On these dark winter mornings, it takes a lot to drag yourself to the gym at 6 a.m. — especially after a month of explosive calves.
But every Monday, without fail, I go to the weight training class, and this is because of how much I love – and believe in – my exercise kit. My sweaty Betty legs are thigh-slim (despite all that baking) and won’t budge an inch, even during a godforsaken burpees session.
My Nike vest wicks away sweat effectively and my sweaty hoodie (Sweat Betty again) has thumbholes so my hands stay warm on the road, as well as a flattering long line. Activewear has come a long way, with more inclusive sizing, new indie brands and technical advances in fabrics for better performance, fit and feel.
The latter exercise is more important than you think to get motivated.
Fleece, £157, and leggings, £30, theoutnet.com; Trainers, £27.99, schuh.co.uk
Psychologist Kathryn Hallisey says: ‘When you wear exercise clothes, you strengthen positive associations with your “exercise self” that make you feel good. This will give you the boost you need after the Christmas binge.’ Case in point: Lululemon’s Yoga Leggings. Made from the brand’s Nulu fabric, they’re both lightweight and offer compression, four-way stretch and a lining to keep everything in place. They are expensive, yes, but my pair have been sun salutations for ten years.
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
Askew’s camo-print leggings also caught my eye. They’re made from soft, durable bamboo and also have that useful four-way stretch. And, no, you don’t legally have to pair it with a crop top—there are plenty of loose, funky tops that will tone down the jazzy print.
So, just look at these colors! Bright shades will lift your spirits and keep you looking and feeling safe while running or cycling.
Jacket, £65, theoutnet com; leggings, £70, asquithlondon.com; Trainers, £95, and hat, £25, fitflop.com
Sports Soother, £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 No. 1 tip is to put your fancy new gym kit away before you go to bed and put it away the moment you wake up, so you have a better chance of getting a workout in before the day is interrupted. Now you’ve got all the gear and the idea, no excuses.
Read more:
‘Truly Super Soft’: The new Sweat Betty Super Soft leggings are the brand’s softest pair and are designed to lift and elongate the legs.
Lift weights, eat bacon for breakfast, never juice and which exercises burn the most calories – the new fitness and diet rules to transform your body in 2023
