Was that a robin that just smacked into my window?
Yes, it appears that spring is officially here to stay, and you know what that means: as you apply that last layer of wax to your snowboard in preperation for its season of hibernation, it's time to look towards other fun, get-outsidey activities.
Of course, you can't very well train for a race or engage in an outdoor boot camp session in your snow gear-- enter the spring workout wardrobe.
I've pounded the pavement, trails, bamboo floors and whatever that material the floor of the gym is made out, and here is what I've come up with for you, springtime sprites:
Step One: The Sports Bra
I didn't think I would ever find a sports bra I like more than Oakley's Continuity Bra, but they've one-upped themselves with the Strappy For You Bra.
The SFY bra is meant for a little more high-impact activity that the Continuity, but it's made out of the same O Hydrolix fabric that always seems to stay dry. Above all, the fit is super flattering (thank you, removable buit-in cups) (sorry, boys reading this). I recommend it for a yoga class, in lieu of a tank top-- it's too pretty to hide.
Step Two: The Top
Here is a workout gear trend that I don't love: the built-in bra. First of all, sports bras are already a thing, and amazing ones already exist (see above). Shirts are another thing. The two should respect each other's purposes. Second, the built-in sports bras never actually do the work, so I have to wear another sports bra underneath, which makes it feel (and look) like there's a lot going on.
So I looooove Oakley's Stride Tech Tank. Its beauty is in its simplicity. It's got a bit of a looser fit, and the back is extra long, which is nice for those people who are all, "leggings are not pants". It's got a sneaky side pocket, and it comes in a ton of colours. And, above all, NO BUILT-IN BRA (amen!). Writing about this top just now made me seriously consider ordering another one-- that's how much I love it.
Step Three: The Bottom
If this were a summer post, I'd definitely pick shorts over pants as fundamental workout bottom. But I've chosen the Oakley Night Nova Tights as my bottom of choice, which are full-length leggings. Here's why:
- I can wear them as bottoms for spring skiing.
- They have reflective bits, so I can wear them running in the evening-- and in the spring time, it's still a little cool in the evenings.
- They work well for my indoor activities, like boot camp and yoga.
- I'll get plenty of use out of them year-round.
Step Four: The Bag
I don't spend much time raving about bags, but the Oakley Performance Duffel is probably the most thoughtfully-constructed bag I've ever come across, so I count it as a springtime fundamental.
With a 50 litre capacity, it's got a ton of room for all your gear. It's made of water-resistant material, yet paradoxically, is so soft that you'll want to rub your face against it. There are a ton of intelligently thought out pockets: mesh pockets, zippered pockets, zippered mesh pockets, water bottle pockets, and even a HEAT RESISTANT POCKET. Read: you can straighten your hair after the gym and actually pop your straightener into this pocket without worrying about melting your bag or setting your gear on fire. This might sound ridiculous to some, but is an actual real inconvenience for humans like me.
It also comes in a delightful tote size (but no hair straightener pocket for you).
So there you have it: from head to toe, the essential workout gear that will make you feel strong, look good, and above all-- perform beautifully!
