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On these dreary winter mornings, it takes a lot to lure me to the gym at 6 a.m., especially after a month of eating mince pies.
But every Monday, without fail, I go to my weight training class, and this is because of how much I love and trust my training equipment. My Sweaty Betty leggings make thighs look slimmer (despite all that cake) and never budge an inch, even during a godforsaken burpee session.
My Nike vest wicks sweat efficiently, and my fleece hoodie (Sweaty Betty again) has thumbholes to keep my hands warm on the trail, plus a long, flattering hem. Sportswear has come a long way, with more inclusive sizing, new independent 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 tights, £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 can give you the boost you need after the excesses of Christmas. Case in point: Lululemon yoga leggings. Constructed from the brand’s tailored Nulu fabric, they manage to be lightweight while offering compression, four-way stretch, and lining to keep everything in place. They’re expensive, yes, but my current pair has lasted a decade of sun salutations.
Unitard, £24.99, hm.com; above, £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: Above, £33, sweaty betty.com; shorts, £56.10 and sneakers, £80, adidas.co.uk; socks, £14, falke.com
Asquith’s camo print leggings also caught my eye. They’re made from soft, sustainable bamboo and have that all-important four-way stretch, too. And no, you’re not legally required to pair them with a crop top — there are plenty of flowy, butt-hiding tops that can tone down a statement print.
Speaking of which, just look at these colors! Vibrant hues will lift your mood and keep you visible and safe when you’re out for a run or bike ride.
Jacket, £65, theoutnet. com; leggings, £70, asquithlondon.com; sneakers, £95, and hat, £25, fitflop.com
Sports bra, £40, thisissefi.com; sweater, £24.50, ghost.co.uk; leggings, £64, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £9.99, hm.com; trainers, £35, marksandspencer.com
Jumper, £129, upside.com; leggings, £42, uk.gymplus coffee.com; trainers, £99.99, schuh.co.uk
My #1 tip is to style your fancy new gym gear before you go to bed and put it on the moment you wake up, so you’re more likely to get your workout in before the day gets in your way. Now that you have all the equipment and the idea, there is no excuse.
READ MORE:
‘Truly Super Soft’ – The new Sweaty Betty Super Soft Leggings are the softest pair from the Y brand and are designed to lift your butt and elongate your legs.
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