The Workout Skirt

Tennis players know what's up - working out in a skirt is perfect!  They look adorable yet seriously sporty, they are really comfortable, wick moisture, and move with your every move.  If the shorts underneath offer support and compression then you have the perfect bottom for working out!

Some questions to consider when considering a skirt to workout in:

1.  How short of a skirt are you comfortable wearing?

This is important.  The shorts underneath will ideally be on the tighter side.  This helps you look slim and helps keep the skirt in place during your workout.  Since the shorts are tight they need to be long enough so they don't dig into your legs causing "sausage legs"!  The length of the skirt should be slightly longer than the shorts underneath

2.  Does low-rise work for you?

The rise of the shorts of the skirt will vary greatly among brands.  I often think the low-rise skirts are cute but then I do the jump test in the dressing room.  If they fall down or become very loose, they go back to the rack because I don't want a skirt that falls down when I'm running, Spinning, etc.  If you like low-rise, find the widest part of your hip and find a skirt that sits above that point.  This way it should fall passed your hips.   

3.  Do you favor a little swing in your skirt or are you a clean lines kind of girl?

This is a personal aesthetic choice and will probably be the initial factor in deciding which skirts make it to the dressing room with you.  Skirtsports.comhttp://skirtsports.com/ has many skirts to choose from.  ellasport's Workout Skirt is on the longer side and it sits approximately one inch below the natural waistline.  The skirt has a slight A-line shape and is slightly longer than the compression shorts that are (attached) underneath.  It's a great choice for running.

 

Does the fit of your athletic clothing affect your workout?

Yes it does!  In my last post I wrote about some of the details to think about when choosing tops to workout in.  Now for the bottom side of the issue!  The choices are varied for what to wear on the bottom, but each essentially fall into one of three categories: shorts, pants, or capris.  The two key factors for a perfect fitting bottom is the fabric and fit.  The fabric needs to be thick enough to cover any imperfections.  It also should be stretchy and offer some compression, which "smooths" you out - flattering your curves.  It's very much worth it to splurge on a great pair of workout pants.  The better the fabric, the better the fit.  Also, they should hold up for years!  Expect to spend at least $75 for a good pair of workout pants or capris. 

Capris and Pants
My favorite are capris that are very fitted, actually tight, or those with compression.  This fit is gaining in popularity and I am a huge fan!  Of course the amount of compression offered differs by manufacturer and also by item.  One of the pioneers in this field of compressive athletic apparel is CW-X. Their garments offer A LOT of compression.   In a nut shell, the compression slows the onset of fatigue in your muscles, helps your body absorb shock better, and also aids in quicker recovery when worn after exercise.  But the BEST part is that they make you look about 10 pounds thinner!  SO forget the baggy, cotton capris.  Get a pair of slimming capris or pants that actually make you look thinner, which will make you feel good about yourself, which will motivate you to workout!  These capris and pants are great for long distance running, when muscle fatigue is more on a concern.  Though I wear them for short- and long-distance runs.

For capris that offer some compression but are not as tight as the CW-X brand, my favorite are the New Power Capris by ellasport.  They "smooth you out" and flatter your curves because they fabric offers a moderate amount of compression.  The zip-pocket in the back is made of Coolmax mesh, which breathes really well.  The placement of this pocket is perfect because it literally cuts your butt in half.  Who doesn't want their butt to look smaller?! :) These capris are perfect for running, Spin class, abs class, strength training, whatever you love to do!

In the colder months, yoga pants by lululemon are my favorite to wear over my capris to and from the gym and are also great to wear when running errands.  I think they're too baggy at the bottom for yoga, but they have other pants that aren't as baggy and are great for yoga.

In my opinion, baggy pants are not the best option when it comes to looking and feeling good about yourself when you're working out.  After all, the thinnest part of most women is from their knees down.  Why cover it up!?  Perhaps they are more comfortable to some people, but I think if most women tried on a great pair of tighter fitting capris or pants they would look great, and feel great to boot!  The fabric is key, however.  So maybe you can find a pair of pants that are more fitted at the top and looser at the bottom that would be flattering.  lululemon is a good source for such pants.

Shorts

I personally do not like working out in shorts but many women can't imagine working out in anything else!  The Nike Tempo running shorts seem to be the most popular.  Don't worry if you hate shorts, there are plenty of other options out there!

Next post is about the Workout Skirt!

Does the fit of your athletic clothing affect your workout?

YES IT DOES!  When your athletic clothing/apparel fits you well, you feel good about yourself, and feeling good about yourself is an incredibly powerful motivator in helping you stick with your health and fitness goals.

As the new year begins, MANY people will flock to the gym in hopes of making this year the year they get healthier, get fit, or lose weight.  The sad truth is that about 50% of these people with drop their new workout dreams a goals within six months.  To be included in the half that STICKS with their fitness goals, go shopping!  You need to find an outfit that you love and that makes you feel good when you have it on.  Here are a couple items you need to find and things to think about when choosing your new apparel.

1. Sports Bra 
If you are running, Spinning, doing cardio circuits, etc. you will want to go with a very supportive sports bra.  If you choose a tank top with a bra attached you may still need to wear a sports bra underneath for adequate support.  My favorite sports bra is made by CW-X.  But you have to be comfortable with your sports bra being really tight to wear this!  If you prefer to breathe a little easier, Champion makes a good one.  Be sure to buy a sports bra that is made from a moisture-wicking fabric.  Typically, these include fabrics such as nylon, Lycra, Supplex, Coolmax, etc.

2. The Top

First choose between a tank top or a tee shirt made of a moisture-wicking fabric (same as above).  Now I'm not talking about a huge, baggy tee shirt! :) I want you to find a flattering tee shirt that has a feminine shape that flatters your curves, and not one that hides your body!
A tee shirt offers more coverage.  However, try on a few tank tops because you may find that they are more flattering.  The fitted tank tops with a bra attached are often more flattering than a tee shirt because they show your shoulders and collar bone.  Pay attention to the length of the top and also how tight it is.  If you'll be doing yoga or pilates, you will want the top to be more on the fitted side.  Typically a top with a bit more length is better for feeling confident.

My favorite tank top with a bra attached is the Chelsea Racerback by ellasport - it's why I started a new line!  It's fitted at the top and waist and then falls gently over your hip.  My favorite tank top without a bra attached is the Charlotte Running Tank by ellasport.  This tank offers a looser fit but it still has a flattering feminine shape.

Next post I'll talk about what to look for in choosing bottoms!