Going to the gym used to mean throwing on an oversized cotton shirt and your mother’s ratty sneakers. Thankfully, those days are long gone. In the last few years, workout apparel has become increasingly high-tech, as more thought is put into the apparel and gear that will give you the best workout possible. In Lebanon, we know the importance of staying fit (no, not just for that bikini bod). Staying healthy and in shape is sexier than a pair of stilettos on a Friday night. Here are our Dos and Don’ts on your workout.

1. Do: Think Athleisure!

Athleisure is the newest buzzword in the world of workout gear (athlete + leisure = athleisure, get it?). If you’re serious about your fitness, you know how hard it can be to fit a gym-run into the day. Sometimes that means wearing athletic clothes around all day in the hopes you might squeeze a workout in before dinner. Plus, being gym-ready all day means you’re much more likely to actually keep your date with the treadmill. Athletic clothing is now taking into account that workout gear shouldn’t mean frumpy old shirts. Brands like Nike, Fabletics, Lulu Lemon, and Adidas are increasingly focusing on designing athletic gear that is stylish and fits you well. Adidas is even teaming up with fashion designer Stella McCartney to make a line of gym wear that looks great for the whole day. Now you can rock gym clothes all day long and still meet your friends for an afternoon coffee. Winning.

2. DON’T: Get too caught up in appearances

We all like to look good, but the gym should be a place where you focus on how you feel, not how you look. This is harder than it sounds. It’s tempting to gloss on an extra coat of mascara (Ladies) or sport your Rolex (Gentlemen) before you head into the gym, but leave the superficiality at home. The gym is a place where you can focus on yourself, your health, and your own goals. The name of the game is self-improvement, not self-obsession.

3. DO: Ask for assistance if you need it

Have you ever stared at all those intimidating workout machines, wondering what they could possibly be for? Or tried TRX without a trainer? To avoid injuries and make sure you’re getting the most of your workout, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Gym trainers can show you how to properly do your workouts so you don’t end up injuring yourself.

4. DON’T: Compare yourself to others

In our constantly plugged-in world, it’s hard not to get competitive when it comes to working out. We see our besties’ gym selfies or someone killing it in yoga class and immediately start comparing ourselves to them. We get it. It’s hard to resist the urge to measure yourself up to those around you, but remember, gym time is your time. Don’t compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Focus on your improvement and your goals. Maybe you’re new at yoga and can’t quite nail that headstand yet. Give yourself time and be forgiving. You’ll get there eventually if you focus on your health and strength.  As we say at #LuckyToBeYoung, ‘You Got What It Takes’, it’s your score that matters. It’s your style and it’s about your lifestyle, not others’.

5. DO: Get outside the gym!

Studies have shown that working outdoors results in increased energy levels and a greater feeling of satisfaction. Who could say no to that? You can feel the benefits of working out outdoors from your very first jog, and Beirut is full of places for outdoor recreating if you know where to look. The corniche is home to plenty of joggers and Beirut by Bike is just around the corner. For the more adventurous, try exploring outside the city’s confines. Lebanon is blessed with some seriously beautiful mountains and if you aren’t taking advantage of them, you’re missing out. Hike, bike, surf, climb, swim…The activity is your choice, just get out there and get started!

6. DON’T: Get bogged down by the scale.

We’ve all been there. Tiptoeing onto the scale to weigh yourself and spending the rest of the week obsessing over that number. It’s tempting to give into this kind of thinking, but numbers on a scale shouldn’t hold power over the way you feel. And remember, muscle weighs more than fat. So if you’re pumping out one workout after another, don’t be surprised to see a jump in the scale. You successfully transformed fat into pure muscle. A job well done!

7. DO: Have fun!

Okay, we know it’s cheesy. But seriously, try to have fun! If you enjoy your workout, you’re far more likely to stick to it and see results. Find a workout that works for you. Don’t like the monotony of a treadmill? Try a fast-paced spin class. Whether it’s jogging outdoors, hitting the elliptical, or joining a sports team, finding a routine that you actually look forward to will keep you motivated to stick to your workouts. And when your workout becomes part of your everyday routine, it becomes as important as brushing your teeth every morning. Don’t let anyone tell you you aren’t an athletic person. Anyone can get strong, fit, and fast if they set their minds to it and keep going at it….In the wise words of Nike, just do it.

Now tell us, do you think working out is a lifestyle? Something we should all do to stay fit and healthy, or do you think it’s a trend in Lebanon and everyone should follow?

Comment below 🙂

1. You don’t know which day of the week it is.

Going up on a Tuesday has new meaning when you’re on summer break. You couldn’t care less if it’s a Monday or a Saturday. Every day is a day to relax, kick back, and enjoy the summer.

2. You think waking up before 10am should be illegal.

Your mother wants you to wake up early for a trip to visit your teta in the mountains. But it’s summer vacation and your idea of early is anything before 10am. Teta will understand.

3. You haven’t gone to bed before 3am since June.

Summer is a time to let loose and you have been doing that wholeheartedly. On a night out, Lebanese stay out until the early hours of the next morning (hello sunrise!). Even when you’re having a relaxed night in, there’s no reason not to stay up as late as you want, bringing on late-night snacks and Netflix.

4. You sometimes don’t leave the house until 6pm.

We don’t need the weather app to tell us it is hot and humid outside during Lebanese summer. Since you have nothing dragging you out of the house during the day’s sweatiest hours, you have no need to enter the furnace that is Beirut in August. Hamdillah for A/C.

5. Yoga pants are the new black.

Yes, it’s summer and even though we Lebanese take pride in our fashion, there’s nothing more liberating than spending an entire day in yoga pants (shorts for the guys!) and sandals. Summer doesn’t last forever and comfort is key. We deserve it.

The hottest months of the year are here and that means it’s time for the Lebanese to pack their bags and head to the trendiest and most beautiful locations around the globe. Whether you’re heading to Mykonos or Bali, it’s important to pack smart so you don’t end up having to buy anything last minute and can focus on having fun. Here are our 4 useful tips to enjoying your vacation this summer!

1. Don’t overpack!

We know, everyone say this. Don’t overpack. But it’s true. Between lugging your suitcase through airports and through the streets of a foreign country, less is more when it comes to packing. Now, we are Lebanese so this might not come naturally to us. I have a friend who actually brought five floor-length gowns for a weekend in Cyprus. Just remember, packing light doesn’t have to mean repeating outfits. The key is to think ahead to what activities you have lined up, and bringing the right clothing. So if you’re planning a week of sightseeing, bring comfortable shoes and leave the stilettos at home.

2. Always wear sunscreen!

Tanning might as well be a national pastime in Lebanon. Head to any beach resort and you are bound to come upon masses of bikini-clad Lebanese glistening with tanning oil. But our penchant for tanning is one we might want to rethink. Sun exposure not only leads to more wrinkles, but is also bad for your health. So lather on that SPF 30 when you’re traveling and make sure to keep your face out of the sun with a nice hat. You’ll be glad you did later.

3. Print out your documents!

I love Beirut Airport as much as the next person, but it isn’t exactly top of the line when it comes to technology. Don’t rely on your smartphone when it comes to important travel documents. Print everything you need beforehand, including tickets, travel insurance and hotel reservation information. It may sound old-fashioned but when your smartphone battery dies on you, you’ll be happy to have a few hard copies of everything you need!

4. Take pictures—but don’t live for the Insta!

We’re all guilty of this. Getting to a new place and immediately scanning for the perfect location for our Instagram photo-shoots. While it may be tempting to post pictures of your vacation as soon as you arrive, try to enjoy your trip for yourself. Of course, this is easier said than done. But if you focus on your own happiness and enjoyment, you’ll have a better time than if you spent your trip snapping pictures every few minutes.