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On these bleak winter mornings, it takes a lot to lure me to the gym at 6am — especially after a month of scoffing mince pies.
But every Monday, without fail, off to my weight-training class I go, and this is due to how much I love — and trust — my workout kit. My Sweaty Betty leggings make thighs look slimmer (despite all that pastry) and never budge an inch, even during a godforsaken burpees session.
My Nike vest efficiently wicks away sweat and my fleecy hoodie (Sweaty Betty again) has thumbholes so my hands stay warm en route, plus a flattering, longline hem. 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 is more important than you might think when it comes to finding the motivation to exercise.
Fleece, £157, and leggings, £30, theoutnet.com; trainers, £27.99, schuh.co.uk
Psychologist Catherine Hallissey says: ‘When you wear workout clothes that make you feel good, you enhance positive associations with your “workout identity”. This can give you the boost you need after Christmas overindulgence.’ Case in point: the Lululemon yoga leggings. Made from the brand’s bespoke fabric, Nulu, they manage to both be lightweight and offer compression, fourway stretch and lining to hold everything in place. They’re expensive, yes, but my current pair have lasted a decade of sun salutations.
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
Asquith’s camo-print leggings also caught my eye. They’re made from soft, sustainable bamboo and also have that important four-way stretch. And, no, you’re not legally bound to team them with a crop top — there are plenty of loose, bum-disguising tops around that can tone down a jazzy print.
Speaking of which, just look at these colours! The vibrant shades will lift your mood and keep you seen and safe when out running or cycling.
Jacket, £65, theoutnet. com; leggings, £70, asquithlondon.com; trainers, £95, and hat, £25, fitflop.com
Sports bra, £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 No1 tip is to lay out your sleek new gym kit before you go to bed and put it on the moment you wake up, so you’ll be more likely to exercise before the day gets in your way. Now you’ve got all the gear and the idea, there’s no excuse.
READ MORE:
‘Truly super soft’: The new Sweaty Betty Super Soft leggings are the brand’s softest EVER pair AND they’re designed to lift the bum and lengthen legs
Lift weights, eat bacon for breakfast, NEVER juice and which exercises burn the most calories – the new fitness and diet rules to change YOUR body in 2023
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