The Daily Balance

So you know the popular question regarding workout attire…are you sporty or sexy? HA! I laugh every time I hear it because I fall into the ‘frumpy’ category. This may surprise you, but my gym wardrobe consists of bleach stained sweatpants and old ratty T-shirts I was given at some point for free. You know, 2002 Prom or Race for the Cure, etc. etc. I don’t care what I look like when I’m working out. Why? Because I’m working out! It’s not a fashion show, people. However, I will admit that I’ve always been a bit jealous of those girls. You know the ones I’m talking about (you are probably one of them!), the ones with the hottest workout gear. Bright colored Lycra tank tops with black Spandex pants that don’t look in the slightest bit comfortable. I want to chop of their high, peppy ponytails. OK, that’s mean. They probably want to shred my “Bye, Bye Birdie” high school musical T-shirt, circa 2001 (I was Kim, by the way )

I’m sorry, but I just can’t fathom dropping more than $20 on workout clothes! I’d much rather save it for my REAL clothes.

People, I caved.

But I was doing it for YOU! Yes, when I was at Dick’s Sporting Goods (PLEASE make sure you include ‘sporting goods’ in the URL – of course I made the mistake of just typing in dicks.com when I was at work. Pretty sure my computer activity is now being monitored…) with the Mister two weekends ago a few items caught my eye (hey! they were on sale…). Of course my immediate thought was that I could try out some new work-wear and share my findings with all of you. See? It really is all about YOU.

I started out simple. Seriously, I tried on many things and wanted many of them, but I could not stomach paying $40 for an Under Armor Lycra shirt (as cute as it was in all it’s HOT PINK glory!). I went with the Nike wicking razor back for $29.

Meanwhile, the Mister purchased 5 Under Armor shirts! I’ll give you one guess as to who the workout diva is in our family….

This is the tank top I purchased. I got it in black (the dots are grey).

Cute, right? (image credit: Dick's Sporting Goods)

From the Web site:

The Nike® women’s Holiday printed sport top is an adorable and comfortable tank that adds a touch of character to your gym wardrobe. It’s crafted using the moisture-wicking Dri-FIT® performance fabric that draws sweat away from your skin and provides optimal ventilation to keep you dry. The UV protective fabric keeps your skin safe from harmful sun damage.

I actually had a pair of Nike Lycra Dri-Fit pants in the back of my closet. So instead of sporting my sexy sweats, I gave them a try with my new top.

Sunday, April 19: The most comfortable day at the gym. ever.

So I have this spot in my lower back that concaves in a bit. It’s actually one of my favorite parts on my body — the Mister calls it my ‘tiny back.’ Anyway, it’s where all my sweat collects. Sexy, isn’t it?

I always take my shirt and wipe up the pool of sweat after I get off the elliptical. On Sunday, I went to wipe off the nastiness and THERE WAS NONE! My fab lil tank wicked it all away! In fact, I was dry from head to toe! I would HATE to see what that lil tank looked like under a microscope– eeek! Another pro — I actually looked cute! And when is that a bad thing? Hmmm those girls might actually be on to something

CON – I’m already looking online for new tops to add to my collection (don’t worry, I’m only looking at ‘on sale’ items). I’ve created a monster.

If you don’t already, (which I’m sure you do, because I’m just THAT behind the times!) please consider purchasing some ‘wick’ed gear. I LOVE the Dri-Fit line from Nike. In fact they have a few items on sale right now on their Web site.

Here are some other links that might help you get started:

Some tips in selecting workout apparel

Recession-Proof Workout Gear Under $20

So what’s your style profile at the gym? Sporty or Sexy? Have you ever tried ‘wicking’ sportswear?

20 Responses to “‘Try it’ – Stay dry with ‘wick’ed sports gear”

1. Mariposa said:

   i would love some nicer workout clothes! mine are ok- basic tanks and stuff..but i need some nicer stuff like that!

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 9:55 am | Reply
2. VeggieGirl said:

   GREAT review!! My favorite workout attire comes from Bebe Sport (at the mall, girl!! ) – I practically own the entire store.

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 10:03 am | Reply
3. Andrea@WellnessNotes said:

   I’ve wanted to invest in some “high tech,” cute workout clothes for a while. I think I’ll have to go shopping soon…

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 10:03 am | Reply
4. BB said:

   That is an adorable tank! The fancy work-out gear is worth the investment, especially with the temps rising…but I stick with “frumpy” in the gym!

   Target has GREAT workout gear, by the way. C9 by Champion–it’s awesome and affordable.

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 10:17 am | Reply
5. Diana said:

   I really do need to get me some new workout gear. I tend to get all my workout clothes from Target, because the prices are good, but it still looks cute. (At least, as cute as you can look while sweating buckets)

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 10:23 am | Reply
6. Lara (Thinspired) said:

   I’ve been buying some wickd sports tops from a place in England called Sweaty Betty. I love them except for one thing…I swear they retain the smell of sweat! I know that is gross but I wash them and wash them and can’t get it out completely. I’d be interested to know if you have a similar experience…
   Cute top though!

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 10:57 am | Reply
7. Kara said:

   Cute, cute, cute! I need some upgraded gear, myself.

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 11:01 am | Reply
8. Sagan said:

   Ooh nice, thanks for reviewing this! (giggling over the dicks.com)

   Until about a month ago, I was still working out in sweats from junior high and a couple of ratty old tank tops (except for good quality shoes and bra- those I’ve always made a priority of having). Now I have a pair of American Apparel running shorts and 2 shirts and a pair of sweats from Lululemon… I feel kind of like an impostor when I wear them, but WOW the difference is awesome!

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 11:05 am | Reply
9. Positively Present said:

   Thanks for passing that interview idea along to Graceful Creative. I’m posting my interview on my site tomorrow and it was a lot of fun to do!

   http://positivelypresent.typepad.com

   Posted on April 21, 2009 at 11:41 am | Reply
10. Kristie said:

    Super cute! I need some new workout tops. I’ve got a few new ones recently but nothing nearly as cute as the polka dots

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 11:52 am | Reply
11. Sophia said:

    lol! I’m in the “frumpy” category, too! I just put on the oldest college t-shirt and crumpled shorts!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 12:03 pm | Reply
12. Run Sarah said:

    Very cute! I’ve been buying my workout stuff from Lululemon, because the outlet nearby is really reasonable and I love their bright colors!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 12:03 pm | Reply
13. Amber said:

    Hahahaha. I’m still laughing about you typing in dicks.com at work. SO funny.

    I CANNOT wear cotton to the gym. I just feel way to icky afterwards. Most of my workout gear is cuter, tighter, spandexy stuff. You can actually get workout gear for relatively cheap at some big department stores. I got my favourite pair of workout pants at Superstore!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 12:09 pm | Reply
14. K said:

    Dicks.com!!! HAHA! I’m big into UA because it keeps me warm

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 12:18 pm | Reply
15. Marissa said:

    Cute top!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 2:35 pm | Reply
16. Lesley said:

    Lol, loved this post. I have actually just recently become one of “those” girls as my workout clothes also consisted of those old t-shirts. Similar to you, I ventured to Dick’s (Sporting Goods, that is with my hubby around my birthday and I got some new workout clothes and I had the same resutls … I love them! I got that exact same shirt in black : ) And, yes, I don’t like the price of amany of these things but one, they motivate me to workout harder and more and two, they prevent nastiness!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 3:19 pm | Reply
17. Anais said:

    Because I only got into working out I’d say…these past 4 years, I’ve always only used wicking fabric, and I can’t imagine not doing that! You should check out if there are any lululemon stores in your area, they make THE cutest stuff!

    Posted on April 21, 2009 at 7:37 pm | Reply
18. Michelle said:

    Great minds must think alike because I’ve been trolling around the Internet trying to find deals on workout clothes. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I can shed my cold gear and concentrate on buying more heat gear. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Posted on April 23, 2009 at 10:55 am | Reply
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