Fitness Fashionista

I remember the days of dressing up in leotards and scrunchies to go to the gym. Some took getting ready to exercise much more serious than I did. Never the less, permed hair, black eyeliner and color coordinated outfits were the rage.

If you are like me, wearing comfortable yet current fashions improves my mood and gives me a boost of confidence. Luckily I have a 17 year old that keeps me updated and makes sure I don’t embarrass the family. If you don’t live with a teenage fashion genius – keep reading.

Fitness trends change like the wind. One day, climalite, the next day “burned out” t’s. It is challenging and can be extremely expensive to keep up with current fads in fitness. Don’t get frustrated. I have seen styles come and go and will help you to choose updated styles that are practical, durable and comfortable.

This Christmas you will be able to find great gifts for fit friends and family members that are trendy but stand the test of time. You will also be able to find most of these styles at discounted department stores for a fraction of the price.

Firstly, stay away from large sporting goods stores. Sorry Dick’s. It may be convenient to have a one-stop shop, but you will pay for it. Instead, try stores like Marshall’s, Ross, Bell’s or TJMaxx. They have a fitness section for men and women, and usually have a decent selection of overstocks or discontinued items.

If you are shopping online, try any fitness website but first browse their clearance section. Usually these are off-season varieties – but if you are buying for a regular exerciser they don’t mind getting shorts in the winter time because they know they will use them eventually.

Next, stay away from fitness wear that has slogans or advertising displayed on rear-end, across the chest or along the side of pant. This looks cheap and was likely a sad and short-lived fad. Instead opt for fabrics that don’t talk but feel great and are designed specifically for the movements that will be done. For yoga and stretching, cotton/polyester and spandex are good fabrics for allowing the exerciser to bend easily. For high-impact cardiovascular exercises like running and aerobics, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon/cotton blends are appropriate for staying dry while sweating.

Also, choose practical colors that you know the recipient likes and will look good in. Stay away from neon colors and busy patterns and remember you can never go wrong with black. I have black running tights and yoga pants that have lasted for 10 years.

Lastly, for those that don’t mind spending full price, try shopping online at lululemon.com, athleta.com or lucy.com. A shopping experience with any of these merchants is as close to fitness heaven as it gets. These online stores offer unique, durable and slightly edgy fashions that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget, even these premium on-line stores have sales and clearance sections that you may want to check out first.

This Christmas give fit family and friends the latest styles trending in fitness. Surprise them with fashionable, good quality exercise clothing that they will appreciate for years and years.

For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com