With the New Year and spring semester finally here, it’s the perfect time to step up your gym game. While it can be tough to get to the gym if the winter blues are getting you down, we have a solution: cute exercise gear! Sometimes all it takes is a little update to your workout wardrobe to keep you motivated. We rounded up five fab looks for starting your gym routine off on the right foot this semester – no matter what your preferred workout is. When your exercise looks are this on point, it’ll be pretty hard to want to skip the gym ever again!
1. Hitting the yoga mat
Getting your “om” on at a yoga or Pilates class? The key is to dress for movement and breathability. We’re loving the open, barely-there look of this Free People tank, which is loose enough that you can downward dog without having to readjust your clothes – and the built-in sports bra is a major bonus!
On bottom, throw on a pair of leggings, which allows you maximum movement during class. This pair from Nike has a gorgeous blue print, perfect for a relaxing yoga session. Don’t forget a headband to keep the flyaways out of your face and a chic duffel that has plenty of room to tote your mat back and forth from the studio.
2. Taking on the cardio room
If you’re more of a treadmill or elliptical kind of girl, shorts and a tank are your best bet for staying cool during your workout. Need a little encouragement? This “No Days Off” tank keeps you going when your gym buddy isn’t there, and it looks totally cute with a brightly colored sports bra peeking out underneath. Add a pair of fun, patterned running shorts, which will allow your legs to move freely! Top off the outfit with sneakers in a bright and energizing color, blast your favorite tunes and you’ll never run out of energy.
3. Spinning with the girls
Get major style points at your next weekend spin class with friends in a chic, fun look that allows you to sweat in style (and still look cute for lunch afterwards). Pair your leggings with a fun open-back tank with an attached strappy sports bra that’s equal parts fashion and function – the open back will keep you cool during even the sweatiest spin class. Basic black trainers are lightweight and slim for spinning and are totally on-trend for outside of class, too!
4. Braving the elements
If you’re more of an outdoor runner, you can still bundle up and face the chilly weather in style! The trick is to go for lightweight layers that still allow you to move and provide plenty of insulation. Try a pair of fun patterned leggings that also have heat technology to keep your legs warm. Pants from Uniqlo, Under Armour and Nike all make great options. On top, you’ll want to layer a basic tank underneath a jacket made specifically for the outdoors – don’t forget to make sure it’s reflective so you can be seen on a dreary winter day! Finally, add your favorite pair of running sneakers and a fleece-lined headband, which is a great activewear alternative to a hat. Ready, set, go!
5. Toning up
Going over to the gym to tone up or lift weights? Show off all that hard work (and those abs you’re working so hard to get!) in a shorts-and-sports-bra combo! A plain black sports bra with a high neck looks chic and unexpected and ensures that you won’t accidentally show too much skin with this look. Pair it with bright patterned shorts to add some color. As a topper for when you’re done working out, we love this funnel-neck pullover, which is a much chicer upgrade from your typical sweatshirt. Add a pair of lightweight training sneakers in bright blue, and you’re ready to get your fit on!
No matter what your health and fitness goals are for 2015, there are plenty of activewear options that are both chic and functional for whatever your gym activities may be. Get ready to be the best-dressed girl at the gym this semester!