Welcome back to school! If you are like me, you have found that “fitness” on this campus can mean many different things. It may mean that you finally found a time to go to the Barnard weight room when it is actually open, just to find out that all four ellipticals and both arc trainers are out-of-order. Or, it may mean trekking all the way to Dodge just to be trampled by giant athletes. It also could mean trying to decide which classes it is socially acceptable for you to go to in sweaty clothes after the gym, stalking gocolumbialions.com, and finally, just putting on athletic wear to make people think that you actually do, in fact, work out. Regardless of what fitness means to you, one thing is for certain: you must have quality athletic wear items that look cute, make you feel comfortable, and actually help encourage you to work out.
First, let’s start with the basics: sports bras. I think we can all agree on just how crucial a good sports bra is for a successful workout. Luckily, Target has an excellent selection at affordable prices. They offer light, medium and high support for all levels of fitness. Whether you’re taking a yoga class, a spin class or going on a run, Target will have a bra for you. Available in sizes XS-XXL, the light support bras start as $9.99 and the high support bras can go up to $22.99. They are all moisture wicking, quick drying, and available in neutrals, neons and prints. Many are even reversible!
Now let’s talk tanks. The perfect workout tank wicks away sweat, allows for movement, maybe shows off a pop of color from your sports bra underneath and most importantly, is so soft and comfortable that you never want to take it off. I suggest the tanks from Alternative Apparel. Alternative Apparel is a brand rooted in social responsibility. They focus on fabric innovation and all of their fabrics are eco-friendly. Every garment is created with the environment in mind. Their tanks are so incredibly soft and are available in form fitting styles, flowy styles and everything in between. Alternative Apparel offers solid colors, prints and stripes in size XS-XL for $10-$42.
Now for something really fun: PRISMSPORT leggings. PRISMSPORT leggings are graphic, vivid and distinctive. They are eco-friendly, made in the USA and if wearing these leggings does not give you the energy to hit the gym then I do not know what will. Aztec, camouflage, stained glass, lace, tribal and snake are a few of the standout prints offered. These leggings have a personality of their own and are perfect paired with a simple soft tank from Alternative Apparel. The leggings run from $75-$85 and are available on Shopbop.com. If PRISMSPORT leggings are a little too loud for you, I suggest you check out the holy grail of workout pants a.k.a the “Wunder Under” legging from Lululemon. These leggings are definitely pricey, they start at $82, but Lululemon always has products on sale so I suggest you check back often to snatch up a pair at a reduced price. Additionally, I can assure you that they last forever. A pair I have had since eight grade looks just as good as a pair I bought this year. Lululemon is also known for their stellar costumer service. They will replace your leggings if they ever get a hole. Lululemon says that they “created these pants to be a no-fuss tight for our yoga practice, but we just couldn’t stop wearing them,” and they could not be more on par. These soft, stretchy, second skin leggings truly can be worn 24/7. Wear them to the gym, but also to class with over-the-knee boots and an oversized sweater or with a crop top for a night out.
Next up: footwear. At the gym, definitely wear whatever is most comfortable for you. Some people like really lightweight shoes and some people like a lot of support. Do whatever feels best for you. As far as walking to and from the gym, I have two suggestions: slip-ons and high-tops. Take advantage that both of these comfortable footwear options are in for the fall, and wear these two types of sneakers everywhere. Brands to check out: Steve Madden, Superga and Vince.
Finally, I would like to give a little shoutout to the wonderful decade that we call the nineties. I know I am not the only one who was excited when the New York Times published an article called “The Scrunchie Grows Up” in the Style section this summer. As mentioned in the article, the scrunchie that we used to see on DJ Tanner has evolved. The 2014 scrunchie, now seen in collections by designers like Missoni and Rag & Bone, has become an off-duty-model signature, seen on Cara Delevingne and Alice Dellal. I could not be happier that the scrunchie is back, and there is a scrunchie hybrid that is perfect for the gym. The plastic scrunchie hybrids found on Amazon are a perfect nostalgic look to the past but also a great functional accessory for the gym. They are called any mix of “plastic coil hair ties”/”coil hair ties”/”phone wire hair ties” and can be found by searching any of those combinations in the Amazon “beauty” tab. These stretchy plastic hair ties, at no more than $1 a piece, are available in black, clear, brown, neons, animal prints, stars, and more. Additionally, they are eco friendly, waterproof and considering they hold back even heavy, curly and unruly hair I cannot rave about them enough. Perfect for long runs and Amanda K.’s soul survivor class alike.