Happy Thursday!
I have a four day weekend, so today is technically my Friday (#YAY).
In the last two years I’ve really had to step up my fitness game and get my butt to the gym. I never really had to worry much about working out while in college because I was on my universities women’s golf team, so I was always active. Well, once I graduated and was working a full time ‘big girl’ job, I had gained a few extra unwanted pounds. So, I did what any clothes obsessed girl would do, I went and bought some cute workout gear and headed into the gym. In this blog I wanted to share all my favorite workout essentials with you ladies, all of these items have been staples for me for both the gym and athleisure wear.
Tops
Lululemon Racerback Tank:
I am just going to come out and say it now, I am a Lululemon junkie, no shame either because their stuff is amazing. These tanks are perfect for working out in or as an everyday basic. They are so soft and have the right amount of stretch. My TTS for Lululemon tops is an 8, I size up to a 10 in these for a loose fit.
Old Navy Active Tanks:
These tanks are amazing! Old Navy keeps them year-round and rotates out colors for the seasons. Want to know the best part? These rival my Lululemon tanks and are only $14! Like what? I love these because they keep me cool during cardio + are so comfortable. These run TTS- I wear a medium in these.
Target Crew Neck Sweatshirt:
Looking for something cozy to toss on when the temps get cooler? This is for you! This sweatshirt is so soft and comfortable. I snagged this in the blush color to wear with my high waisted leggings (getting to those soon). The side slits add a fun touch to an otherwise basic crew neck. Runs TTS, I got a size Medium.
Lululemon Define Jacket:
Where are all my OG Lulu lovers at? Who remembers the forme jacket? That was my ride or die for years. When they discontinued that jacket, they introduced the define jacket, which I love just as much if not more! These are perfect for to and from the gym or wearing for an everyday athleisure look. I own these in way too many colors, but they last. These run TTS- I own them in size 8, if you want the fit to be looser, go up one size.
Sports Bras:
Lululemon Invigorate Bra:
These bras have been my absolute favorite. Thankfully Lululemon has kept these around for years. These are so comfortable to work out in because they fit SO well. The halter style not only makes them so comfortable but they also pair so nicely with my racerback tanks! Now, for sizing, I have a relatively flat chest, so I go down one size- I own these in a size 6.
Lululemon Flow Y Bra:
Like my invigorate bra, this sports bra is so comfortable and pairs great with my tanks. Because the straps are thin, it makes for a great everyday sports bra. Again, I have a relatively flat chest, so I size down to a size 6.
Altheta Run Free Bra:
I’ll be honest, I am extremely picky with my bras- just ask my Mom & Sister 😉 I am always looking for alternatives to my Lulu bras. When I saw this one in Athleta’s latest catalog, I couldn’t wait to get to my local store and try it out. This one ended up coming home with me! What sold me was how comfortable this was on and that you could take the padding out. Does anyone else HATE padding in their sports bras? I cannot stand it. I got this in my TTS- Size Medium.
Bottoms:
Lululemon On The Fly Shorts:
These are the best, hands down! I love them because they are the perfect length and don’t have built in underwear… I can’t stand shorts with built in underwear, hello wedgie. Anyway, these are great for both the gym and a casual athleisure look. These run TTS- I own them in a size 8.
Athleta Racer Run Shorts:
When I saw these online in the spring I was so excited I didn’t even bother to read the description to see if they have the built in underwear. Well you can guess how disappointed I was when these got to me and I tried them on. BUT, I wasn’t willing to part with them, so I just cut the underwear out and you wouldn’t even know it was there to begin with. I just love the matte and shine combo. If you are one who enjoys shorts with them build in, these are for you. They run TTS- I have them in a Size Medium.
Lululemon Align Pant:
These leggings are what dreams are made of, no joke. They are seriously the most comfortable leggings ever, they feel like you have nothing on. If you’ve never tried these on, RUN! Go right now! You will not regret it. I wear these for everything: to work out, athleisure looks on the weekends, with tall riding boots, you name it! These run TTS- I own them in a size 8. If you are in-between sizes, I would go with the smaller size.
Tech:
Apple Watch:
When the Apple watch first came out, I wasn’t sold on the idea. After a few of my friends got theirs, I was intrigued. Once I finally bit the bullet and bought one for myself I fell in love! I wear it every day, it’s great because you can pick and choose which notifications you want to ping to your watch, I also love that it reminds me to stand every hour, working a desk job I can lose track of time. Aside from everyday use, the exercise feature is great. All you do is select your workout of choice, and the watch tracks your calories burned and your heart rate. I also love all the different band options and colors, so you can match to your wardrobe.
Apple AirPods:
I put off buying these for SO long because I wanted to be sure it’s something that I truly wanted. I was tired of my generic plug in headphones, so I finally caved and got these. NEVER GOING BACK. These are amazing, they have changed my workout game forever. They are so comfortable, easy to use, and sound amazing.
Shoes:
Adidas Ultraboosts:
I am #TeamAdidas all the way! These tennis shoes are like walking on clouds and are so lightweight. If you are in the market for a new gym shoe, check these out. They come in so many fun colors. These run TTS- I have them in a size 8.
Under Armor RailFit:
I like to keep my causal tennis shoes separate from my gym shoes. So this summer I was on the hunt for ’casual’ a black pair that was sleek and could be worn with jeans, leggings, and shorts! I tried these at our local UA store and loved them immediately, they are SUPER lightweight. These run TTS- I have them in a size 8.
Accessories:
Lululemon Cycling Water Bottle:
I love this water bottle for its ease of use, the mouth piece can be opened and closed easily, and it fits nicely in both my hand and in gym equipment bottle holders. It is also dishwasher safe!
Lululemon The Towel:
If you are anything like me, then you are not one of those girls who comes out of the gym looking as good as they did when they went in. I sweat like crazy, so I love this towel for my cardio sessions. The fabric almost cools the skin when used. It also comes in so many fun colors and patterns.
Lululemon Cross Trainer Headband:
These have been my favorite for years. I am extremely sensitive to headbands, a lot of times they will give me headaches. These don’t do that, they fit just right, stay in place, and wash up so nicely.
What are some workouts you enjoy? I like to alternate between cardio and weight training days! Please let me know if you would like to see more fitness inspired posts.
I hope you all have an amazing Labor Day Weekend!
Xo,
The Taylor(ed) Style Blog 