Why Women Over 40 Should Stop Working Out in Black | Style & Performance

I used to only wear black to work out in. But after a while… it started to feel monotonous. Heavy. A little boring. And I realized something simple: If you want to shake up how you feel about working out, try adding color. It just feels happier getting dressed. Like you’re going to have fun… not like you’re about to do something serious or punishing.

For years I wore only black to work out. Partly because I thought it looked more slimming. Partly because it was easy, every top matched every bottom. But if I’m honest… it was also because black let me blend in. And at that time in my life, blending in felt safe. But over the years something shifted. Black didn’t feel powerful anymore. It felt heavy. And I had this realization: If I’m waking up early, going to spin class, building strength… Why am I dressing like I’m hiding? Why am I training to be strong, but dressing to disappear? So I started experimenting with color. And honestly? Everything changed.

I love a matching set. Yes, because it looks good — but also because it’s easy. And I’m very intentional about reducing decision fatigue. Sometimes I lay my workout clothes out the night before. Not just to save time in the morning… But almost like a little hug to my future self. “I’ve got you. You can do this.” All of my workout clothes are matching sets. Not just for aesthetics — but because I want to perform at the highest level I can every day. And I don’t want to waste energy thinking about what goes with what. Same thing with my bra and underwear, always matching. Zero decision making. Maximum feeling put together. And there’s actually psychology behind this. When things match, your brain reads it as complete. Intentional. Resolved. There’s less micro-friction. And high performers reduce friction wherever possible. I don’t want to spend mental energy choosing between leggings at 5:45 in the morning. I want that energy for the things that actually matter. Matching sets aren’t just aesthetic. They’re strategic.

Let’s zoom out for a second. What is the purpose of working out? It’s not punishment. It’s not shrinking yourself. It’s to feel better. Think clearer. Live longer. Move through life with strength and energy. So if that’s the purpose… Why would you walk into that experience wearing clothes that are slipping down, rubbing in the wrong places, or making you feel slightly uncomfortable? You’re asking your body to perform. You’re asking your mind to focus. And research actually shows that discomfort increases cognitive load. If something is slipping or restricting you, your brain is quietly allocating energy to managing that irritation. Elite athletes minimize friction, literally and mentally. When your clothes support you, fit properly, move with you… You stand taller. You push harder. You respect the hour more. It’s not vanity. It’s alignment. Check your gear. Are your boobs supported? Are your straps digging in? Is the waistband hugging, not squeezing? These things matter. You wouldn’t walk into a board meeting in something that makes you feel invisible or uncomfortable. Why would you walk into your health that way?

There was a time in my life when working out felt like punishment. You know the messaging: “Burn those calories.” “Work it off.” I am so over that mindset. It’s not aligned with the life I want anymore. Now working out feels like celebration. It’s gratitude. It’s remembering, I get to be alive today. But we’re human. Some days it’s easy to get going. Some days it feels like a slog. And this is where color actually helps. Color psychology shows that color influences mood and energy. Reds and pinks increase stimulation and alertness. Greens and blues can calm and regulate. So every day I use color as a psychological lift. It helps me show up.

Here’s what I’ve learned, both as a stylist and as a certified trainer: What you wear changes how you show up. It changes your posture. Your energy. Your willingness to be seen. Most women default to black because it feels safe. I used to. But safe and aligned are not always the same thing. So check in with yourself. If you’re building strength… If you’re investing in your health… If you’re reinventing yourself… Start with what you wear when you do the work. Your workout clothes should support your growth. Even when no one else is applauding yet.

At 52, I’m no longer dressing to disappear. And that starts with my workout. If you’re a woman over 40 who wants to feel strong, polished, and fully alive, not just in your wardrobe, but in your body, You’re in the right place. We’re building women who show up for their best life.

If you’re ready to refine your style and step into the next version of yourself, join my free masterclass where I break down the exact framework I use with my private clients. HERE

And if you’d like personal guidance, you can also book a 1:1 complimentary styling call with me, I’d love to help you step into it. HERE