You Need More Leggings

Did you resolve to get into a workout routine in 2019? Well, in my not so humble opinion, if you’re going to put in the effort to make it to the gym, you deserve to look and feel your best while doing it! Here, some top nutrition and fitness influencers share their favorite workout gear, discount codes to score them below retail prices, and the case for using clothing as a motivator and reward. Bust out your credit card – you deserve it!

There was a time not too long ago when I basically wore black, black, and more black to the gym. Sometime in mid 2017 I woke up and said to myself, “why am I dressing like I’m going to a funeral to attend the happiest part of my day?” Fast forward to the present and my workout wardrobe is bright as a Holi festival.

I’ve long encouraged clients to go on ahead and budget for their own closet full of stretchy threads that lend confidence to their sweat sessions, and many of the women here echoed that sentiment.

MY personal all-time favorite? The Along The Lines legging by Nux. I’m also partial to their long sleeve hoodie that my husband purchased for me nearly ten years ago (and still wears beautifully) and their Coba pullover for both in and out of the gym. Find them on Amazon, Steep and Cheap on occasion, and, if you’re really lucky, TJ Maxx!

Here’s what the other ladies had to say:

Carrie Moody, FitBalanceNutrition

Workout leggings are kind of my vice. I have way too many pairs and 80% of them are black ones. Becoming a Barre3 instructor in 2017 only fueled my obsession.

My favorite brands are DYI, Beyond Yoga, Alo, and Senita…but I’m not picky especially if they are sweat proof.

My experience with DYI is that they are soft but durable, and are true to size. Most of the ones I have are high-waist and I literally live in them every single day. If mama puts on regular pants, my kids want to know why I am dressed so fancy!

Alo leggings are great. You can feel the quality when you wear them for sure. Price-wise, they are on the more expensive side.

Senita is a brand I discovered a couple of years ago. It is a company that is local to my home state of Arizona and they sell quality workout gear without the ridiculous price tags. The best part? Their leggings, tops, and sports bras have pockets! Second best part? You can buy 2-3 Senita leggings for the price of one pair of Lululemon leggings!

I buy a lot of my workout clothing from the Barre3 studio where I work and everything else I buy on Carbon 38. My discount code for Carbon 38 is CarrieMoo15.

I also have a 20% off code for Simply Workout. Code = MOODY

When I became a barre3 instructor, the endless assortment of adorable leggings that began to appear in my closet was like nothing you have ever seen. I was buying new gear weekly, sometimes twice in one week. I quickly realized I was spending more money on workout gear than I was making as an instructor per month!

This year, I’m trying something new. Instead of buying new apparel as soon as it hits the studio, I have to reach a goal first.

This is not only forcing me to save money, but it is also pushing me to work hard to meet my goal. My #YOLO attitude is not an easy thing to push aside. I walk into the studio, see new leggings, and decide that I deserve them. It’s that simple. However, in an effort to keep my marriage from ending in divorce at some point over my ridiculous leggings addiction, I am willing to give this a try.

I set a goal, whether it be attending 8 barre3 classes in a month, or obtaining my cycling instructor certification, or trying out 3 new workouts I have never done before, and then once I hit my goal, I buy a new pair of leggings or a workout top.

I know it sounds ridiculous but when you live life with a YOLO attitude and justify a new pair of workout pants just because you woke up and got the kids off to school successfully, it’s probably not a bad idea to use a reward system!

Britney Zondlak, MsFitFarmer

In or out of the gym- leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. But finding a good, quality pair that doesn't break the bank? Well, that can feel like mission impossible at times. I mean, you want leggings that fit the bill on all accounts- comfortable, supportive and made out of quality material that doesn't turn sheer after only one washing.

For me, what has always worked are leggings from 1st Phorm. They get my vote first and foremost because they have pockets (and not just a tiny pocket hidden in the waist band- but an actual pocket that fits my entire cell phone). No more stuffing your phone into a sweaty sports bra!

They’re constructed of a lightweight, moisture-wick fabric; and are high-waisted to flatter a variety of different body types. And yes, in case you are wondering, they are 100 percent squat proof. It doesn't hurt that they are also available in a variety of colors- though in full disclosure, I have a hard time venturing away from anything but black.

Now if you're a woman in the market for new leggings, I know how tempting it may be to tell yourself that you'll invest in a new pair ONCE you reach your goal weight or ONCE you accomplish [insert fitness goal here], but as someone who's been down this road before, let me offer you this piece of advice- you see, in my opinion, it’s worth the money to invest in a few quality workout items even BEFORE you start working towards your fitness goals- and here’s why: when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good- you DO good.

It’s the kind of cycle that builds momentum for your fitness plan and that’s a pretty big deal! After all, fitness is won in the long game - and the more consistent you can become with your fitness routine, the more likely you are to have success in reaching your fitness goals.

MsFitFarmer AKA Britney Zondlack - check out more on Britney and other amazing women in ag, here.

Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel positive emotions now even though you may not be quite where you’d like to be. Treat yourself with kind actions and you may just be surprised at the results that you get.

Mandy Enright, Nutrition Nuptials

I am OBSESSED with leggings! I can’t even admit how many pairs I have. All I can say is I have a special area of my closet dedicated to yoga clothing! I primarily practice yoga in different settings, including hot yoga, not hot, and stand up paddleboard (SUP) yoga, so I like pants that are versatile and can be used for all these class types. K-DEER, Teeki and Werkshop are my top pants picks. For hot yoga and SUP yoga, K-DEER bum bum shorts are the best! First and foremost, they have to be functional and quick drying. I like a higher waist because, let’s be honest, no one wants plumbers crack in yoga! And funky designs are where it’s at! As a dietitian, if I’m a sucker for any pants with food-related patterns.

Get 10% off Teeki with my ambassador link: https://mbsy.co/jfM7j

Using fitness gear as a motivator is one of my top recommendations to my clients. Not only is there the motivation of working towards earning a new sports bra or yoga pants, but then there’s the added satisfaction of wearing your new gear to class to show it off! I always encourage my clients to set non-food rewards because it helps to take away the “value” of certain foods as good or bad. Anytime you can take away the power food has over us from a control or emotional standpoint will lead to a better acceptance of food overall.

Courtney Ferreira, RealFoodCourt

I am partial to lululemon leggings, either the wunder under in 7/8 length, luxtreme material or the In movement. Victoria’s Secret actually has some great leggings too in their sport line and fun patterns

Using food as a motivator for exercising is completely backwards because it can mess with your hard work. Using nice workout gear as a motivator is great. Not only does something nice (i.e. something you actually feel comfortable and good in) make you feel more confident and therefore perform better, but it also can be a motivator to get moving. Setting up a reward system for yourself, such as, if i meet my goal to workout 3x per week every week this month I will reward myself with those high quality leggings, can be a wonderful motivator that supports the habit.

I spent a long time looking for the cheapest, and I will be honest Old Navy and Target do have some decent leggings, but splurging on workout gear has helped me take myself more seriously and on some days is the only reason I get my butt moving.

Well, you heard it here - go get yourself some new gear!

Enjoy yourself! Enjoy your life!