Red is a color that really stands out and pops! It’s a dynamic and physical color – people who are considered “Reds” by color personality tests are said to be extroverted, outspoken, quick responders with high energy. When it comes to working out “Reds” like to be where the action is and training for a goal with other people.                                                                                  

Red has the longest wavelength on the spectrum and various studies say non-visual effects of the red wavelength could be linked to increases in heart rate and metabolism. In business usage, a bank linked faster-moving lines in the lobby to red paint on the walls and restaurants claim that red décor makes diners eat (and leave) more quickly. Another study with college students suggested faster reaction time to cues when under a red light than under a green light.  All of these mentions make me think that red (both wearing and seeing in the environment) is a color that would definitely create the mood for a fast-paced, intense workout!

Try this fast-paced, non-stop dumb bell workout that will get you in the heart-rate red zone.

‘

Red has also been linked to aggressiveness– normally, many would say that is not a desirable quality, but in workouts and sports aggression can obviously be used for an advantage. One study with similar age and sized male combat fighters, showed that the men wearing red (rather than blue) had higher heart rates while fighting, and were thusly described as more aggressive. Red can also create agitation – just think of the hallmark red scarf used in bull-fighting, intentionally used to rile up the animal through a visual cue. Sometimes that agitation or being riled up can be channeled to make the most a workout buzzer starting or race gun firing off or whatever – get that heart pumping and let pent up stress out!

There is now also a fitness trend of infrared light for workouts – not just to lay idly in an infrared sauna but to take on an interval, cycling, kickboxing, weight circuits or other fast-paced workout under warm infrared lighting to promote better range motion (from warmed up muscles), detoxification and expedited recovery.

Regardless of how science says the color red might affect your mood, senses and reactions, many of us are simply drawn to a color because we just particularly have good memories of a color and/or it reminds us of things we love. For example, red might remind you fondly of holidays, hearts, strawberries, roses, ladybugs, rubies – or, heck, maybe even ketchup. Or, maybe Mom always said you look good in red!

Pro tip: Often, dressing in head to toe red can be too much of a good thing – you could come off as too bold, too aggressive or too RED!  Harness the power of this head-turning, heart-pumping color by incorporating just one or two well-chosen pieces for your fitness outfit and complimenting with accents in a neutral color like white, black, navy or grey. As an adidas ambassador, I get the chance to try out their fitness apparel. Check out some of my favorite workout gear and fitness apparel in the color RED from adidas.    

Note on my red adidas outfit: I’m wearing the Farm Rio Feel Brilliant Aeroready High Rise Tights which are perfect for running to high intensity workouts – they are stretchy with a flattering hug in all right places and the fabric wicks away the sweat. I’m wearing an XS and I feel they run just a tad big – if that helps you with ordering. The All-Me Three Stripes Bra is super soft and I appreciate the shapely look, light pad inserts for modesty, and also adjustable straps. Probably not a high-impact bra for most ladies (unless you are on the very small side like me), but great for yoga, barre, lifting and such. I’m wearing a Small which seems true to size.  The light gray tank is past-season adidas, but I still love it – you can always count on adidas style!

If red is your color, definitely try my Gr8ful Red Workout  . . . with 8 exercises, 8 reps each, for 8 rounds – you’ll be grateful when it’s over! By the time you get into the weighted burpees in each round, you will probably also be working in the Red Zone, which is 90%+ of your maximum heart rate. Use the 100 meters to easy jog or even walk to bring heart rate back down some before you start the next set!  There is a video demonstration near the top of post.