It's February, and there's very little reason for you to go outside. Seriously, all that snow doesn't exactly inspire us to ditch our pajamas. So, we have a sneaky feeling you're having an even greater difficulty getting your butt to the gym. We hear ya, girl — big time.
Don't get us wrong: We're long-time supporters of the lazy-girl campaign. But, as it turns out, cold weather isn't reason enough to skip exercise altogether (sorry). As such, we've tapped a couple of Chicago fitness experts and put together three killer outfits to get you back in the game.
RunningEven though there's ice pretty much everywhere you look, you can still hit the park — or the gym — for a sprint. Alexander Vasileski, president and CEO of Mind And Body Total Fitness, says that certain technology can help you keep pace. "I like to workout with a heart rate monitor watch with the heart rate strap." He recommends Polar Loop. "It's effective and low profile and becomes a part of you during your exercise." And, lucky for you, Stella McCartney went ahead and made cute running pants. So, get those. Finally, make sure you've got the right sneakers. Those gym shoes from high school just aren't gonna cut it, girl.
adidas by Stella McCartney Studio Long Tights, $95, available at adidas; Under Armor Women's Woven Jacket, $79.99, available at Under Armor; Nike Free 3.0 V5 Premium Running Shoe, $115, available at Nike; Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Running Sock, $14.99, available at City Sports; Moving Comfort Switch It Up Racer, $36, available at Moving Comfort; Polar Loop Activity Monitor and Heart Rate Transmitter, $148.95, available at Heart Rate Monitors USA.
YogaWe know you're busy. So, it's important to really get your zen on when you can. For many women, yoga is a way to clear your mind and squeeze in working on fitness at the same time. Karyn Riale, national retail buyer at Equinox, says "narrow silhouettes give you a slim fit without leaving any excess material. That way, you can nail all your yoga poses." So, in addition to tight-fitting pants, you should go for a seamless bra. Riale says sports bras that are measured in sizes (like small, medium, large) rather than cup sizes are easier for workouts. And, if you've been toying with the idea of investing in your own yoga peripherals, she recommends the Trigger Point massage ball for minor aches, as well as the Jade yoga mat — the only brand she says is truly non-slip.
Forever 21 Geo Print Yoga Leggings, $12.80, available at Forever 21; Aerie Seamless Racerback Bra, $19.95, available at Aerie; Jade Yoga Harmony Professional Yoga Mat, $63.95, available at Yoga Outlet; Trigger Point Performance Self Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage Ball, $19.95, available at Amazon; Activate Apparel Namaste Banner, $27, available at Activate Apparel.
SpinIf step aerobics defined the '80s, we think spin has probably defined our current generation. For this particular exercise, you've gotta get the right shoes. That way, you won't slip off the pedal and be forever known as the girl who injured herself while sitting down. But, when it comes to clothing, Vasileski says "tight-fitting clothing can be flattering as well as motivating. It can also be very functional, particularly during spin classes, yoga, or running." Plus, he says it'll help keep your muscles warm and away from any moving parts during spin class. We're into that.
Comme Des Garçons Play Branded Zip-Up Hoodie, $415.37, available at Farfetch; Athleta Cairo Bare To Run Knicker, $34.99, available at Athleta; H&M Sports Bra, $19.95, available at H&M; Giro Sante Women's Road Shoes, $84.99, available at Bike Nashbar; SoulCycle I Heart Soul Tank, $64, available at Shopbop; CamelBak eddy Insulated .6L, $20, available at CamelBak.