Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Gym gear for the non-gym goer

So with the New Year comes the inevitable self evaluation and, assuming the evaluation was thorough and honest, a few select goals. I only have one resolution this year: to lead a more balanced life. It's one goal but it encompasses a great many things like not obsessing over the shop or blog, reading more (have you joined the club?), exercising and spending more quality time with B (w/out thinking about the blog, shop, or work).
If you're a die hard gym rat or a serious runner, this gym gear guide probably won't be helpful. The items below are items meant for those who are looking to get back into an exercise routine and focusing more on light aerobics, pilates, and yoga. I've picked items that I use or need and many of them are eco friendly and all are under $100.

When I'm doing pilates, I don't like big pants getting in the way and shorts are impossible unless you want to show your goods to your instructor. These are handmade and have extra ventilation in case things get sweaty.
Two tone lycra yog pants with contrasting stretch net $54.50

via Kaya Yoga Wear
Champion uses "earth friendly yarns with natural wicking properties" in many of their sports bras. This particular one is a mid-weight bra with thinner racerback straps. Again, perfect for moderate exercise, not running.
Champion 02Cool Seamless Cami Sports Bra $34

via Champion
The gym is not a place where I generally strut my stuff. I like comfy t's that give me coverage as I'm rolling around and throwing my feet over my head (yeah, it looks weird, but it feels good).
Wearing t's and gym clothes that you like are good motivators to get to the gym.
URBAN OWL unisex Deep VNeck American Aparrel $19

via Zen Threads
I actually own this very pair of sneakers and I love them because they're comfortable, the colors are fun, and they're lightweight. If you like the stationary bike or elliptical machine, these are perfect.
Saucony Bullet W $44.99 (from $60)

via Piperlime
A comfy, lightweight jacket is a necessity for getting to and from your car on cold days. This one is made from 40% organic cotton and is fully recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. I like it in this blush pink color.

via Patagonia
I really need to buy my own yoga mat because although I'm sure the gym sanitizes the shared mats, it still grosses me out just a bit.
This mat is biodegradable and made from "eco-sensitive materials" and it's latex free. Now I just need to decide, purple or orange?
Reversible Yoga Mat $32 (on sale from $39.98)

via Gaiam
If you're traveling from work to the gym, than a gym bag is probably ideal. This is the type of bag you throw around and you want to have to worry about it being too nice.
This one is made from recycled billboards, how cool is that?
Phantom Fireworks Recycled Billboard Tote Bag $35

via Drive-By bags
Finally, I like to travel light, so I don't generally take a gym bag. This little "wet bag" is perfect for storing keys, chapstick, and a hand towel.
Medium 9x11 Wet bag $16

via Monkey Foot Designs

If you have any gym tips or gear that you especially like, I'd love to hear them.
~
Winner of the Bird inFlight Boutique giveaway is:

The would be you Marilyn! Congrats and thanks to Bird in Flight Boutique!

27 comments:

Laura Trevey said...

I love being cozy, and anything with a hood I LOVE!!

BuenoBueno said...

congrats to the winner!
and oh my!!!
i love the pants and shoes you posted!!! i want i want!
B

Diana said...

Saucony's are the best tenni!!

I hate saying it, but if I had cute work out clothes, I'd workout a little bit more!

Lindsey G. said...

I'm not much of a gym person, though I've always wanted to take some yoga classes. I would need some pants that fit my rear-end, I have that problem. Most of my workout gear slides down my bubble butt which is fine when I'm with Rodney Yee in the comfort of my own home, but I don't like to moon people, ya know? I might try those yoga pants you posted.

Magchunk said...

You must have read my mind. I was planning to jumpstart my workout routine tonight and was lamenting about my workout clothes. Oh well, since I'll be at home with a video it doesn't really matter, but these sure are cute (and I totally feel ya on the bring-your-own-mat thing. Mine is aqua blue and makes me so happy when I'm looking down at it!)

I like to use new pretty workout gear as an incentive. Like, workout 3x week for a month and get cute pants.

Iva Messy said...

Congratulations to the winner!!!


I'm going to just have to say ADIDAS all the way lol ;) {although this is all very cute!!}

sarah said...

that little "wet bag" is too cute!

stephchows said...

I'd pick the orange mat all the way :)

stephchows said...

OH and I can't go to the gym without my ipod shuffle... perfect size for doing weights and cardio, love it

vmichelle said...

Very cute. I love the owl t-shirt and the green-blue tennies. I'm also a fan of fitted pants so I don't get caught in extra fabric folds.

In Honor of Design said...

love these items. thanks for sharing. Old Navy actually has cute workout clothes too!

escapade said...

Love that owl tee! Very cute and un-gym-y!

Sierra said...

Those Yoga pants look super cute and what an adorable owl top!

TERI REES WANG said...

I could get into those shoes.

I am so opposed to gyms or ever classes of any kind. Walking is free and easy for me anytime. Swimming I love to do too.

Michelle said...

So cute, I really need to up the anti on the gym clothes, I look terrible there!

Tracey Leigh said...

I love this range. Your blog is great!
Tracey

Angie said...

Yes Balance for 2010!! One question- will my legs look like the ones in the photo if I wear these pants? ;)

Claire Kiefer said...

Well, I know it's totally snobby, but lululemon has pretty fantastic workout/yoga clothes. I would never buy any of it full price, but they have decent sale racks in the stores and you can sometimes get their pants for around $40 (as well as tanks, bras, etc.). They also sell yoga mats, stainless steel water bottles, running headbands, etc.

I LOVE my Mizuno running shoes . . . they are made of mesh, so they expand when your feet swell from hammering on the ground! I wore them on the 60 mile breast cancer walk and they served me wonderfully!

Also: can't speak highly enough about Thorlo socks. They're $11 a pair but well worth it--so cushioned and they make walking/running/stuff like that so much better.

One more thing: I've been doing the 30 Day Shred video with Jillian Michaels, and it's freakin' HARD and kinda AWESOME and you can do it in your living room in 30 minutes. :)

Unknown said...

those pants are SO cute!

Christina said...

claire- you're awesome. thank you for the advice, i need to get that video!

Jessica said...

very good list for starters love! Right now I'm looking for some cold weather running pants, marathon training in the North of France isn't the warmest!

Aline said...

i always look so frumpy...i work out at home, so it's usually just leggings and a sports bra!

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Cute gym gear! I will admit (although I'm a little ashamed of it), that I don't like the gym. It's not that I don't like exercise or sports, because I do. I don't like the environment. I just like to be outside and see new places and such while I'm doing these things. Winter cold puts a wrench in this though. I keep thinking I should move to Florida or the southern coast of Georgia where the winter is (usually) mild.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

I burn calories by cleaning the house & walk the dogs & pick up their doo-doos!
That owl tee is cute!

xo

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

I really like the lycra pants...! I'm just starting YOGA again and desperately need some new workout clothing..! I've always worn longer and loose at the bottom bt tight at top...now i am thinking of something like you just posted...too CUTE!
THANK YOU for visiting my blog again!:)

Jen Ramos
'Cards & Prints You'll Love...'
>www.madebygirl.com
>madebygirl.blogspot.com

Molly said...

so cute! i never go to the gym but i'm a runner. and a firm believer in the power of wearing something cute to get you motivated :)

Anonymous said...

I love the stuff you selected and I love Activewear in general! Are you familiar with ActivewearUSA.com ? http://www.activewearusa.com I buy all my cool activewear there and i go my eco-friendly amazing gym bag at Yogoco http://www.yogoco.com

Cheers!

Jo

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