Exercise makes you feel good and look great so why are you putting on those frumpy sweatpants? Hit the gym in style and boost confidence with our handpicked fitness fashion items. Perform beautifully.
If you’ve ever made a mix tape, you know how much emotion goes into creating it. Put as much passion into your workout with these mixtape performance leggings from Zara Terez.
Available at SheActive Boutique in Rockford, the quirky retro cassette-tape designs are sure to inspire killer workout playlists for your morning run or some Zen ambient music for yoga sessions. There’s even a pair embellished with emojis.
Both options are definitely out of the ordinary, adding a little humor to your workout routine. And confidence helps to fuel your inner fire.
“If you look good and have nice clothing, you’re more likely to work out,” said owner Priscilla Hansma. The store carries everything from tanks, T-shirts, shorts, jackets, socks and accessories with an emphasis on U.S.A. and Canadian made products. If you seek leggings, this is the spot with prAna brand yoga pants with mesh panels or leggings in tie-dye patterns and some of the softest material ever. Hansma even makes quirky T-shirt skirts from vintage concert, university or novelty tees.
Everyone knows the adrenalin rush of new kicks and the Nike Metcon 1 are pretty rad in modern black and white. These crossfit/cross-training shoes are “built so you can lift weights and jump and turn unlike running shoes made to go straight forward,” said Kelsey Boehme, digital brand director at Gazelle Sports. Foregoing the girly pinks and purples associated with women’s athletic shoes and apparel, both the men’s and women’s options feature a sleek, monochromatic style that matches almost anything you pair it with and has a look that means business. Wear them for your boot camps for stability and for a supreme confidence boost. Is anyone else feeling that Matrix inspiration with the intense black?
Reach beast mode in your workout with a tank that backs up the attitude. Based out of Grand Rapids, The Fitness Tee Co. primarily sells women’s tanks right now but there are options for men as well. Owner Scott Sandberg comes up with most of the cheeky phrases including “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS” and “SQUATS BEFORE BEER.” It’s all inspiring a boost. “Everyone needs that constant positive attitude,” Sandberg said. “They see the tanks in the mirror at the gym and it’s an empowerment vehicle.” A lot of couples work out together so up the cute factor with matching his and hers tanks that say “BEAUTY and BEAST.” Harness the energy emanating from fun color pops and sassy slogans and stay completely dialed in to your fitness goals. Look for the tanks at thefitnessteeco.com, on Facebook and Etsy.
Look the part and feel the support of a Shefit Sports Bra. This adjustable, high impact sports bra helps women of all shapes and sizes who struggle with excessive bounce, back or shoulder strain. “With patented technology, the more you cinch the strap, the more support you get,” said Creator Sara Moylan. “With the right support bra you feel more empowered and excited to go tackle something difficult.” Worn alone or under a shirt for a layered look, you’re able to focus on workouts free of worries that you’re slipping out or showing more than you intend to. The bra is aesthetically appealing in black, turquoise and pink. It also gives you that lift so you appear thinner and feel bolder. “When you feel better about yourself and look good you put more into that workout,” she said. Available at shefit.com, SheActive Boutique in Rockford and Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids.
