Let’s be honest---even sweating through an intense workout can be made a little more enjoyable when wearing something comfortable that you feel good in. I’m sure it’s mostly psychological, but I always save my favorite workout pieces for harder days or longer runs because they give me a little extra confidence (I’m sure Drew is rolling his eyes at the amount a “little extra confidence” can cost). In my defense, there are plenty of areas that I couldn’t care less to spend money (designer purses, cosmetics, expensive furniture, etc)--but I spend a lot of time in athletic clothes and it’s worth the investment. They are my "work wear" after all! #PEteacherlife
This is Camden (not my dog), but all good sister-in-laws dogsit from time to time. She was with us when we went to shoot some pictures for this post, so she is my dog model
I’m going to share some of my favorite brands and pieces that have become staples in my wardrobe. There really is no worse feeling than a long run that leaves it’s mark not only with sore legs, but with inner-thigh chafing….so let’s just do everything we can to avoid that.
Where to Spend Vs. Where to Save
Unfortunately, until Lululemon decides to sponsor my wardrobe, I have to decide what pieces are worth the price and what pieces I can find that accomplish the same goal without the sticker shock. In my opinion: shorts and leggings are worth it, tank tops are not. Until three months ago, I would have talked about lululemon as the exclusive theft of my heart and savings, but things have shifted a bit. There’s a new workout brand in my life and I feel a bit guilty about the love affair with Outdoor Voices.
Outdoor Voices sums me up in a clothing line--simple, outdoorsy, athletic, functional, and spunky. I love the fabrics, the fit, and most of all how they encourage people to GET OUTSIDE. I love the gym, but I LOVE exercising in nature and any brand that promotes doing that in a comfortable, yet technical and stylish way is one I’ll be supporting and wearing for a long time. I think the contrast between OV and Lulu is the fabric thickness. I’ve noticed that Outdoor Voices has less stretch and give then Lululemon-- I don’t really prefer one over the other, just different.
Leggings- High TImes 7/8 pant size 4 Tank Top- Less than $8 from Forever 21
Leggings with the right fit and amazing fabric will last me a long time and cannot be replicated by any brands at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. So treat yourself to a pair, or subtly hint to your significant other than you’ll take the “All the Right Places” leggings in black in your size…..you won’t be disappointed.
I’m a little on the shorter side (5"4), so I always order the 7/8ths length in leggings! I wear them all the time--under shorts to school, under dresses to church, under ski pants as thermals, to run, to lounge, you get the idea...
Here are my favorite leggings not pictured:
Inspire Tight II (favorite for running/hiking)
BIKER SHORTS
I absolutely LOVE wearing mid-length biker shorts to workout or run in because there is no riding up, chafing, or looseness that leaves me feeling exposed during certain exercises. I sweat quite a bit at the gym, so I never wear full-length leggings, but the biker shorts are perfect for me!
Shorts- Lululemon (older pair that I couldn't find online) Top- Nike Shoes-Mizuno Wave Inspire
TOPS
Tank tops seem to wear out at the same rate whether I’ve spent $6 or $60, so that’s an obvious one for me. I tend to get just as much enjoyment and comfort from the ones at Forever 21, Nike, TJ Maxx, etc as I do from the few I have from Lululemon.
CROPPED
I do appreciate the occasional cropped top when working out (or sometimes the pool). They are tight and almost resemble a long sports bra which means I don’t have to wear anything under them. Less laundry, no thought, cool and comfortable--no brainer. My favorites are these:
Grey Crop- Outdoor Voices Shoes- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32
This one was from T.J. Maxx and I wear it as a swimsuit with a little more coverage/sportiness than your average two-piece.
LONG SLEEVES
Most of the winter tops that I own are either Under Armor or Nike turtlenecks that have been handed down to me. I use most of those for winter running, but this looser Outdoor Voices shirt is so soft and comfortable is great for days that aren’t so cold during those transitional Fall months. Is there anything better than Fall running?!
Shirt- Outdoor Voices Light Draft ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PROTEIN BAR- "Moves" saves you 20% in checkout