Updated Post-Gym Routine: Sweaty to Ready!

I’ve recently gotten a lot of questions about my post-gym routine regarding how I can go workout at lunch, get super sweaty, and then freshen up to go back to work without taking a shower.  I love to share this because I think I have it down to a quick science now!  So some of you may think it’s gross but as a former college athlete, I spent many of my days going to class all day long straight from practice so, I’m used to working out and maybe not getting a shower until later in the day.  But don’t let it gross you out!! I swear my sweaty to ready process works and lets you fully freshen up before going back to work.

So yeah, I don’t shower after I workout at lunch.  I don’t have enough time, and I would rather give that time to my workout.  Instead, I have a few products I use that make it super quick and easy to clean up after my workout and head back to work.

I will say, I am lucky that my work has a gym in the building next door, so I just walk over there to workout.  You may have to drive to the gym so that might take a bit longer, but in that case, this process should help you save some time!!  This post sort of operates around the idea that you have about an hour to take for lunch and therefore you use that hour to go workout.  Just FYI!

The workout usually looks something like this: 30-45 minutes of a FITTER program circuit or cardio workout, and then if I have time I like to cool down by walking on the treadmill for 5-10 minutes.  This helps bring my heart rate back down and stop sweating as much, so I’m not instantly trying to put my work clothes back on immediately after the workout while I’m still sweating.  Giving yourself at least 5-10 mins at the end of your workout, even if you are just stretching, will really help with this.  Also take this time to be sure you are rehydrating!! That will also help you cool down.

*Helpful tip: If you can find a fan in the gym, try to move it over to where you are working out (or if it doesn’t move, go workout in front of wherever it is planted) this will also help with keeping cool.  I always hijack the fan in the gym and put it right next to me while I run on the treadmill, lol.

Then I hit the bathroom/locker room to clean up.  First I use some cleanser body wipes and pretty much wipe down my whole body, especially those underarms, to wipe away the salty sweat from my skin.  I use another kind for my face to get all my sweat and makeup from the morning off.  I put my makeup back on after so I like to get a clean slate on my face too.  So the wipes are essentially my “shower” but don’t require me to have to get in, get all wet, dry off, etc.

Next I reapply deodorant and face/body lotion…just a tiny bit of lotion because sometimes I’m still kind of hot and a ton of lotion doesn’t work well.  Then I use dry shampoo and dry conditioner, rub it into my hair, and let it sit for a couple minutes while I get dressed.  (I’m doing all of this either in the bathroom stall or little locker room area) Once dressed I head out to the sink to blow dry my hair and reapply makeup.  I just have to blow dry the sweat out of my hair so its usually just along my hair line that really needs it.  This only takes a few minutes.  If I curled my hair in the morning, usually just the blow dry and brush makes it look acceptable, but worst case scenario I just do a low ponytail and head back. Lastly, I reapply makeup…which for me is usually just concealer, bronzer/blush, and mascara.  Quick!

Also, a spritz of perfume never hurt but I don’t usually remember to bring my perfume.  I get lots of compliments that I smell good after I’ve worked out and I think it’s the dry shampoo actually! It has a nice fresh scent.

I estimate my getting ready time is approximately 10 minutes.

And just a note on the clothes…when I know I’m going to work out at lunch, I try to wear clothes that will be easy and comfortable to put back on after a workout.  So usually cotton dresses with boots or flats is what I go for and maybe a cardigan so I can take that on or off easily if I get hot or cold.  I definitely try to avoid pants or nice blouses because that material usually isn’t as breathable and it’s also harder to wash.  The cotton dresses throw in the washer really easily, so all in all, that is lower maintenance.

outfit deets: crop top sweatshirt // leggings // shoes (similar) // sunnies

So, to recap, here are the things in my gym bag to help me go from sweaty to ready:

1. Dry Shampoo and Dry Conditioner
2. Compact Hair Dryer
3. Hair Brush
4. Body Wipes and Face Wipes
5. Make Up: My main things are concealer, bronzer, blush, and mascara
6. Deodorant

Then some other things you may want to throw in your bag: a small towel to dry off any excess sweat, face or body lotion, perfume.

So, that’s pretty much it!! I hope you find this helpful, and as always if you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments!

xo,

Bess