Goes without saying, new year = new motivation to get in shape. One of the best ways to get your fit on is through great workout wear. I’ve asked two leaders in fitness, Chris Heidel – owner of Libra Fitness and Karen Shopoff Rooff – owner of Balance Physical Fitness to give us all advice on the best fitness gear.  Here’s to a healthy 2010!

Chris Heidel of Libra Fitness is a friend I’ve made through the fabulous world of FaceBook Networking.  As a “fan” of hers, I love that her fitness M.O. is help you get there–and stay there! I say, Amen to that.  Chris is offering Grand Opening Prices plus a 5% discount to all Well Styled readers.

The most important piece of workout wear for most women, especially for running or other cardio is a good-fitting sports bra. The more top-heavy you are, the more of a specialty item you may need in this area. A fitting at Petticoat Fair in Austin [or any undergarment specialty store] is a must for full-figured ladies! Another tip…Rit dye is your friend. Many specialty sports bras only come in (or may only be stocked in) white, but you may want beige or black to look best with your workout clothes. Buy the bra based on fit, and then dye it if you need to.

After that, buy workout clothes that make you feel good NOW, not what you want to look good in 20 pounds down form now! So many of my clients complain about how distracting their belly hanging over the top of skimpy workout attire is! Don’t buy that stuff! Move around a lot in new workout clothes while still in the dressing room. If your breasts are popping out of the top, or if you are having to pull the pants out of your crotch, this problem will NOT improve on a 5-mile run. Make sure that whatever you buy is functional and comfortable. At the same time, you deserve to have at least a couple of cute workout outfits, so make sure that you feel special in the outfit, too. Also, baggy clothing can either get in the way or make it difficult for you, your trainer, or instructor to verify your form on certain moves and exercises. So, though you might want to maintain modesty, you’ll be better off if your workout clothes are at least slightly form-fitting.

Lastly, if you have trouble finding workout clothes that are large enough, try the following site: http://www.junonia.com/  This double-layer short is a FAVORITE with my larger clients.

Karen Shopoff Rooff of Balance Physical Fitness is a no stranger to Well Styled. Karen has been a Shopping Field Trip participant and has volunteered in the past for blog post on easy summer wear. Currently , Karen is offering a package of a 1-hour consultation & fitness assessment plus 10 hours of personal training (in the client’s home, workplace, or a park) for $500.
 

My one must-have piece of workout wear is a long tank from Gracie’s Gear.   I love that it is long enough that it never rides up, it comes in feminine colors, it accentuates a woman’s curves very nicely, and it can be worn either by itself as a tank because it has good coverage or as a sports bra layering piece.  It has a handy pocket right on the chest for keys, gels, or an MP3 player, and whatever you carry in there doesn’t bounce even when running.  The “Gracie” of Gracie’s gear is a real runner and a real mom, and she definitely knows her audience and thought of them when designing this top.  Can you tell I love it?!  Gracie’s Gear can be bought locally at bettysport.

 

Gracie Sport Tank

 My favorite pants are nothing fancy C9 yoga pants from Target !  They hold up really well.   I probably have 4-5 pair of them and wear them almost every day.  So comfy, so good for everything from walking to weight training, and they’re nice enough to wear them to the grocery store. 
I definitely recommend that women invest in a good sports bra.  Title Nine  has an amazing selection, and it’s clear about which bra is good for which activity depending on body type.  Title Nine also has the most fun selection of general fitness wear— clothes you can exercise in but feel good about wearing out and about, too.
I admit that I have not bought into the whole running skirt craze.  I know it’s popular and fun and flirty and feminine, but I want more coverage on my thighs when I run. 

Sage Long Sleeve, Title Nine

 

Gold Standard Run Short, Title Nine