So in the last few days I’ve been seeing a lot of chat around an article from the NY Times written by the “does-she-or-doesn’t-she exist” Honor Jones. The title of this piece (of garbage) is “Why Yoga Pants are Bad for Women“.
Are we getting paper cuts from the price tags?
Are they releasing chemicals that we’re absorbing into our skin?
HAVE THEY BECOME SENTIENT?!
No – they’re bad for us, because we’re all wearing them to look sexy, and this is NOT OK AT THE GYM.
First of, what a load of utter, utter bobbins. While I can’t speak for everyone, I have never once put on leggings (I can’t quite get on board with calling them “yoga pants”) with the purpose being that I want to look alluring at the gym. Anyone who has seen me with sweat dripping from my face knows that really isn’t a primary concern of mine when I work out. I put them on because – for me – they are the most practical item for an exercise session. If I’m sweating on a spin bike or trying to do eagle pose or a standing split in yoga, of course sweat-wicking, flexible clothing is the way to go. If I wore sweatpants (which often seem to come in a shade of marl grey that show off sweat patches to their absolute best) I would be a sweaty mess within minutes, and I guarantee they would snag on the first bit of machinery I tried to clamber on to.
And as for her statement that she got funny looks when she got on the elliptical, if it even happened maybe it’s because she came in looking like a sour-faced harpy giving the stink eye to every woman wearing lycra. Oh and FYI – sweatpants fit OVER leggings. That’s why I wear mine on the bike ride to the gym to protect my ankles from the cold and remove them once I enter the sweatbox.
Most women at the gym are there to get fit. They’re not there to compete with other women, or to make them feel bad, or to treat it like a fashion show. I love wearing brightly patterned (and sometimes obnoxious) lycra because a splash of colour can make a tough workout just a little bit more fun. But I’m sure as HELL not going to judge other women on their sartorial choices at the gym. Unlike this blithering idiot who says “It’s not good manners for women to tell other women how to dress” and then goes on to do just that. Every woman is capable of deciding which items of clothing she’s comfortable in when she’s working out, whether that’s sweat pants, tiny shorts, crop tops or anything else in between.
GIRL RUNNING LATE 
Well said! I think Honor Jones is looking for trouble where none exists. And anyway, close fitting clothes are actually more practical for exercize – that’s why you’ll see them at the gym, on the track, on the bike…
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I think she’s either being provocative or she thinks it’s funny. Either way it’s totally out of step with the current climate around women and our bodies. Honestly, she really is hideous.
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Oh FFS. Its 2018, we can wear what TF we want. I wear tight leggins in holiday when I’m walking around cos hot and sticky legs are not nice.
And I love your nutcase workout gear. 😊
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I’m a man and I love wearing leggings under my shorts when I run or cycle when it’s cold. They’re the best!
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Unfortunately, i’ve had many paper cuts from legging price tags before and confirm it is terrible for your feminine health. Ouch!
But i agree, other people telling women what they can and can’t wear is far worse. Wear your leggings with pride!
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I have never once felt “sexy” whilst working out in leggings (or anything else for that matter!) FYI I have serious legging envy!
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It wasn’t until I scrolled through my Instagram that I realised just how many leggings I have (and how many photos I take of them)!
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Hello girlrunninglate! I found you through twitter, and am excited to follow you and read your running stories. I started running later in life too, just started last August, and am LOVING it. I write about my running stories at http://www.awayinautumn.com Looking forward to reading yours. Happy running!
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