Over the past few years, I have adopted an active lifestyle. I love running, boxing, barre, yoga, pilates, boot camp, and anything that else that makes me sweat. Nothing effects a workout more than the wrong outfit or gear. I have tried every brand at every price point trying to find "the best." After being disappointed and presently surprised, I have developed a list of high performers. Here are my favorites!
1) Workout Pants/Leggings/Shorts: Old Navy (I know…Old Navy?!?)
I have tried Lulumemon, Athleta, Nike and every other premium brand that you can imagine and my Old Navy work out pants have held up the best (and at a much cheaper price point!)
My favorite pair of pants sold out quickly and are no longer offered (pictured below).
However, Old Navy has many other great options. The best part is that you feel confident that you only paid 1/3 of the cost of other “premium” brands for the same quality!
Also, they have amazing male workout pants as well. I bought my fiancé some shorts and he says he wears his Old Navy shorts more than his Nike shorts. That’s a lot coming from an ex-basketball player who thinks Nike is supreme and all other brands are beneath him. (Ok… maybe an exaggeration.. but a very slight one!).
Note: If you sweat as much as I do, make sure any pants you select are from their “Go-Dry” line.
http://www.oldnavy.com/products/womens-workout-pants.jsp?brandCvoSid=9GVXA8QDENNN
1) Workout Pants/Leggings/Shorts: Old Navy (I know…Old Navy?!?)
I have tried Lulumemon, Athleta, Nike and every other premium brand that you can imagine and my Old Navy work out pants have held up the best (and at a much cheaper price point!)
My favorite pair of pants sold out quickly and are no longer offered (pictured below).
However, Old Navy has many other great options. The best part is that you feel confident that you only paid 1/3 of the cost of other “premium” brands for the same quality!
Also, they have amazing male workout pants as well. I bought my fiancé some shorts and he says he wears his Old Navy shorts more than his Nike shorts. That’s a lot coming from an ex-basketball player who thinks Nike is supreme and all other brands are beneath him. (Ok… maybe an exaggeration.. but a very slight one!).
Note: If you sweat as much as I do, make sure any pants you select are from their “Go-Dry” line.
http://www.oldnavy.com/products/womens-workout-pants.jsp?brandCvoSid=9GVXA8QDENNN
2) Workout Tank/Top/Jacket: Athleta
All of my favorite workout tops have been from Athleta. This luxury workout brand from the makers of Gap offers many type of tops (yoga, running, cross-training, hiking, skiing, you name it!) All of the tops that I own are high quality and elevate my outfits every time. I feel confident and cute wearing their tops. The tanks hold up during my toughest workouts and the running jackets are warm but lightweight.
The only potential downside is that lighter colors “sweat thru” during extremely intense workouts. I sweat profusely (even my hands) during a hard workout so I’m fine with my shirt showing sweat. If this concerns you, stay with darker colors or plain white shirts (My white tank doesn’t do this.) However, all in all I love these tops due to their versatility and ability to handle any workout.
I must warn you that these tops are a little on the pricey side but Athleta has an amazing sale section on their site and offers an extra 20% off every couple of months. All of the tops that I purchased were from their online sale section. (FYI-I currently own the Uppercut tank, Uppercut hoodie, Chi tank, Plush Tech Half Zip and Exhilaration tank.)
http://athleta.gap.com/
All of my favorite workout tops have been from Athleta. This luxury workout brand from the makers of Gap offers many type of tops (yoga, running, cross-training, hiking, skiing, you name it!) All of the tops that I own are high quality and elevate my outfits every time. I feel confident and cute wearing their tops. The tanks hold up during my toughest workouts and the running jackets are warm but lightweight.
The only potential downside is that lighter colors “sweat thru” during extremely intense workouts. I sweat profusely (even my hands) during a hard workout so I’m fine with my shirt showing sweat. If this concerns you, stay with darker colors or plain white shirts (My white tank doesn’t do this.) However, all in all I love these tops due to their versatility and ability to handle any workout.
I must warn you that these tops are a little on the pricey side but Athleta has an amazing sale section on their site and offers an extra 20% off every couple of months. All of the tops that I purchased were from their online sale section. (FYI-I currently own the Uppercut tank, Uppercut hoodie, Chi tank, Plush Tech Half Zip and Exhilaration tank.)
http://athleta.gap.com/
3) Yoga Mat: Lululemon
This mat is the best mat that I have ever owned! I became a lover of yoga (Vinyasa, Hot, & Restorative) couple years ago and have went through my share of yoga mats. Lululemon’s mats are extremely high quality and can handle anything! I have even used it during hot yoga once without a towel and it held up fine!! I personally enjoy the 5mm size due to my joints but I encourage you to pick the size that works best with your yoga style. My yoga mat is black but I’ve seen others in my classes use other colors and theirs looks great after years of use. Now, this mat will run you $68 but think of it as an investment. I have went through four $20 mats over the course of time that I have owned my Lulu mat and it still looks like new. Hands down it is an amazing mat!
(Note: I have not tried their hot yoga towel. I have heard mix reviews about them.)
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/women-yoga-mats-and-props?pagesize=All
This mat is the best mat that I have ever owned! I became a lover of yoga (Vinyasa, Hot, & Restorative) couple years ago and have went through my share of yoga mats. Lululemon’s mats are extremely high quality and can handle anything! I have even used it during hot yoga once without a towel and it held up fine!! I personally enjoy the 5mm size due to my joints but I encourage you to pick the size that works best with your yoga style. My yoga mat is black but I’ve seen others in my classes use other colors and theirs looks great after years of use. Now, this mat will run you $68 but think of it as an investment. I have went through four $20 mats over the course of time that I have owned my Lulu mat and it still looks like new. Hands down it is an amazing mat!
(Note: I have not tried their hot yoga towel. I have heard mix reviews about them.)
http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/women-yoga-mats-and-props?pagesize=All
4) Workout bag: Nike Duffel Bag
I am always on the run and so a workout bag is important to me. I have tried all type of bags, the ones with all the bells and whistles, ones that look like purses, ones that have a space for everything but my Nike bag is by far the best. I use the huge compartment in the middle for the clean clothes, shoes (I put them in a shoe bag), and anything else large. There is a side compartment with a vent for your wet clothes or stinky sneakers. This side expands into the larger compartment if you need the space but still separates the dirty clothes from the clean clothes (My FAV!) The other side holds all of your toiletries. This bag is so versatile that I even used it on my recent trip to NYC. Because the “dirty side” expands, I was able to hold all my dirty clothes and shoes in that compartment by the end of the trip. Super convenient during unpacking! You can also throw the bag in the washing machine when it starts smelling like …um a gym bag.
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/brasilia-6-duffel-bag/pid-10263368/pgid-11184092
I am always on the run and so a workout bag is important to me. I have tried all type of bags, the ones with all the bells and whistles, ones that look like purses, ones that have a space for everything but my Nike bag is by far the best. I use the huge compartment in the middle for the clean clothes, shoes (I put them in a shoe bag), and anything else large. There is a side compartment with a vent for your wet clothes or stinky sneakers. This side expands into the larger compartment if you need the space but still separates the dirty clothes from the clean clothes (My FAV!) The other side holds all of your toiletries. This bag is so versatile that I even used it on my recent trip to NYC. Because the “dirty side” expands, I was able to hold all my dirty clothes and shoes in that compartment by the end of the trip. Super convenient during unpacking! You can also throw the bag in the washing machine when it starts smelling like …um a gym bag.
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/brasilia-6-duffel-bag/pid-10263368/pgid-11184092
5) Workout bra: Dillard’s Half Moon Yoga Bras
I almost gave up on finding a perfect sports bra until I stumbled across these. These are the most comfortable, supportive bras that I have ever owned! Most bras offer optional padding that usually falls out during washing (or even during a workout!?! GASP!) and starts bulging or sliding around the longer you use them. These have built in padding that never losses it’s shape. It is also extremely supportive and I have found that it keeps everything contained during my hardest boxing workout and my longest runs. I have also experienced no chafing which can often be a problem during long workouts. If you don’t own one of these, you have to give them a try!
I almost gave up on finding a perfect sports bra until I stumbled across these. These are the most comfortable, supportive bras that I have ever owned! Most bras offer optional padding that usually falls out during washing (or even during a workout!?! GASP!) and starts bulging or sliding around the longer you use them. These have built in padding that never losses it’s shape. It is also extremely supportive and I have found that it keeps everything contained during my hardest boxing workout and my longest runs. I have also experienced no chafing which can often be a problem during long workouts. If you don’t own one of these, you have to give them a try!
http://www.dillards.com/p/half-moon-active-by-modern-movement-contour-racerback-sports-bra/504271592
Hope this list help those of you on the search for great workout gear! If you know of any other great brands, please leave a comment below!
Hope this list help those of you on the search for great workout gear! If you know of any other great brands, please leave a comment below!