Workout Gear: Fashionable and Functional
“Look good, feel good.” I teach this all the time when styling my clients. If you are intentional about your personal style, you set yourself up for success. Have you noticed when you love your look, you start your day off ahead of the game?
Confidence in your personal style boosts your self-confidence and motivates you to put your best foot forward. This applies to other aspects of your life too, even your workouts! I’ll admit, I used to throw on a pair of black leggings and a tank and head to the gym. I didn’t put a lot of thought into my look because I was just going to work out. And honestly, I was someone who really dreaded going to the gym. Then I realized: If I’m teaching people “Look good, feel good,” then shouldn’t I revamp my workout uniform too?
In August 2016, I was introduced to Club Pilates of Overland Park. I was embarking on a new workout journey, committed to trying something new. I was intrigued by Pilates Reformer workouts but never had the guts to try one. As long as I was testing out new things, I decided to up my workout wardrobe game at the same time. After a few weeks, I found that taking time to pick fun and functional outfits helped me to look forward to my workouts, increase my motivation to exercise and to feel better overall. I then took the extra step to start experimenting with my workout-gear style the same way I would with my everyday looks. I investigated new cuts and fits for leggings, played with mixing prints and started to identify with styles I loved. Each outfit needed to be functional for my Reformer workouts and transitional so I could run some errands before or after my workout and keep my fashionista cred intact.
If you’re feeling in a rut or just looking for a way to increase your motivation to get up and move, here are three Abby Wood Wear-approved must-haves in workout gear.
High-Waisted Leggings
Get these now. They have a way of holding everything in where it should be. The waistbands are contoured to hit at the smallest part of your waist. This enhances all body types and silhouettes and keeps you from tugging at them throughout your workout.
My personal faves: Beyond Yoga high-waisted leggings at Club Pilates
Stripes
Basic black leggings are an obvious workout staple. When you’re ready to branch out to something new, look for a fun striped pattern such as black and white stripes! The white really pops and the fabric is thick enough to make your legs remain flawless.
My personal faves: Glyder white and black striped leggings from Club Pilates.
The Perfect To and From
Always make sure to have a third piece to complete your look. Look for a super soft, oversized, off-the-shoulder sweatshirt or an adorable satin bomber jacket, the perfect third piece for spring! Now you’re set with something to throw on with workout gear for going to the studio and to run for coffee afterward!
After six months at Club Pilates, I have never felt or looked better! My workout style is on point, I’m stronger and I genuinely enjoy going to every single workout. Even better, Club Pilates is a one-stop shop for getting my sweat on and finding workout gear that is comfortable, functional and on trend! It’s a win-win! ■
Written by: Abby Wood
Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to work with individuals and help them develop and evolve their own sense of style. Find her at abbywoodwear.com. For daily style finds and tips, you can find Abby instablogging as @abbywoodwear on Instagram and Facebook.
