How to look good while gymming

What's the point of working out if you can't look good? Which is why fitness freaks are picking up expensive, smart gym gear Dibyajyoti Chaudhuri

Fitness - if it came in a bottle, everyone would have a great body, said Cher. Thing is, she's right. So if you want to look good and feel great, having a daily exercise regimen is a must. But what's the point of working out if you can't look good at the same time? With that as the mantra, fitness freaks in the city are dipping into their wallets and picking up expensive gym gear. Spotting this trend, brands, too, are stocking their stores with high-end clothes, shoes and other accessories that are big on the fashion quotient. Take shoes, for example. Lightweight trainers with breathable upper air mesh and good heel-to-toe transition is necessary to keep knocking off those kilometres on the treadmill.

"Our Zig Tech shoes are perfect for running, as they save energy and reduce activation of lower parts of the body," said an official at a Reebok store in the city. "Our FASS 300 and FASS 500 shoes are very popular. There is also demand for the stylish Ferrari and Ducati caps," said a salesperson at the Puma store at Forum mall. Among other gear flying off the shelves are cool tees, wristbands, headbands and sports equipment like basketballs and roller skates. "The Train Tone T-shirts help in maintaining the perfect posture and are made of sweatabsorbent material," said the Reebok salesperson. For girls, the biggest sellers are the Easy Tone tops and lowers that work on the butt muscles. Technology and manufacturing are also keeping pace with the changing demands.

Adidas offers the Supernova Sequence shoes that has adiprene in the heel. "We also have the anti-abrasion Pro-Moderator Plus as well as the pathbreaking For Motion technology in shoes that impart balance while exercising," said Syed Alam of the Adidas store in Esplanade. Adidas also offers Climacool T shirts for working out and For Motion socks that take the shape of the feet. Sippers of a l l c o l o u r s are also much in demand.

Although priced on the higher side, Nike Lunarfly and Air Max 2011 shoes are also big hits. "I can't imagine coming to the gym without a stylish backpack or nice, comfortable shoes. Staying fit and looking good are both equally important now," laughs Shirsha Bose, an education counsellor who regularly works out at a city gym. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your favourite gym accessories and go for your workout. Oy yes, and don't forget the deo!