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Pixland/ThinkstockThe classic excuse for skipping workouts was always the lack of time. But then, your workplace introduced an on-site gym, or maybe the city finished that running path just outside your office. Once you exhausted all excuses, the only real issue left was returning to your desk drenched in sweat after a midday exercise session.
The thought of your colleagues seeing you less than polished can be daunting. However, don’t let this deter you. Explore our guide on staying fresh post-workout, ensuring you look as sharp in the afternoon as you did in the morning.
5: Change out of Your Workout Clothes
The adage "dress for the job you want, not the one you have" holds true, especially if your desired role isn’t in fitness. After your workout, swap out the athletic wear for professional attire. Wearing gym clothes in the office can be unprofessional, especially in client-facing environments, and might even breach company dress policies. Plus, post-exercise clothing tends to be damp and uncomfortable.
While exercising, keep your work clothes neatly folded to avoid wrinkles. Returning to your desk disheveled is almost as bad as showing up in workout gear. For more intense routines, consider packing extra socks and undergarments in your gym bag [source: Noelcke].
If your workplace has a gym, chances are there’s a locker room for changing. If not, you might have to use a restroom. Ensure privacy by using a stall or a private restroom to avoid awkward encounters. If you have a private office, changing there is fine as long as the door locks and there are no windows. Remember to tidy up and avoid leaving clothes scattered around your workspace.
Our next suggestion will help you maintain a polished appearance at work.
4: Take Time to Cool Off
Creatas/ThinkstockWe’ve all encountered "that" individual at the gym—the one who finishes an intense workout looking as radiant as a spring day. For most of us, however, the reality is quite different. A flushed face or a tired look often reveals the effort we’ve put in. If your post-workout appearance suggests you’ve been trekking through the Sahara rather than using a stair climber, it’s wise to spend a few minutes cooling off after exercising.
Begin by keeping cool during your workout. Opt for outdoor exercise during cooler times of the day and wear breathable fabrics [source: FitSugar]. Staying hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after your session also helps regulate your body temperature. After exercising, consider these cooling strategies recommended by Woman's Day:
- Start with your pulse points. Placing ice or cold water on areas like your wrists, behind your knees, or inside your elbows can speed up the cooling process.
- Use minty gum. Mint, whether in gum or lotion, provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.
- Stay calm. Fanning yourself uses energy. The fastest way to cool down is to sit still and relax.
The next suggestion might seem obvious, but it can be challenging to execute in a workplace setting.
3: Hit the Shower -- Or Improvise
When you feel hot, sweaty, or unclean, your immediate thought is likely to shower. It not only refreshes and cleanses you but also ensures those around you aren’t subjected to any unpleasant odors. While showers are easily accessible at home or the gym, at the office, you might only have access to a sink.
Thankfully, most workplace workouts are short enough to avoid excessive sweating [source: Bouchez]. However, if you need to freshen up quickly, here are some practical tips:
- Opt for dry shampoo. No water or lather is needed—just a comb to freshen up your hair.
- Carry a fresh towel. Use it to remove excess sweat from your body.
- Keep baby wipes handy. When a shower isn’t an option, baby wipes are an excellent alternative for cleaning up.
- Apply baby powder. Talcum powder helps absorb moisture. Sprinkle it on areas like your feet, back, thighs, or underarms to manage sweat.
Continue reading to discover how to maintain a polished appearance after exercising at work.
2: Tidy up Your Hair and Makeup
iStockphoto/ThinkstockThere are likely a few reasons you began exercising. For many, improving health is a top priority. But another significant motivator is enhancing your appearance. While a consistent fitness regimen can help you achieve this over time, the immediate aftermath of a workout—flattened hair, smudged mascara—isn’t exactly flattering. Thankfully, a few grooming tips can help you look polished (or well-groomed for men) straight after leaving the gym.
For those with long hair, tying it back into a ponytail is a great option. Headbands can cause hair to flatten during exercise [source: Buchan]. Using dry shampoo or baby powder at the roots and combing it through can absorb sweat and add volume. When it comes to makeup, avoid reapplying everything. This not only takes time but can also result in a cakey appearance when layered over sweat [source: Buchan]. Simply refreshing your lip gloss and mascara (after removing the old application with makeup wipes) can give you a polished look.
Our final tip is up next.
1: Reapply Deodorant
We’ve saved the most crucial tip for last. No matter how you look when you return to your desk after exercising, the most important factor is how you smell—or, more accurately, how you don’t smell.
When it comes to deodorant and exercise (we’re referring to antiperspirant deodorant), you have several choices. Clinical-strength formulas promise long-lasting protection, even surviving a shower [source: Degree]. If you don’t plan to keep an extra deodorant at work, opt for a heavy-duty formula, which is now widely available from major brands.
For added assurance—or if you use a regular formula that gets challenged during workouts—keep a spare in your bag and reapply after freshening up. Another alternative skips deodorant entirely. Instead, consider a body spray infused with vitamins and witch hazel, designed to eliminate odor-causing bacteria [source: Brown].
Interested in learning more about exercise and fitness? Check out the next page for additional insights and tips.
