Workout capsule - YouLookFab Forum

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Workout capsule

Thistle

Veteran

So, I evaluated my workout capsule and found it horribly lacking. I have not updated it in more years than I can remember and it shows. Way before i was pregnant even. Most of my shirts are hand me downs from DH, and the pants are snagged and not fab.

I walk 6-7 nights a week after dinner. I was lifting 3 days a week before my wrist, and i will resume as soon as able.I have a small home gym, so no one sees me lift, still, I wouldn't mind looking less shabby.

So, I need to put together a nice workout capsule. I am trying to decide what I need for this capsule. I was thinking a pair of Bermuda workout shorts, a pair of capris and a pair of full length pants. I figure I can wear bottoms twice. Tops are a different story. I have to wear my bras as the "support" in normal sports bras just don't. I was thinking a few cute tanks and short sleeve tops with a jacket that would match. Not sure I need the jacket in the summer, and none of this will work much past early fall. We have had snow at Halloween many years.

I also need to invest in some new gear shoes. Why are the running shoes all so snazzy and the cross trainers and walking shoes so boring?!?

Also, trying to decide if I should go Althleta/ Nordies or Old Navy. Not sure how long either will last and still look good. Trying to decide if workout gear is worth more of an investment or not.

What do you think? What does your capsule look like?

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from krishnidoux

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I got a good portion of my workout clothes at Ross and TJ Maxx. They carry Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Marika, you name it. $20 instead of $70 in most instances. The rest I bought online carefully, like my Zoot triathlon outfit and Lululemon running skirt.

Anonymous

My stuff is from Kohl's, Target and Old Navy. It gets washed and worn pretty often and I replace it once a year or so. FWIW, I walk in running shoes. They are so much lighter more comfortable than cross trainers and more stylish than walking shoes. But don't tell on me!

Nadya

Veteran

Sounds like a good plan. I wear running shoes for walking and for using weight machines - I just find I get a better fit.

Why not get a top from Old Navy one from a higher end brand and see how they breathe and wash up?

K. Period.

Veteran

Thistle, you have to HAVE TO (yes shouting!) look at the bras at Title Nine (titlenine.com) because they feature very good quality workout bras for women above DD cup size, DDD, E and Fs. Even if you don't buy any of their workout wear, it is really worth it to investigate their bras. They do not just stock the standard "extra bit of stretchy camisole material" type sports bras. Those are a disaster even for me as just a DD. They stock "OMG how can that be so bounce preventing and still comfortable?" sports bras. Please at least check them out to see if they have ones that work for you.

And now that I'm off my bra booster rant, YAY for you for investing in your workout wear.

BTW, I have had very good luck with Old Navy workout wear. I live in Nike and Adidas and Columbia Sportswear hometowns. I buy some Nike workout wear, but usually at Nordies. I also buy at the Gap and Lucy.com. My workout wear is pretty simple. I have a few pairs of pants (usually at least three in rotation), two workout skirts (which I rarely wear for working out, but they are there) and a bunch of cotton tees and tanks that I get at Old Navy. I have a few wicking tees, but I'm not sure they are really worth it, and they get stinky faster because they are synthetic. I like cotton better.

K.

Anonymous

I like Old Navy for workout wear too!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Guess it depends on your workout. Weight lifting, I realized a particular bra top was a disaster because the adjustable strap 'adjuster' landed right on top of my shoulder, where pads and bars sit. Running, cotton is the worst and next in line are raised seams that rub you raw.
I have to say, I do not find running sneakers at all comfortable for wearing to work, walking around the restaurant. I love my Asics for running, but they are not built for cross training, standing, etc. Tried it with my old pair and they make my feet numb.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I totally agree with K about the bras at Title9. As a DDD/E it's not easy to find my size in a good truly supportive sports bra, but they carry a wider range of sizes than most. Nordstrom has some too.

And like Mo, I've had success in finding some good workout wear at TJMaxx and Marshall's. Believe it or not, I've had some things from Target that held up well for years -- i just retired some Champion yoga pants that I've had forever.

Raisin

Veteran

Workout gear is totally worth the investment if you are working out often. I keep a small workout wardrobe and it has lasted through many years of running and machine washing. Mine is all Lululemon, which is great quality. I keep 2 short sleeved tops and 2 shorts for indoor workouts, and 1 pant and one long sleeved top for cooler outdoor workouts. Also have 2-3 workout bras and good running socks. My sneakers are Nike. I used to love New Balance but they started making the toe box very narrow and my new favs are the Nike LunarEclipse. I do laundry at least every second day, so 2-3 sets of gear is enough for me, and seriously, the Lululemon gear is all ranging from 2-5 years old.

PS - like Claire said, many people use running shoes for walking. I've heard the sales people suggesting that too because they are more cushioned.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Thirding TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. Though now I've drunk the Lululemon kool-aid. Unfortunately I know they don't make your size.
As far a shoes find a brand that fits you and go from there. I like New Balance and Asics. Nike doesn't work for me at all.

Sara L.

Veteran

I get most of my wicking shirts from Target, Ross or TJ Maxx. I live where it's really hot in the summer and I much prefer wicking shirts to just regular cotton tees for working out. I also really like wicking socks for running and walking. I buy all my pants in black or dark grey and all the tops in fun bright colors so everything will mix and match. I'm not picky about the pants as long as they're made out of something stretchy and most of them are from Target.

BTW, I agree that Title 9 has great bras. I have the opposite problem with sub-A size boobs normally (even pregnant they're only B's). Most sports bras make me look flat as a pancake but the Title 9 ones are supportive and still look good.

Thistle

Veteran

So, much like many things, Title Nine doesn't go up to my cup size. Which is too bad because I was loving the Enell! Would have killed for one of those back when I played tennis regularly! Waking and weight lifting is much lower impact. I so miss playing tennis, but almost impossible in my current climate.

sarah

Veteran

Another plug for Marshall's as a place to get good workout gear. I've also been happy with Athleta pants.

rachylou

Veteran

I really like New Balance. Intelligent support. I saw some pretty cool ones and had to hold myself back since I have a pair of brand new but nurse-white ones. Nike's don't do it for me either. They cut in very sharply; my feet don't curve in like that.

As for the clothing part... No advice. I don't like synthethics but my bf swears by them.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Lucy goes up to 16-18 or XL.
http://www.lucy.com/on/demandw...../Home-Show

DonnaF

Veteran

My wicking tops are from REI and are nearly nine years old. If you can find them, I think sports bras hold up much better to perspiration than regular bras. I got my DD cup ones at Holabird Sports for cheaper than Title 9. My Brooks Addiction walking shoes have much better padding and insoles than my Brooks Addiction running shoes. In addition, the treads catch dirt much less than the runners. I walk on a dirt track that is frequently a bit muddy so mucked up shoes are an annoyance. I used to lift free weights and always felt my runners were absolutely wrong; I needed to wear cross-trainers. IMHO, it would be good to invest in two sets of shoes. The weightlifting shoes would be strictly indoor ones and will last longer.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Hate to admit that I've been a real slacker in the workout dept. for the past few years now, but having said that - there *was* a time when I was in the gym, five days a week - or more.

I used to get some really great yoga-style pants at Target of all places. Their Champion C-9 brand pants are super high quality and usually run around $20 or less? A really good deal, and as far as I can remember, they also came in plus sizes too, because I remember recommending them to my Mom as well. Do check the reviews on the Target site - I think you'll see that I'm not the only one who is crazy about the Champion C9 bottoms (just so happens that they are insanely comfortable AND flattering).

The below link/picture does not do these pants justice:

http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-.....21040#prod

Here's a better link/pic of what the pants really look like:

http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-.....A-13720509

If you can't find what you need in-store at Target (often the case re: can't always find your size in store), go ahead and order up some of their Champion C9 workout wear online - if it doesn't work, you can return it to a local Target store with no hassle.

Also try Tek Gear at Kohl's - again, very reasonably priced, good quality and so on. I bought quite a few Tek Gear tops at Kohl's when I was going to the gym all the time:

http://www.kohls.com/product/p.....ce-tee.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/w.....;crosssell

Long story short - all my bottoms were Target's Champion C9, and a lot of my tops were from Kohl's - the Tek Gear tops.

Worked quite well for me!

Hope this helps

ps- just as an aside, Costco has these fab 'Kirkland' store brand yoga pants and capris in store right now - I bought a pair of the yoga pants and they are top quality. They did include plus sizes in store. Just mentioning this in case you have a membership AND you have a Costco nearby - you can get some pants for sure (well, likely the workout capris at this time of year), as well as one or two workout tops). For real selection, head to Target and/or Kohls.

Elly

Veteran

My sports bra is a freya-- http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=.....ZUKAVQ8t7q --- they go up to GG, and I'm a F and get zero bounce, however it may not be the comfiest thing to lift weights in. Another I like is this bra: http://www.biggerbras.com/anit.....port-bh-sp which goes up even larger in band sizes and up to a G or H in cup sizes. It is a bit more stretchy and comfy but also low-bounce.

I am a fan of the wicking cotton tees from under armour-- I love wicking but hate the polyester stink. My mom is plus size and buys the men's version, which isn't that bad since they have a nice drapey fabric, not stiff boxy tees.

I too walk and stand and lift in running shoes, but I wear trail runners to do it--- Brooks cascadia, which has a pretty wide even level base. Minimalist shoes with some cushion are also good for walkers and weightlifters with wide feet.

Thistle

Veteran

Thanks for all of the recommendations!! I am going to check out target today at lunch and see what I can find. I always have to try on bottoms. Depends on the maker whether or not I am plus size. Lulumon says XL=size 12. Others say XL=size 16. Still, it is nice to have plus size options if I need them as it is so much easier to work out when it doesn't take me 10 minutes to figure out what to wear

As for a sports bra, I will check out Freya. I am a 5D, so it sounds like they would be a great option.

I really like New Balance shoes. Not as pretty as many, but they seem to work for my feet. I have one pair of walking New Balance and a pair of Nikes. The Nikes are being replaced now, and the New balance later. I a pair of cross trainers from New Balance I will also replace. I always try to have two walking shoes so I never wear the same pair two days in a row. As I don't lift every day, that is less of a priority!

Glory

Veteran

I have many bottoms from Costco and they have been my faves for several years. This includes yoga pants, capris, shorts and one skirt with shorts under. I have tried their jackets and tops but did not like the fit.
I have a few items from Old Navy which have held up very well. No tops again from there.
I just realized all of my tops are from Joe Fresh.
I recommend going and trying on because they all vary so much in material and fit.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I don't always get to "pick" my favourite workout shoes - because apparently, I have a tendency to overpronate, plus I have a high arch. This means going to a proper sporting goods store or running store, and having them 'analyze' my gait/walking and recommending certain shoes. I get what works best on my feet, provides the best/most support for the arch etc. Turns out that Saucony shoes work best on my feet. They make a lot of shoes for overpronators (called a 'stability' shoe) and are good on high arches as well.

Just saying we can't always get the prettiest/most fashionable shoe - this is one place where function and fit take top priority.

Day Vies

Veteran

One thing I learned about shoes -- don't go for snazzy when it comes to gear. Go for comfort and what works well with the activity you're doing. Compensate for "boring" shoes with comfy/snazzy tops shorts and capris that coordinate with each other. Definitely top it off with a cute sun visor.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am late to chime in, and don't have much to add with regards to bras and clothing, but I can tell you that I have a pair of Ecco Biom walking shoes (similiar to these) and while spendy, they have been superb shoes for me. I am on my second pair....in five years of almost daily wear! Yup. Indoor/ outdoor wear, too. I wear mine for walking, running (short distance) and for weight lifting. They're a decent all-round shoe for my purposes and and really, really recommend them. I managed to get mine on sale at a considerably lower price, but I would probably pay full price to replace them, to be honest. In a pinch, they have even worked as a "snazzy sneaker" with jeans while travelling.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I second the Lululemon suggestion for their quality. You are going to wash these OFTEN. So you need to get something that will hold and make you feel beautiful, not something that distorts and loses shape after a few wears. Don't forget never to put your workout gear in the drier.

As for long pants how about zumba pants? I don't have a specific brand to recommend but I have been seeing this around on women at the gym and must admit, it looks very cool and also comfortable.

Stephmonster

Workout wear - Personally I've had a lot of luck with JCPenney's house brand Exersion. Many of its items come in Plus and Tall sizes and the prices are excellent. Several pairs of my yoga pants are this label - I need the Long length.

I second the Target and Old Navy recommendations. I have been pleasantly surprised by how well those items have held up for me. The rest of my workout closet is North Face, Patagonia, Athleta and Skirt Sports and I have been satisfied with the quality of all four brands; my only gripe is that they tend to run small.

I adore the styling of lululemon but I've told myself that I won't spend that kind of money until I reach a particular fitness goal.

Sports Bras - One of my favorite online retailers, Herroom.com, has bras from 28A up to 58J.

Good luck in pulling together your capsule! It is very motivating to have cute workout wear.

Stephanie

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think the sports bra and shoes are the two most important pieces. I like the panache sports bra and have two of them but my all-time favorite is the shock absorber 4490. I size up in the band as they are a snug fit. I find it is great for running and lifting.

For shoes, I get professionally fitted at the running room and use the same shoes for running and walking. For lifting I wear converse high tops. If you are doing squats, deads, etc., it is good to have the flatter base for stability and the Cons are recommended by many.

I buy higher quality bottoms than tops. I have a few pairs of Nike capri running pants and a few skorts from the running room. I like the skort for the fit and comfort but also the panel that hides the upper thigh. I buy inexpensive tops at Walmart.

Carla

Veteran

Like a lot of folks who have answered your thread, store house brand fitness wear can be really good and more economical than buying from a specialty sports store. I own a lot of workout gear, because I work out sometimes twice a day, and cross train - swim, bike, run, weight train.

Hands down Speedo swimsuits from the Endurance line are the only way to go. They don't break down like other bathing suits. I rotate 2 suits x 52 or more wears a year, and mine are now 3 years old.

My bike gear is specialized, and includes padded bottoms and cycling jerseys. You don't really need to go this route to ride a bike, but as my son will attest, cyclists are 'posers'! The brighter and more visible the gear, the better.

Black Lycra bottoms are de rigeur for running, or at the gym. Shorts, capris, tights, or pants. I've had god luck at Winners ( designer discount store) and Zellers (which carried Champion products as well as their house brand.). I lucked out with a standard compression bra that was the house brand. I have 4 in rotation. Though I do 'big' laundry on the weekend, I do 'sports' laundry every other day, and it gets hung to dry.

Shoes are really important. I would NOT suggest your running shoes for weight training. You need more support/ stability, like for when you played tennis. Check out shoes called cross- trainers for the gym. Don't discount light weight hiking shoes for walking, since they might give you stability and support as well as cushioning. (Think of all the folks who wear hiking shoes when going to Europe, and looking for all day comfort over all types of terrain!). Keep your workout shoes for workouts as well. I like Assics and Saucony for running ( roomy toe box for bunions, narrow heel)' and Merrell for walking.

If you bring the same diligence to your search for a workout wardrobe that you bring to putting together your work and casual capsule, you'll do fine!

krishnidoux

Veteran

re: laundry: Runcarla I do just the same LOL