On these dreary winter mornings, it takes a lot to lure me into the gym at 6am – especially after a month of scoffing mince pies.
But every Monday, without fail, I go to my weight training class, and it’s because of how much I love — and trust — my workout kit. My Sweaty Betty leggings make my thighs look slimmer (despite all that pasty) and never budge an inch, even during a godforsaken session of burpees.
My Nike vest efficiently wicks away sweat, and my cute hoodie (Sweaty Betty again) has finger holes so my hands stay warm on the trail, plus a nice, drawstring hem. Activewear has come a long way, with more inclusive sizes, new indie brands and technical advances in fabrics for better performance, fit and feel.
The latter is more important than you might think when it comes to finding the motivation to exercise.
Fleece, £157, and leggings, £30, theoutnet.com; trainers, £27.99, schuh.co.uk
Psychologist Catherine Hallissey says: ‘When you wear workout clothes that make you feel good, you increase positive associations with your ‘workout identity’. This could give you the boost you need after the Christmas binge.’ Case in point: Lululemon yoga leggings. Made from the brand’s bespoke Nulu fabric, they manage to be lightweight and offer compression, quarter stretch and lining to keep everything in place. They’re expensive, yes, but my current pair have lasted a decade of sun salutations.
Unitard, £24.99, hm.com; top, £75, americanvintagestore.com; trainers, £118, lululemon.co.uk
Left: Jacket, £249, falke.com; sports bra, £11.60, and leggings, £15.60, ghost.co.uk; trainers, £90, gola.co.uk; jewellery, from £39, heyharpershop.com. Right: top, £33, sweaty betty.com; shorts, £56.10 and trainers, £80, adidas.co.uk; socks, £14, falke.com
Asquith’s camo print leggings also caught my eye. They’re made from soft, durable bamboo and also have that all-important four-way stretch. And, no, you’re not legally bound to pair them with a crop top—there are plenty of loose, camouflage tops around that can tone down a jazzy print.
Speaking of which, just look at these colors! Vibrant shades will lift your mood and keep you seen and confident when you’re running or cycling.
Jacket, £65, mesh. com; leggings, £70, asquithlondon.com; trainers, £95 and hat, £25, fitflop.com
Sports bra, £40, thisissefi.com; jumper, £24.50, ghost.co.uk; leggings, £64, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £9.99, hm.com; trainers, £35, marksandspencer.com
Jumper, £129, the upside.com; leggings, £42, uk.gymplus coffee.com; trainers, £99.99, schuh.co.uk
My #1 tip is to put your fancy new gym bag away before you go to bed and put it on when you wake up, so you’ll be more likely to exercise before the day gets in the way. Now you have all the equipment and the idea, there is no excuse.
READ MORE:
‘Really super soft’: The new Sweaty Betty Super Soft Legs are the brand’s softest pair AND they’re designed to lift and elongate your legs
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