We’re three months into 2017, and so far you’ve kept up with your New Year’s resolution to work on your fitness. Whether you’re practising for that marathon you’ve always dreamed of running, or simply getting in the habit of taking brisk walks around the neighbourhood, it’s time to ditch the old sweatshirt you’ve had since college and lunge your way into the world of fashionable athletics!
For those just starting out on your fitness journey — interested in keeping active but not about to start your mornings at 6 a.m. flipping over monster truck tires in the name of strength-training — getting clothes that are adaptive to different environments is crucial. First, you’re going to need to invest in a pair of breathable leggings or pants, so look for fabrics such as Lycra, nylon or spandex. In addition to making your derrière look amazing, they’re known to dry quicker than cotton, which is a big no-go for anyone preparing to work up a sweat. Modern leggings come in a variety of colours and patterns, so whether you’d like to stick with a neutral to match many different tops, or go with a psychedelic print to showcase your personality, there is no shortage of options to suit your style.
Next, we need to address issues above-the-waist: tops and bras. If looking good is feeling good, then it’s time to ditch the old tattered t-shirt. Racerback tank tops are often designed to allow your skin to breathe, and to allow a greater range of motion for those of you into yoga or Pilates. As a bonus, many come with a bra built into the shirt, thereby eliminating an expense and extra fabric during your sweat session. For those of you uncomfortable showing your arms or clavicle, a high-neck t-shirt (short-sleeved or long) can still be cute and comfortable, provided it is fitted to your body. After all, no one benefits from dressing in a potato sack while jogging on a treadmill or running to meet friends for coffee.
Now, some of us may need a little more than just “moral support” when we workout, hence the beloved sports bra. Sports bras are often designed to fit into one of three categories: low-impact (for yoga or stretching), medium-impact (for light jogging or brisk walking), and high-impact (for marathons, CrossFit, or surviving in a post-apocalyptic society). The right bra can make all the difference in your workout, so choose something you’re comfortable in, but that also makes you feel good. Ideally, you want “the girls” to be held in place, but not smashed down, so make sure you take a few deep breaths when trying one on to make sure you get optimal oxygen supply (doing a few jumping jacks doesn’t hurt either).
It’s never too late to start looking great, so leap, walk, lunge and sprint into your fitness goals in style!
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