8 fitness faux pas to avoid in the gym

Most girls want to show a little effort, right? But how much effort can one have before she looks like an act of desperation? Keep your cuteness in tow without looking like an attention-seeking bimbo by avoiding these 8 fitness faux pas:

1. Coordination

Color Pallets - Good to Go
Who doesn't want to color coordinate? Clashing colors make me cringe! There's nothing wrong with making your color coordination cohesive. Just don't go overboard.

Brand Billboards - Proceed with Caution
We all have our favorite brands. Avoid being a walking billboard by mixing brands up from time to time. Wearing one brand head-to-toe all the time gives the impression you are a walking advertisement. Don't be afraid to mix up your labels!

Color Overboard - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Color coordinated tank, shorts, socks, shoes, nail polish, and earrings? Yes...you are trying way too hard. It should not take more than 2 minutes to figure out what you are throwing on for the gym. Any additional effort gives the appearance that you are desperate for attention. Try complimenting color combinations. You shouldn't have more than two items that are of the same color.

2. Coverage

Balancing Skimpy Clothes - Good to Go

Though it's not always practical, try to limit showing skin in multiple areas. If you have spandex shorts on, wear a loose tee or pair a tighter top with loose bottoms. Try to balance how much skin you show.

Tight Top and Bottom - Proceed with Caution

It's hard to keep your outfits balanced, especially for activities like hot yoga. If you have to wear tight pants with a tight tank, look at the fit of your outfit. Try to keep your outfit fitted, but not too tight.

Minimal Clothing - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Mid-riff, low cut top and spandex boy shorts? Yes...you are trying too hard. Never let your cheeks or your chest hang out, and certainly not both at the same time. It's easy to visualize someone naked when there's nothing left to the imagination.

3. Fit

Form Fitting Clothing - Good to Go

Your workout clothes can definitely compliment your figure. Look at the front and back to ensure everything fits well. Check for sheerness. 

Too Tight Clothing - Proceed with Caution

Is it too tight? Boob spillage, muffin top, and camel toe can occur if your outfit is too tight. Clothes should be fitted, but they should never cut in. It is always better to opt for a larger size than one too small. People notice camel toe and muffin top, they don't notice your pants size.

Non-Practical Clothing - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Are your boobs spilling out? Do you have to worry about bending over? If you have to worry about revealing a private part because your clothes are so tight, you are trying too hard. What's the point of working out when you can't even workout hard in fear you might be exposed?

4. Support

Supportive Bras  - Good to Go

It's perfectly fine to wear a sports bra with support. Bras with structure ensure everything stays in place. Try moving in your house before you try out a new sports bra in the gym.

Minimal or Sans Bra - Proceed with Caution

Your bra may provide support, but nothing says "look at me" like a pair of nipples poking out. Never skip a bra if you can see your entire boob. Avoid sports bras that show your nipples.....guys call them headlights for a reason. Check your bra in the locker room sheerness to avoid unwanted eyeballs. When shopping, look for bras that have inserts.

Lingerie Push-ups - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Lace push-up bra or double sports bra? Yes...when you are consciously choosing for people's eyes to gravitate towards your boobs, you are trying too hard. While it is ok to have something with support and padding, it shouldn't be something labeled as lingerie.

5. Makeup

Natural Face - Good to Go

Working out in make up clogs pores and melts off. For ultimate skin care, remove your make up before you start your workout to avoid breakouts or runny mascara.

Fresh Faced - Proceed with Caution

We all have those days where we need a little extra on our face...ahem...pesky times of month. If you need a little pick-me-up, skip the foundation and use a BB cream that gives coverage and protects your face. Eyebrow gel, waterproof mascara, and tinted lip balm can be used for a low maintenance look. If you absolutely must use eyeliner, use a gel eyeliner and tight line your lashes for a more natural look.

Heavy Face - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Cat eye makeup, heavy foundation, blush, and lipstick? Yes....you are trying waay too hard. Actually several men's articles think its a turn off for a girl to wear a heavy face in the gym. You shouldn't get "made up" for the gym, but if you do....it shouldn't take more than 5 minutes....max.

6. Hair

Quick and Tidy - Good to Go

No one has to settle for a simple ponytail. Top knot, loose bun, and a side braid are examples of simple styles without overdoing it. Try to stick to styles that can get you out of the locker room in 5 minutes. 

Polished Updo - Proceed with Caution

Perfectly slick hair? Crazy braids? If you come into the gym with your hair already done, don't fret the style during your workout. It's going to have flyaways...it's going to get frizzy and a little messy. No need to obsess over your hair instead of your workout.

Hair Blown Out - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Hair blown out and down? You're not fooling anyone when your walking on the treadmill sporting your new blowout. Don't scream high maintenance by pulling your hair up into a ponytail.

7. Scent

Deodorant Fresh - Good to Go 

Yes...when you sweat you stink. Be courteous to the person next to you by ensuring you're wearing good deodorant. There's nothing wrong with preventing the ability to clear out a room.

Light Scent - Proceed with Caution

Deodorant isn't enough and need to feel fresh? Look for a light, airy body spray that doesn't reek within a 5 ft radius. Keep your scent light and clean like fresh cotton and stay away from those heavier fragrances.

Heavy Perfume - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Heavy perfume screams "hey there sexy...." Why wear the same fragrance you wear at the club to the gym? A strong smell is a desperate cry for attention.  They should notice your great lifting technique before your smell....and if they smell you before they see you....you are definitely trying too hard.

8. Confidence

Quick Adjustment - Good to Go

Checking your form in the mirror? Adjusting your hair really quick so you don't resemble an alpaca? Quick adjustments and verifying form is fine. Try not to spend more than a quick glance on your adjustments.

Garment Adjustment - Proceed with Caution

Shorts riding up? Bra chafing your armpits? Please don't feel the urge to dig out your wedgie or adjust the girls in public. Run the locker room if there's anything major to adjust.

Gym Selfies - Stop....You are trying too hard!

Ok...we get it. You have abs so rock-hard they can cut diamonds. Easy on the selfies in the gym. There's no reason to strut around like a glorified show pony. (Notice the background creeper in the photo above)  Show off your hard work with a new dress or a new bikini. There's nothing that warrants more eyerolls in the gym than kissy faces in the mirror as your flex.

A good example of a cute win! I don't know this girl, but she nailed it.

In the end, don't color coordinate more than two pieces. Balance your fit and mix your brands. Keep your hair and makeup simple and natural. It is possible to look cute and polished without being vulnerable to negative attention.

What do you guys think? Have you seen any of these faux pas in the gym? I know I have!