While in California last winter, I began working out regularly for the first time in my life. Discovering that exercise could be something other than evil torture was, in many ways, the best thing that ever happened to me. I not only lost the 10 pounds that had creeped up on me over a long, depressing year in New York, but also found that I had more energy and was motivated to make generally healthier choices (like eating salad because I’m almost 30 and have been told it’s something grown-ups do). So, after a busted knee in March that left me hobbling up the stairs for several weeks (and subsequently moving to Chicago, falling in love, and indulging in my fair share of deep dish pizza), I’ve finally faced my fears and returned to the gym. So far I’ve stuck to the treadmill, but am also excited to take pilates, yoga, and zumba classes (I used to think classes looked so daunting and/or lame, but have since found them to be, in short, the best thing ever).
One of my biggest motivations to exercise is all the cute workout gear out there. This week, I ordered an Athena top from the smart and chic fitness brand Outdoor Voices. I was wavering on it, feeling self-conscious about showing my one-pack abs, but then I spotted this awesome photo of Lena Dunham sporting it on their instagram, and I pulled the trigger. Lena, rock on with your bad self.
I would love to hear about your favorite fitness brands and/or workout motivators. Do you have a favorite pair of leggings or sneakers you can’t live without? What gets you up and out the door to the gym? Fill me in!
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Ooh these are cute! I’m having a baby any day now (I’m a week overdue…) and hoping to pick up a few new gym pieces in a couple weeks to motivate me to start the slow road of losing the baby weight. I’ve never been super athletic, but I do love classes like step aerobics or Zumba, where you’re so busy trying to keep up that you forget how tired/ridiculous you feel. ;)
Maggie – A week overdue?! How exciting!!! I’m with you on the Zumba. It’s just a big dance party and you don’t feel like you’re counting the seconds… Have fun, mama! xoxo
Yay! Good for you! I was late to the fitness/workout game, but have fallen in love with working out. Thanks in large part to my husband, who is the ultimate motivator for me, I’ve come to love working out and, at-almost-39, I’m slowly getting to be in the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. I also love dining in restaurants and a good cocktail, as is evidenced by my Instagram, so exercise is necessary.
It’s sometimes a slow process and there is still progress to be made, but I’m seeing results and loving it! I feel great! I do Ballet Beautiful (I subscribe to her Custom Workout) – I can do it at home or in a hotel room if I’m traveling. I love ballet-based workouts and, though Mary Helen is gentle and the basically prettiest workout instructor ever, the workouts KILL me! Aside from that, I try to take adult open-division classes at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre much as I can (which means my workout apparel of choice centers around leotards, tights, legwarmers and ballet slippers).
Heather – I’m okay with any excuse to wear cute leotards and leg warmers! I didn’t realize you could do Ballet Beautiful from home?! So great. I must investigate! xoxo
I’ve found that great workout clothes are one of the best motivators to keep you going to the gym and/or working out. The most important factor for me is that they need to be totally functional and allow me to not think at all about them while I’m exercising.
Case in point: Shorts that ride up all the time that I have to constantly readjust – ditched ’em. Cute, but unsupportive sports bras – ditched those, too.
I feel like once you find a brand that fits and works with your body, the rest is easy. I stick to my tried-and-true: Brooks running shoes, Nike tempo shorts (or leggings when it’s colder), Champion sports bras from Target (why go the expensive route here when in reality they should be replaced quite often due to loss of elasticity and support {every 3-12 months depending on frequency of use}) and dry-fit shirts (it’s mighty hot and steamy in Atlanta). They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or fashion-forward (basic), but they work for what I need them to do.
Cathy – Admire your sensible approach. My favorite top right now is from Target–they have a great selection. And I’ve been wanting to try those Nike leggings, will have to give them a go. Thanks for weighing in!
I’m JUST starting to get back on the fitness train. I really love Ballet Beautiful but I also just got the BBG plan from Kayla Itsines (she’s featured on the Outdoor Voices homepage!). I love the OV clothes, simple and modern without all the neon! I tend to stalk Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx, they have such good deals on my favorites: Nike and Zella. I scooped up some great workout gear in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale too.
Jessie – Good for you! I need to google Kayla, I didn’t know who she was when I saw her on their homepage! And I should definitely check out the local Nordstrom Rack, thanks for the tip!
I love, love, love Outdoor Voices. I follow them, and several other brands, on Instagram, and just seeing their beautifully styled posts makes me want to put on my running shoes and head outside, stat.
While this brand has a slightly different vibe, I think you’d really like Tracksmith – https://www.tracksmith.com/ It’s a New England-based brand that makes you feel like you’re on an Ivy League track team a few decades ago. So sporty and retro!
Anna – Thank you for introducing me to Tracksmith! Just checked it out–their stuff is so timeless and super cute. xo
Bicycling outdoors does it for me! The freedom of traveling under my own power and seeing the world from a different point of view never fails to inspire and motivate me. I ride bike share for daily transportation in NYC (super-efficient) and go on longer rides on my road bike with friends on weekends. I like this line of road cycling clothing > http://velocio.cc/ for its elegant designs, and I like this one for riding casually around town > http://www.kor-nyc.com/
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I keep trying all sorts of workout clothes- a mix of high and low. A friend once said to me “Why spend a ton for something you’re going to sweat in?”. So I try to strike a balance between budget (Old Navy compression tights and Target tanks) and so-cute-it-motivates-me-to-go-to-the-gym (Athleta, Zella, Lucy, etc).
I’m obsessed with everything Oiselle makes! Great US company that supports some incredible athletes, and makes super high quality and cute workout clothes. I can’t get over how soft some of their fabrics are, and everything is classic with pops of flare. My favs are their Roga short, and joggings.
http://www.oiselle.com/