Hi Chris,

I am a YMCA addict myself - I go 3-5 times a week when I can. I used to wear shlumpy huge t-shirts and yoga pants. But since buying myself a few cute matching workout outfits made of the high-tech "moisture-wicking" fabric, I feel so much better and feel more motivated to workout! I know alot of people recommend ON workout gear but I have found that they don't really hold up, especially when you wash them alot. I have bought quite a few items from the Reebok outlet that are great. I also like the Under Armour brand - I have two pairs of workout capris that are in constant rotation. I bought these from Marshalls. Lulumon is supposed to be great but is a little out of my budget right now.

I get Champion semi-fitted yoga pants at Target. I started with XXL, now I'm in Ls and have my eyes on the mediums. :) Tops I have from all over, but mostly I am using up my old Gap XL long-sleeve shirts for now. I might get some smaller fitted sleeveless tops for summer -- Dick's Sporting Goods has a pretty good selection.

Earlier this year I sprung for workout pants at Lucy: http://www.lucy.com/

They are not cheap, but their pants are very high-quality, and I hope they will last. (Either way, they're a vast improvement on the ill-fitting pants I wore previously, and they haven't stretched out like other pants I've worn in the past.) Many of them come in high-waisted styles or yoga waists if you prefer to be able to adjust the waistband for more/less coverage.

These styles worked well on my curvy hips and bum. (I opted for the solid-colored variety.)
http://www.lucy.com/Swift%20Kn.....id=Bottoms
http://www.lucy.com/lucy%20Har.....id=Bottoms

I work out at home or outside rather than going to a gym. I do not dress to impress others, but when I don't feel like exercising, I find that my nicer workout gear gets me motivated. Like Kristen, I also have some Champion workout clothes from Target. I also really like Prana tops. I get those from REI. they often have great sales (like now).

By all means work out with style. I highly advocate it. It makes you feel even better! This is the time to wear fabulous gear and the lasses have made lovely shopping suggestions.

I'm very picky about my work out wear. For weight training I wear a sports bra and knee length pants/shorts or boyshorts. They always match, though. :)
For running, I prefer Under Armor or Nike dri-fit (cotton just gets DRENCHED) and again they always match.
When working out, I dress for the training first, then appearance. I try to replace workout wear as soon as it starts getting yucky. My gift to myself every birthday is a new work out outfit.
I stumbled across http://www.athleta.com recently. I plan on picking up a few items for my cruise this July (all of my excursions are rated more intense physically, plus I'll be in the middle of training for a half marathon). I like how they are appropriate for working out, but look cute. I think it would be great for yoga and pilates as well.
http://www.athleta.com/jump.js.....8;itemID=4
I also really like Zella (found at Nordstrom).

I even go a step further, my shoes match my clothing. ;)

A top made of technical fabric- instead of a t-shirt - is worth every penny. It's not only that the top will wick away moisture and be more comfortable, it will be healthier too. Many of these technical fabrics impede the growth of bacteria.

Also, when you wear something more form-fitting it helps you see your posture in the mirror if you are weight training, which can help prevent you from injuring yourself by lifting wrong. AND, interestingly!!! ... there is research showing that if you watch yourself in the mirror while you lift, you will see faster improvements than if you don't. There is something about the mind imagining growing muscles, which actually MAKES THEM GROW. I'm not making this up!!! If you are lifting weights, do throw out the baggy tee shirt. :-)

So it's not really about looking good and dressing to impress. You can find good workout gear at every price point. I have had stuff from Target and K-mart ... but I do agree that the cheaper stuff doesn't last as long. If you don't mind replacing often, it's a good place to start.

I have two pieces from LuLulemon, both given to me as gifts, and they really are well made and cut to flatter, and come in pretty colors too. Plus, they will hem your pants, for free, which is a plus for those of us who are short. However, they do not recommend their yoga gear be worn for running (unless you wear a running bra underneath). Just FYI! If you are into yoga or lifting weights or some other low-sweat, low-impact activity, and you want to look uber-stylish, and don't mind spending top $, this is your brand.

But most of my favorite and longest-lasting work-out gear is from New Balance. That's because I live near an outlet, and we frequently get 50% off coupons!!! My family is always buying me gear from that outlet so I have quite a variety now. If you are petite, I can vouch for New Balance: I find their tops and pants fit me fine, without needing to be hemmed. I can't say that for other brands like Nike and Champion. Those are more hit-or-miss - I have to try on first.

oops, I meant lululemon. I'm a little sleep deprived this week! They opened a Lucy store not too far away and I have yet to check it out although I have heard great things as well.

Shana, an easy way to remember is to think "lulu Lemming" ;-)

That's the nickname the brand has rec'd by people who don't like the clothes. They tease and say this brand is what you wear when you aren't serious about working out - just looking good while you run to the grocery store. It is kind of the Juicy Couture of workout gear. I had my own doubts - especially when learning their clothes are not recommended for high-impact sports. But, as I mentioned, they really do fit and flatter quite nicely.... and you won't find "Juicy" written on your butt, at least. ;-)

Great ideas!
I do agree with shiny on the tshirt issue. Most of my workout tees are not really baggy - just kind of boring lol.

We do have a few sports outlets in SF area. See Jane Run is on my list of stores to haunt as soon as I get over my spring cold bug.

Finding a sports bra for very curvy chest has been a challenge so I am going specialty store for that and expect to pay for a good one. It will be worth it.

Wow, a topic I know something about! I have a lot of workout clothes, I'm obsessed with them. The main thing about workout clothes is that it all depends on what fits you, so you may need to try a few different places. Here are my favorites:

Title Nine. Since you're in the bay area, I encourage you to go to Title Nine sports to look at workout bras. They have a good selection and are knowledgeable.
http://www.titlenine.com/

REI. Good for a lot of basics that are good quality and not too insanely expensive.
http://www.rei.com

Stonewear designs. You can find some of their stuff at Title Nine, REI, or climbing shops. Their clothes fit me incredibly well. They're a bit pricy but good quality.
http://www.stoneweardesigns.com/

Athleta. They were already mentioned. I've bought some stuff from them and liked it. The quality seems good.
http://www.athleta.com/

Prana. For me their fit is really hit or miss. I do have a pair of pants I got from them that have lasted for years and years.
http://www.prana.com/index.aspx

Lululemon were already mentioned. Their stuff doesn't fit me very well. I do have one pair of shorts from them which I like because they have a drawstring waist.

Target sometimes has good stuff as well.