Don't Be The Smelly One

Coach Dave wrote a great article on crossfit gear. In case you missed it, you can check it out here, Crossfit Gear. He listed the pros and cons about using this gear when getting ready to train, but one of the major cons is that these things can get pretty smelly. Here are some tips for smelling fresh:

Knee Sleeves

Air Dry: The best way to keep these knee sleeves smelling fresh is to prevent mildew. Don’t throw them in your gym bag immediately after working out. Turn them inside out and let them air dry. Wash Them: When really smelly, you can soak them in hot water and white distilled vinegar before washing them with laundry. After putting them in the wash, let them air dry completely before putting them back in your gym bag.

Clothes

Wash your clothes immediately after a workout. Sweat riddled clothes are more prone to bacteria. If you have clothes that you just can’t get the smell out, add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the cycle. If that doesn’t work, well maybe it’s time to invest in a new Stealth shirt ;)

Shoes

Did you know your feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands? Your sweat is then confined to your foot, your sock, and your shoes. GROSS!. How many times have you gotten home from Stealth, slipped off your shoes, and had a terrible stench in the room. Yep, that’s you or your shoes, and it’s usually because bacteria has grown in your warm, dark, and sweaty sneakers. Sprinkle in a little bit of baking soda, and let them sit overnight. In the morning, dump the powder out and wipe down the inside of your sneakers. If you don’t want to put baking soda inside your fancy metcons, you can buy a deodorizer to spray after working out.

Body

Yes, you. If you can smell yourself, most likely others can too. I know this is a tough and uncomfortable topic but just remember that whether you are trying to find a way to tell someone that they are not smelling linen fresh or discovering that you, yourself are not smelling like a rose, you are not alone. Use antiperspirant before each workout. Throw a stick in your bag so you are never without it. Make sure you are washing your gym clothes after every use. This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people rewear their clothes. Make a point to avoid foods that contribute to body order (garlic, fast foods). Look for foods high in chlorophyll, such as kale, chard, or spinach.

Stealth is filled with people who work hard and encourage each other. The proof is in the sweat that you perspire everyday. Bonds are forged in the magical moisture that covers our bodies, equipment, and the floor, letting all around you know that you were here. But when your smelly gear starts to take over, you need a new laundry plan.

Happy Sweating!

Jenny