thePULSESweatin’ in Style
By Elizabeth Cutler
February 2006– Unless you work out on a rusty treadmill in your basement, chances are, at some point, you’re going to be seen in your workout clothes. Whether kicking some “ashtanga” in yoga class or lifting weights at the gym, fitness arenas can be one of the best places to show off smart fashion. And I’m not talking about running on a treadmill in Jimmy Choos!
Workout clothes, thankfully, have evolved, meshing innovative technology with hotness (or coolness, depending how you look at it!). You can breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have to work out in a matching leisure suit (not to say that you can’t, of course, if you loved Ben Stiller in The Royal Tennebaums, but…). Nowadays, workout clothes come in colors other than teal and magenta and bodysuits are a thing of the past.
You might be thinking that old oversized college T-shirts and Umbro shorts can do the trick. But here’s the thing ~ gyms today are one of our ritual mating grounds. With the innate sexuality of the human form heightened by an influx of pheromones and adrenaline, well, there’s no denying that there’s going to be some major checking out going on. And fashion designers are stepping up to the plate to design the perfect outfit, one that’s both utilitarian and eye-catching.
Both Stella McCartney (designer extraordinaire and daughter of Beatle Paul) and Missy Elliott (who helps you get your freak on) have fashion fitness lines through Adidas. Stella’s sports bra with detachable waist tape looks like futuristic bondage-wear. It’s quite sexy, intimidating, supportive…and on sale for $53.
Missy Elliott’s line, emblazoned with the words “Respect ME,” for her initials, has attitude and some seriously fly hip-hop style. Her collection is divided into three lines: Bass Line, Rhythm and Remix. Her Missy Metro Attitude Hi Kicks ($66 on sale) are metallic gold with white crowns that tell the world you are royalty whether you’re walking on a treadmill or down Main Sreet. Warning: Wearing her athletic gear may “make you lose control.”
Gorgeous model and anti-smoking advocate Christy Turlington has developed a yoga line with Puma called NUALA. Soft and sensible, her clothes meld seamlessly to the body. Her Roll-Down Pants ($105) are worth every penny and may become your new best friend for both namaste and naptime.
For reasonably priced workout wear, check out Target ~ they’ve collaborated with Champion to form the C9 line. Prices start at $12.99.
When picking workout gear, stay away from cottons, which absorb moisture and can get heavy with sweat and then turn cold. Instead, focus on wicking fabrics like polyester or Spandex. Spandex might not be the most flattering material, but it does minimize chaffing (a real problem for long-distance runners).
The brand Under Armour is fierce. Made of Elastane and nylon, it absorbs moisture from your body so that it can then quickly evaporate. It is light, comfortable, and breathable. Their Concise running short ($21.99) is brief (no pun intended!) and to the point (and I think their Tshirts might come with a built-in six pack ~ of the muscular nature!). Check out their homepage www.underarmour.com.
If you’re prone to feet blisters when running or doing cardio, buy a pair of DeFeet socks ($4.99). They are technologically engineered to remove the moisture that causes blisters and to help maximize airflow. And yes, they do have an AC/DC pair. Just don’t get caught listening to Justin Timberlake on your iPod while wearing them.
The most important thing about workout gear is that you can work out in it. It should move, breathe, and be comfortable. Next, it should be sexy and FUN (I’ll let you in on a secret ~ I color-coordinate my entire workout, from wearing all black clothing to blasting Jay-Z’s Black Album. Maybe you can get everything fuchsia and listen to Pink. Whatever works for you!).
Oh, but no matter how hot a girl looks in her workout gear, look but don’t touch. She might just be able to kick your butt.
