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ABC News
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- ABC News
ABC News NT: How the police shotting death of Kumanjayi Walker changed the NT
ABC News NT ABC NEWS Watch Article share options Share this on Facebook Twitter Send this by Email Copy link WhatsApp Messenger News from where we live. ABC News NT brings you the day's news and original reporting from the Top End to Alice Springs, Uluru to Kakadu and outback communities. Presented by Kyle Dowling, plus Isabella Tolhurst, Olivana Lathouris and Mitchell Abram.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Expert reveals hidden benefit to wearing activewear all the time
Step outside almost anywhere in Australia and you'll spot it instantly: leggings at brunch, trainers in the office, and tracksuit tops at the supermarket. Athleisure, once reserved for the gym, has become the unofficial dress code for a busy life. This blend of athletic and leisurewear is tied to a shift in how Aussies live, work and move, according to a recent report from commercial investment firm CBRE. With remote work now the norm for many, and a growing focus on health and wellness, people are seeking out clothes that are suitable for everything from Zoom calls to school runs and a quick dash to the shops. Social media has only fuelled the trend, with influencers and celebrities showing off their active lifestyles and favourite brands to millions of followers. Australia's fitness and athletic clothing market is currently worth $4.2 billion, and IBISWorld, a global market research company, predicts it will continue to grow for years to come. But you might have wondered before – have all these leggings and sporty tops actually made us more active? Research from Victoria University and others around the world suggests it has. One study found that the simple act of putting on activewear can nudge people, especially women, towards healthier choices, like taking a walk instead of staying on the couch. Another linked this behaviour to a psychological phenomenon known as 'enclothed cognition', where what we wear influences how we think and behave. Sports psychologist Dr Jo Lukins, who has spent more than three decades studying motivation and performance, agrees the link is real. 'The association between leisurewear and being active can indeed have an impact, and it may be that people are more likely to go for a long walk in leisurewear, than if they are not dressed in that style,' she told She explains this effect as 'behavioural priming' – the idea that what we wear can subconsciously push us toward certain behaviours. Just as people might put on a favourite blazer to feel confident for a job interview, slipping into activewear can make exercise feel more accessible. 'Barriers to exercise always impede our efforts, so if activewear has the potential to reduce barriers, it may make it easier to transition from daily tasks to physical activity without having to go to the effort to change,' she explained. However, Dr Lukins notes that comfort and body image play a crucial role. If someone feels self-conscious in activewear, wearing it could have the opposite effect, making them less likely to move. The type of clothing matters, too, as not all athleisure is created equal. Outfits designed purely for style might not encourage activity if they aren't comfortable or functional for movement. Studies also show that features like breathable fabrics and temperature regulation can boost our willingness to get active, while soft, flexible materials may improve performance. How one brand is adapting to this trend The surge in everyday athleisure has created opportunities for brands like Halara, the TikTok-famous label that's boomed in popularity for its trend-driven, versatile designs. If you've ever scrolled through fitness content, you've probably seen its signature leggings, tennis skirts or iconic stretchy jeans. Jessica Thompson, Halara's Global Brand President, said much of the brand's success lies in its ability to adapt to the Australian activewear market and consumers who want clothing that fits every aspect of their lives. The brand uses machine learning to analyse thousands of customer comments, shaping everything from sizing to new product ideas. Using this process, the brand has noticed a growing appetite for everyday clothing that uses athleisure-inspired fabrics. 'We're using activewear-inspired fabrics and functionality in categories like workwear, making items stretchy, breathable, odour-resistant, crease-resistant and more,' she said. Thompson hopes this shift will encourage people to move more, regardless of where they are or what activity they're doing. 'When garments are machine washable, sweat-wicking and odour-resistant, it means you can feel comfortable running for the bus without worrying about ruining your outfit,' she said. Should you wear activewear every day to be more active? So, is it worth living in activewear or activewear-inspired clothing if you want to move more? Dr Lukins suggests treating it as a personal experiment. 'The clothing can certainly help, and reduce some of the barriers – but I would always say that intentionally planning to exercise and having a commitment to exercise is an important influencer,' she said. Because of course, activewear alone isn't a magic bullet. Dr Lukins says the real key is building incidental movement into your daily routine, so it becomes a habit rather than a chore. Reducing 'decision fatigue' by making exercise automatic, like taking the stairs instead of the escalator, or laying out your workout clothes the night before, can make a big difference. Other tried-and-true tricks include exercising with a friend, listening to music, choosing activities you genuinely enjoy, using fitness apps for motivation, and rewarding yourself for sticking with it.
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- SBS Australia
Black vinegar braised beef short ribs
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Japanese-speaking Australians. Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
