Strutting my Stuff - Whether you Like it or Not

I am not sure any of you fully comprehend the power you possess by participating in the polls posted to the right.  The current poll is scheduled to end today and I am happy with the results.  As with the previous poll (all lycra with or without gym shorts over), I have decided to go with the popular vote.  With this poll I am going with popular vote again and wearing what I want! 

Over the last few weeks I have attended several spinning classes and have tried a variety of workout apparel arrangements.  Here is a break down of my findings and conclusion:

Gym shorts over cycling bibs with sports shirt - That is how I went dressed to my first couple of classes.  It was not bad however I did not like the shorts.  I had problems with them getting snagged on the nose of the saddle as I moved from an up to down position and back.  Surprisingly they also seemed quite a bit hotter.  I could hike them up high exposing more leg and bib and could feel it was much cooler without the shorts over my knee.  I seemed to have more discomfort where the saddle met me too (from the extra material and seems I suppose). 

Gym shorts over cycling bibs with cotton t-shirt - I dressed exactly the same as above from the waist down but this time rather than a sports shirt top I just wore my cotton Old Navy top.  I hated it!  I could feel the shirt getting heavier with sweat.  The cuffs on the arms of the shirt did not move very well and I found myself pulling at them trying to stretch them out to make them more comfortable.  When I got off the bike I was soaked and even had someone take notice (not in a good way).  Maria complained much more about the smell when I got home too.

Full get-up cycling apparel - Jersey and bibs, no shorts, I even had the helmet (because I rode my bike to class - I left it on the bike though).  This one was not bad and was the first time I sported the no shorts look in the gym (gym shorts over the cycle shorts that is - I was not entirely shortless).  It felt great!  I really liked not having the gym shorts on.  The jersey, unless riding to class, was not necessary seeing as how I did not need to carry anything in the pockets for the time on the spin bike. 

Cycling shorts, no gym shorts, and a sports t-shirt (as pictured above - I need to learn to smile) - I went dressed like this once last week and again this morning.  I half way expected to be laughed at or mocked as I walked in or out of the gym but was not.  Rather than feeling embarrassed I was confident and comfortable (I have built up to this - the first time I walked into Circle K with cycle shorts and my SPAM jersey I felt a ton of anxiety - not so much anymore).  Not having the gym shorts makes the experience much more comfortable and less problematic.  I am able to get up and down from the seat without any snagging on the nose and I am no longer tugging at the shorts or shirt.  The top is light and moisture wicking and does not get saggy and droopy under the weight of sweat. 

So there they are - all my findings.  Now for my conclusion.  Ultimately wear what you want and what you are most comfortable in - as for me that means strutting my stuff in a pair cycling bibs and a moisture wicking top (and maybe a smile here and there).