Author: Kendall Wangman

With spring break fast approaching, college students are flocking to the gym to shed those few extra pounds. Despite frantically putting together a last-minute workout schedule, you don’t have to frantically put together a bad workout outfit. Luckily, fitness attire allots more creativity and spontaneity, especially when it comes to mixing and matching.

Although print mixing is a prevalent trend, there is a method to the mixing madness, so don’t go and throw on a cheetah print leotard with zebra striped leggings. There has to be some element of continuity within the two statement patterns or colors you mix.

Fit Fashionista Summer Petro takes a different approach to the mixing trend and exemplifies ideal statement color mixology. Although she’s not mixing two patterns, the bold lettering on her tank makes a huge statement alone, as do her patterned shorts. The bright blue, gold, white and magenta in her tank all complement the colors of the geometric print on her shorts. Summer throws in one more statement piece with a vibrant gym bag. The key to a successful mix and match is hearing yourself or someone else say, “I never thought those would go together, but I love that combination!” — or at least something along those lines. So take inspiration from Summer's Nike tank and “Just do it.”  

Name: Summer Petro

Favorite Type of Workout: Going to the gym or doing a great plyometric workout

Favorite Food: I try to be pretty healthy, but my weakness is definitely bacon

CollegeFashionista: Where do you usually buy your workout clothes?

Summer Petro: When shopping online I prefer Lululemon or Nike, but when shopping in stores I prefer Lady's Footlocker (which has surprisingly unique and sassy clothing you rarely find online), Dick's Sporting Goods or women's clothing boutiques.

CF: What is your go-to workout look? 

Summer Petro: I prefer spandex shorts or spandex pants with a Nike DRI-fit racerback or tee. It’s so light and the most comfortable; I never have to worry about showing sweat through the material.

CF: How many times per week do you go to the gym?

Summer Petro: Four to Six.

CF: Do you have a set workout routine or does it vary day to day?

Summer Petro: I stick to a basic workout regimen that consists of specific exercises for each body part and I usually never train every body part in one gym session. Each day my work out is different and I use a technique called “muscle confusion,” which is the principle of changing your routines to keep your body guessing. For example, I would never do lunges and squats on Tuesday and then again on Wednesday. Instead, on Wednesday I would focus on upper body or abs and cardio. My workouts vary depending on how my body feels from previous workouts.

CF: How do you reward yourself after a long workout?

Summer Petro: I don’t always reward myself, but when I do its usually with a cheat meal. Instead of eating an ideal protein for dinner like grilled chicken I will often substitute it for something tastier like chicken fingers.