Everyone knows that January is a make or break month when it comes to realising your new year’s resolutions; it’s the clean slate that we all start on, whatever we’re planning to achieve over the next 12 months.
And after a little Christmas indulgence, it’s fair to say that a few of us will be thinking about our health and fitness; there’s a reason that gym memberships spike at this time of year! But whether you’re a seasoned sportswoman or a reluctant gym-goer, getting into the swing of things is easier with the right gear. Here are the athleisure staples you’ll need to kick-start your new year fitness regime.
Loud & Proud Leggings
Leggings are to athleisure what jeans are to off-duty dressing; i.e., absolute staples. And just like jeans, leggings today come in a variety of styles. Alongside your black and grey pairs, you’ll find boldly printed pieces that look as though they came straight out of a Jane Fonda workout video. Yes, the pinnacle of 80s aerobics fashion – the loud legging – is here to stay.
Staple Sweaters
As the name suggests, athleisure clothing should be suitable for working out and just hanging out. As such, layers are a key feature of the trend, since these help to make ensembles more wearable for the everyday. Invest in a few sweaters to throw over your sports tops when heading out; slouchier styles have that effortless, city-chic appeal that’s at the heart of athleisure. You should keep your colour palette on the subdued side too (this is especially important if you’re a fan of fancy leggings!). Grey or pastel hues will give your outfit an on-trend finish without making the whole thing look too OTT. Logo sweaters are a good way to bring some character – and another huge trend – into your look.
Top Crops
Sports bras and crop tops are an essential part of every woman’s workout wardrobe, since they provide the kind of support needed for any kind of physical activity. If you’re in the middle of a HIIT class, say, you’re going to appreciate wearing one. They work by reducing the amount of ‘bounce’ you’re likely to experience – whatever your cup size – during a workout. The fact that they look good too is just a happy coincidence! The key to making your crop top work for the gym is all in the fit; banded styles that sit close to the body are going to provide more support when you’re hitting the treadmill hard. Pair with some high-waisted leggings to complete your look; this will ensure that your outfit is comfortable to wear, even when you’re not working out.
Easy-Breezy Outerwear
When it comes to working out in winter, outer layers are key. Whether you go for a lightweight running jacket to throw over your hoodie or a sleeveless sports gilet, you’ll appreciate an additional layer during the cooler months – even if you’re only walking from your car to the gym door! And on those gym-free days when you’re not working up a sweat, these easy-to-wear layers will be a godsend.
Runway Ready Trainers
Just like leggings, trainers are a must when curating the perfect athleisure wardrobe. After all, you can’t run in your heels! But it’s not just sports fans who have fallen in love with trainers; sales have risen by 37% in recent years, whilst sales for heels have dropped. Yes, fashion trainers are now a thing, so choose wisely; you’ll need a pair that’ll make a statement on the streets and at your spin class.
When buying trainers for working out, you should think about how suitable they are for the type of exercise you’ll be doing. Studies have shown that exercisers who alternate their trainers are 39% less likely to suffer from an exercise-induced injury. Ideally, you should replace your trainers periodically; though they may only look a bit scuffed, it’s possible that your old trainers are no longer giving you enough support.
And that’s not all; the type of trainers you’re wearing could even hinder – or improve – your performance. If you’re likely to be spending the majority of your time on a treadmill, for example, you’ll need a running shoe that grips well. But if you’re doing lots of fitness classes, you’ll need a pair of trainers with more ankle and arch support, since this type of activity includes a greater range of movement and agility. If you’re weight training, you should wear trainers with a low heel, since these will provide you with a flat, stable base.
Well, it’s the perfect excuse to buy more shoes!
