Fitness expert's guide to great gym gear on the high street
If there’s one type of shopping I do not need to do, it’s for gym gear. As a trainer, I have a lot of different styles and brands of workout clothes bursting out of my wardrobe. But hey, shopping is kind of addictive and lycra is super comfy, so it’s a collection that keeps growing and growing. And unless I suddenly stop being obsessed with it, or my other half sends me to rehab, I will keep buying it!
My excuse this weekend was a payday treat. I think I earned a little trip downtown.
First off I headed to H&M. I just love this place for gym gear; the colours and quality of the clothes are so good. The problem is, whenever I go here, I always go over my budget. Seriously, it's not that the clothes are expensive it's just they always have so much cute gear that I want it all. Leggings cost about €20, and tops are on average €15.
I wasn't actually looking for shorts, but they seem to have a huge variety of them too which I will definitely be trying on next time. Roll on shorts weather!
Next stop was Penneys. I often buy clothes, underwear and accessories in here, but when it comes to gym gear it’s not my favourite place at all. I think the styles and prices are amazing, but I make my choices on practicality and quality and I can’t seem to find leggings in here that pass the squat test; I don’t feel comfortable working out or demonstrating to clients if I know they can see through my leggings! When I popped in I found it hard to find clothes in my size. I know it really depends on what time you go but all I seemed to find was L or XL in everything that was nice. I liked some of the tops I tried on but as I had been to H&M first I wasn’t tempted enough to buy anything.
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When I popped in I found it hard to find clothes in my size. I know it really depends on what time you go, but all I seemed to find was L or XL in everything that was nice. I liked some of the tops I tried on but as I had been to H&M first I wasn’t tempted enough to buy anything.
TK Max was on my list of places to try, but I made the mistake of going in on a busy Saturday and couldn’t face the crowds. Instead, I went into Lifestyle Sports. Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are my favourite brands. I know that they are more expensive, but they are so durable, flattering and worth paying extra for.
I’ve had some gear from these brands for years, they last so long, while other brands I’ve bought seem to fade or lose shape after several washes. I loved the Adidas Stella McCartney range and the red bottoms are so cute on. I got this outfit and can't wait to wear it.
That's my weekend of shopping! Have you ladies tried any of these brands for gym gear or am I missing any shops that you love? Let me know.
Until next time…
Fiona