Do More Blue: How Color Affects Mood for Workouts, Exercise

Colors can subconsciously affect your feelings and moods and, in turn, have an impact on workouts and your choices in exercise. This includes both the colors seen in your environment (like what color the walls are painted) and the color of your fitness clothing you wear.  In past posts, I’ve mentioned how other colors are tied to exercise – like RED and PINK. But, what about BLUE?

Without doubt, blue is a very popular color. In fact, it’s the most popular color in the world being favored by 35% of the world’s population. I’m guessing blue is so beloved because it’s one of the rarest colors found in nature. Blue is linked to the sky and water and can stimulate calming and peaceful feelings. These serene side effects of blue make it a great color for being mindful and focused.

Blue is a calming and focused color for yoga!

Because of these calming zen vibes, blue (especially a lighter hue) is a great color choice for yoga wear or lounging around after an intense sweat sesh for recovery!

I now understand why the heaviest weight plates are blue!

Blue is on the lower end of the electromagnetic visible light spectrum. The wavelength of blue is shorter other colors – for example, blue has a 25% shorter wavelength than red. There have been studies done that show gym weights painted blue seem lighter than the same poundage of weights painted red! Blue may make things seem lighter or easier to have less perceived effort. That is great for productivity. Wearing blue, especially bright and vivid hues, may help you have a productive and focused session at the gym – “Do More Blue”!  

“Blue” personality athletes like rules, training schedules, and logging results.

According to color personality tests, people who are “Blues” look at exercise in a methodical and orderly way, tracking data details and progress as they move along their fitness journey. I would guess they are less “play it by ear” and more “follow a plan” type people. It’s my guess (and experience with them) that Blues like to participate in sports with defined rules!

Blue has other connotations as well. Sometimes people who are feeling down might say they are blue. But more often blue has positive connotations – “Blue Ribbon” meaning top-notch, first place, or winning to “True Blue” connoting reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty.

After all is said and done, what really matters is what is YOUR mood in blue. If blue makes you feel good then wear it and paint your home gym walls in it! If you are more “blah” about blue, then just sashay down the color spectrum until you fine a color and hue that speaks to YOU!

If you’re loving the idea of “Do More Blue,” check out this collections of Blue Ribbon Burpee Variations I put together:

Try these winning "blue ribbon" burpee ideas that kick up the traditional full-body exercise for even more challenge in your workout.
Check out the video demo of unique burpee variations in this Pin Story!

Also of interest. Did you know the blue lenses on sunglasses aren’t there JUST to look cool.

Blue tint on glasses is usually for the purpose of making objects crisper, improving color perception and creating a calming effect. For certain sport-specific glasses, the blue lenses help to reduce sun glare that comes of the snow, water or roads.

Disclaimer: brought to you as part of my relationship with adidas as an ambassador. However, all opinions, suggestions, comments and enthusiasm are my own.

Absolute Must-Haves for Back-to-School & College 2021

Can you believe it’s time to think about heading back to school?!  Summer may be in full swing, but classes start sooner than you think – and many campuses are back to meeting in person! With fewer virtual classes and more face-to-face interaction, it’s time to put some style back into learning – meaning, ditch those pajama pants that you’ve been wearing for the last 18 months and slip into something fresh and suitable for public appearances!

Mother and teen son, back to school shopping adidas 2021 - thefitfork.com
As an adidas ambassador, I love gearing up my family with the latest sporty fashions & shoes.

Whether you’re a parent shopping for kids or a college kid heading back to the dorms (I have two going back to college), I’ve narrowed the shopping list (aside from school supplies) down to FOUR back to school fashion essentials. As an adidas ambassador, the brand wanted me to share what I thought were the top adidas back to school wardrobe picks for 2021. My list includes, 1) functional, yet still fashionable, sneakers; 2) an accommodating backpack or school bag; 3) casual wear that’s not sloppy; 4) fitness wear (because fitness is positively linked to better brain function).

Functional + Fashionable Shoes: Buying back-to-school shoes can be a nightmare for parents. Kids want the latest kicks that cost a fortune or fussy shoes that just are NOT practical in a multi-purpose sort of way. But YAY for adidas! Every year, my guys have been able to find a pair of back to school shoes that I can afford to foot the bill for (pun intended!), yet still have “drip” (that’s a good thing, my kids say, rolling their eyes when I ask). I’m happy knowing I’ve helped them rise on the style and swagger index, while ensuring that their feet are being biomechanically well cared for with quality every day and sports-specific designs. In fact, I even nabbed a pair of adidas running shoes for myself.

adidas backpack on summer vacation and St. Paul's cathedral, London. thefitfork.com
Shop early for the best choice of Back to School backpacks – and take on summer vacay, too!

Backpacks & School Bags: A carry-all for school books, laptops, workout gear and daily essentials is a prerequisite for successfully making it to class in person. Make sure your backpack or back-to-school bag suits your personal needs. For example, consider what you will be carrying – such as fragile tech gear, sports equipment, books, lunch on the go, personal effects, or all of the about. These factors will dictate the size and style you need.  Back in the day, kids would haul around so many hard-back books, backpacks would actually have wheels! Thankfully, life in the last decade is now is lighter and more streamlined – you could even get away with just a fanny pack in some situations! Also, if you get your backpack EARLY in the back-to-school shopping season, you can also have it do double-duty on summer vacations!

adidas shirts thefitfork.com

 Casual (But Not Sloppy) Wardrobe Refresh: Lounge pants and ratty t-shirts (even pajamas) are perfectly acceptable for virtual learning (as long as you’re aware of your computer camera, lol). But, getting back to the daily grind of good, old-fashioned school around other people means showing up looking GOOD. My kids are eager to refresh their wardrobes with new hoodies, tee-shirts, pants and other fashion-forward casual wear from adidas, they’ve got all the must-haves for both men and women. A good general rule of thumb for a gender-neutral back-to-school wardrobe “refresh” (assuming you’ve tossed old ratty stuff, but kept a foundation of stuff like jeans, coats, sweaters, etc.), is:

  • 3 pairs pants
  • 2 pairs nice shorts
  • 2 long sleeve shirts
  • 3 nice tees
  • 1 hoodie
  • 2-3 workout outfits (depending on your frequency)
  • 7 pairs socks
  • 7 pairs underwear
  • 1 sports-specific athletic shoe
  • 1 every-day sneaker
  • 1 flip flop
  • 1 backpack or carry-all
Extra Workout Clothes for Gym Bag -adidas
Bring at least two new workout outfits to college!

Smart Fitness Clothes: Don’t forget as you shop for your BTS wardrobe, to pick up a couple new fitness outfits for gym class or workouts you do on your own. Exercising on a regular basis has been linked to better cognitive function in all age group, according to research. In addition to boosting brain health (and overall health), exercise also helps to relieve stress and serve as a social opportunity – all important considerations when heading back to high school or college. So why not just wear ratty old clothes? First, they have NO style, and could possibly have permanent stink (neither are great for the social aspect, lol).  Wearing new fitness gear not only helps you put your best style foot forward, it also can be a huge motivator for many to go and exercise in the first place!

Download this and other free virtual backgrounds at adidas.com

Still stuck in virtual classes or just want to call friends and family in style? Dial in your online style and video calls with a (free!) custom adidas background created by independent artists. This virtual background from artist, Nia Musiba, is one of my favorite backgrounds and is always a conversation starter when I log into a virtual meeting. Head over to adidas for more wallpapers and backgrounds.

In the Pink: How Color Pink Impacts Fitness & Workout Mood

Color psychology researches and helps to explain the influence of various colors over our moods, feelings, and even behaviors – including exercise and fitness! Even the idiom, “in the pink,” means “looking healthy”! So, what do you THINK, how do you FEEL, and how do you PERFORM wearing or being surrounded by the color pink?

How Pink Affects Your Fitness and Workout Mood - Jennifer of The Fit Fork

Most likely wearing pink fitness gear or being in a pink workout will make you feel peaceful, calm and that you are sending out (and attracting) a jovial, gentle positive energy. These pink vibes make total sense considering the color’s more saturated sibling (Red) is often interpreted as aggressive, excitable and even sexually forward. It’s pretty common knowledge (although I personally would not know!) that the holding cells at city jails are painted pink to keep the vibe subliminally laidback and peaceful.  Literally and figuratively, pink is red toned down and on a chill pill!

Pin this for later!

Pink is also considered “playful” and a color that elicits joy, happiness and even euphoria.  I think we can agree that joy, happiness and euphoria are all moods that make exercising a much better experience – who doesn’t love the endorphin-rush high after a great run or productive workout? The playfulness of pink (probably conjured up from childhood days) is also ideal for setting the tone for a fun sweat session. I personally consider my workouts “play time “ and live by the hashtag #KeepingFitFun  – that’s my not-so-secret tip for a successful and long-lasting fitness journey. A pink workout definitely has place in my rainbow week!

A calming trail run in nature would make an ideal pink workout.

Great workouts for pink would include gentle yoga flows, peaceful trail runs in nature, and even upbeat (but not over-the-top) group fitness classes. Before you start just slip into a pink top, pink shorts or pink sneakers – and don’t forget about pink yoga mats, pink hats, and a pink hoodie. As an ambassador for adidas.com, I’ve discovered so much functional, fun pink fitness wear to outfit daily workouts and casual living.

A stretch sesh or yoga flow makes another feel-good pink workout!

Pro-pink feelings can vary in degree from person to person, based in great deal on past experiences, personal taste, and even cultural norms. For example, pink is symbolic to trust in Korea and architecture in Latin America.  In Western culture, pink is often labeled a feminine or “girly” color for clothing, toys, and textiles.  However, it’s interesting to note, that up until the 1940s, pink was a color marketed to and worn equally by male and female youngsters in the United States. In recent years, pink has been trending as a unisex color – I love this pink energy vibe for the guys!

So, can you wear too much pink. I say, there is no such thing as an overly pink mood. But, some say it’s overkill and may bring on “too much” calm and relaxation– and, as a consequence, be demotivating! But I believe you should exercise wearing what makes YOU feel good – because feeling good is the ultimate reward of exercise! GO PINK!

How to Keep White Workout Wear and Fitness Gear White: Laundry Stain & Stink Tips

Updated 10/13/2023

Nothing is as clean and fresh as a new pair of white sneakers or white fitness wear. The clean, pristine look of white workout clothing really pops and makes you feel fine. That is, until you get the fabric stained or it turns a dingy grey from laundering. Or, because you spilled a berry smoothie down the front — that would be me!

Tips on how to keep white workout wear and fitness gear white -- remove dingy grey and stains.

Find out how to keep your whites white, these white laundry tips will let you keep that pristine look going on at the gym, on the courts, in fitness class or wherever you like to wear your white gear!

The main reason white items become dull is due to incorrect sorting. Maybe you don’t have enough solid white items to make up a full load, so you just toss what you have in with darks or colors. Certain fabrics, like cotton, aren’t colorfast which means that a little bit of the dye seeps out in the water with each wash and sinks, most noticeably, on lighter items. Dingy whites can also be caused by washing heavily soiled white items (like nasty socks from a trail run) with very lightly dirtied items, like that cute workout top you wear to yoga class. In addition to co-mingling colors and levels of dirtiness, the quality of water in your home can also affect the whiteness of whites. For example, water with high levels of iron or hard water, loaded with minerals, make detergents less effective and can be a perpetrator of staining.

Get tips on how to keep white workout wear, athletic shoes and fitness gear bright white! Learn all the secrets of how to remove stains and dingy grey. Learn more at thefitfork.com

BASIC TIPS for keeping white laundry white:

  1. Wash whites in their own separate load, always. Not negotiable.
  2. Use the hottest water that the care label says is advisable. Make sure you actually read the care label!
  3. Look for “bleach alternative” and/or “enzymes in the laundry detergent you purchase.
  4. Don’t skimp on detergent, use the exact amount (and not more) than recommended on the back of bottle. The detergent helps keep the removed dirt suspended in the water during the washing cycle, lessening its ability to settle back in on the fabric. The use of too much though, becomes hard to wash out in one cycle.
  5. For stubborn stains and dinginess, soak fabrics in a solution of water and oxygen bleach before laundering, according to package directions.
  6. Never put a stained item in the dryer until you are satisfied with the progress you have made removing the stain. The heat will “set” it in. While the item is still damp, soak, spot treat, scrub — or whatever is needed — and then rewash again.
  7. If possible, do not dry whites, allow them to air dry. If running tight on hanging space, a fold out clothes drying rack that mounts to wall is perfect for sports bras, running shorts, and such. OR, if you can, drying outside in the sun is a great option, the sunlight offers natural lightening abilities.
  8. And ½ to 1 cup white vinegar distilled vinegar to rinse cycle to help in stain and odor removal. For synthetic workout wear, you can use a specifically designated laundry soap (like this one I use), to help keep fitness clothing bright and odor-free. I give WIN Detergent a big thumbs up!
  9. Install a water softener to help remove minerals from your water supply and thusly fabric mineral stains and dinginess from your white fabrics.

SPECIFIC TIPS for stain removal on white clothes and white workout wear:

  1. Perspiration and greasy stains: Use a clean toothbrush to rub clear-colored detergent or dishwashing liquid into stain. Sweat has a lot of iron in it, and that’s why it can discolor fabric so easily.
  2. Blood stains:  The sooner you can attend to a blood stain, the better. Treat area carefully by pouring a little hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain, also treated reverse side of the stain too (flip fabric over).  After it bubbles up, add clear detergent and scrub with a clean toothbrush, rising with cold water.
  3. Colored stains: From sports drink and yellowed underarms, apply undiluted liquid oxygen bleach directly to fabric right before washing. You can try a homemade baking soda paste and (2 parts warm water to 1 part baking soda) and scrub into affected area before laundering. For an extra stain removal boost, allow baking soda paste to dry in sun before washing off.
  4. Grass Stains: Treat with baking soda paste (as described at all); rinse; rub in vinegar with a clean toothbrush; launder with an enzyme or oxygen based bleach detergent.
  5. HANDY HACK: I discovered that refillable dauber bottles with sponge or mohair tips (like those you might use in crafting / painting) make excellent, inexpensive containers to hold various homemade stain solutions like bleach water, baking soda water, vinegar water.

before and after adidas cleats

HOW TO clean white athletic shoes:

  1. To clean white leather shoes: Use a dry toothbrush to remove and dried mud and debris. Next add several drops of liquid dish soap to a cup of warm water and use this to scrub shoes uppers and soles. Wipe down with a wet paper towel. If stains remain, use an eraser sponge to gently treat the area. Let air dry completely. Any scuffs can be covered with dab-on white shoe polish at this point.
  2. To clean white mesh shoes: Use dry brush to remove dirt and mud on soles. Mesh uppers need to be treated more carefully than leather uppers. Use several drops of clear liquid laundry soap in water and gently rub uppers with circular motion with white wash cloth. Periodically rinse wash cloth to prevent spreading dirt. Use a soft bristled tooth brush to work on more stubborn stains. Carefully rinse shoes under the faucet, taking care not to totally submerge. Use a dry towel to pat off excess water and let air dry. For non-leather shoes, you can speed up the drying process with a mesh shoe dryer bag that attached to the inside door of your drying.
  3. To clean all-white shoelaces:  After knowing how to clean white sneakers, you need to make the laces pop, too! For all white shoelaces, use a solution of 3 tbsp. bleach to one gallon of water. Soak laces for 5 minutes, remove and rinse, and then let air dry.

HOW TO clean white hats, caps and visors:

  1. To clean white caps and visors: Do not place in the dishwasher as some suggest. This can leave your cap misshapen. Use a cotton swab, paper towel or white cloth to apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Then use a clean toothbrush to work in in, let set and then rinse. If hat is dirty all over with sweat stains, soak it for up to 30 minutes in a bowl filled with warm water, a bit of oxygen-based bleach and laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, dab dry with clean white towel, and air dry with paper towels wadded up to keep the caps shape.
How to keep white tennis clothes and other sports apparel white! Laundry, stain and care tips. Learn more at thefitfork.com

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Please visit my Amazon Storefront for more finds I love and use to support an active and healthy lifestyle.

I’m a fan of WIN Detergent to keep our activewear clean and stink-free!

You can find WIN Activewear Detergent on Amazon. Raising three active boys (and being an athlete myself), it’s been a huge help keeping sports uniforms and workout clothes clean and odor-free. WIN for the win!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases which helps me run The Fit Fork. For more of my favorite products, visit my Amazon Shop.

How Red Affects Your Exercise Mood plus a High Energy Workout

Color has a major effect on mood, energy, productivity, and focus – these factors all come together to predict the overall tone for your workout! In general terms, blue is calming and serene, a peaceful choice for yoga.  Yellow is upbeat and friendly, the star of group fitness class. And, black is at once no-nonsense, fierce and intimidating – perfect for ninjas and football uniforms alike.  But, what about red and working out?

Red is a powerful and eye-catching color that can literally pump a person up – studies have shown that just looking at the color red can increase heart rate! Read on to find more about how the color red can affect your workout and jump into my Gr8teful Red Workout, which is the high-intensity sweat sesh for aficionados of red. Visit PAGE TWO for more!