Gear: What's your favorite and why?

[GraceFitbit]

Working out is an essential part of your daily life. It helps to improve your mood, boost energy, and can even be a little fun  Aside from the actual work out, I believe that the right work out clothes can also be a motivating factor. What do you think?

Most of us wear Fitbit trackers but I'd also like to know what you like to wear while you stay fit? 

I'm personally a huge fan of lululemon. They have a variety of work out clothes for men and women, whether you're a runner, yogi, walker, etc. My favorite pair of workout pants are the Inspire Crop II. What I like most about this brand is that the clothes fit well, and look great on you regardless of what size you are. 

The major downside about lululemon is the cost. If you're on a budget, you should check out Old Navy's Active line. They have a good variety of active gear for both men and women, and is much more wallet-friendly than lululemon. I've found a lot of great workout tops and accessories at Old Navy, plus they always seem to have some sort of sale going on. 

One of the most important "accessories" for your workout are your shoes and socks (except if you're a yogi). They should be comfortable and supportive, regardless of what you're doing. I'm a huge fan of Nike's LunarGlide shoes. They're lightweight, supports the arches, and I was able to complete Bay to Breakers (12K!!) in them somewhat comfortably.

If you're in the market for shoes, you should check out Running Warehouse. They have a great tool called Shoe Finder, which allows you to find shoes that meet your budget, shoe width, arch height, etc.

Now it's your turn to share! Let the Community know what you like to wear when working out. Feel free to share tips on what to look for when picking out a top, bottoms, shoes, etc.

[WendyB]

My  ASICS  GEL shoes. I have 3 pair that   I switch off.

I usually get my Exercise clothes at Kohls. They have a good selection and easy on the budget.

[EmilyEL]

Oooo, shopping + working out = one of my favorite combinations. 

I managed to snag a pair of these Lucy capris on sale at Ross for about 1/3 of the price! Actually, they probably weren't those exact capris...they were probably a discontinued version. Regardless, I love them and wear them all the time. Yoga, running, rock-climbing, gym-going, lounging around the house...

I find that TJ Maxx, Ross and Nordstrom Rack are all great places to find quality gear for affordable prices. Also - Target has the BEST Champion sports bras. They're decently priced and good quality. I've run mile after mile in their tanks, too, and can hardly enter that store without snapping up 2 for $15, or whatever their sale usually is.

Lulu is a favorite of mine as well (I mean, it's Lulu! Of course it's flattering and fantastic!) but I rarely splurge.

[GraceFitbit]

@WendyB I've been in the market for new shoes. Which Asics Gel's do you recommend? I'm looking online and they have a few different models (and so many colors) 🙂

@EmilyEL I've found some great things at T.J. Maxx. They always have really affordable yoga mats, accessories, and hand weights. I'll have to check out Nordstrom Rack's..thanks for the tip!

[SunsetRunner]

I mainly walk as much as I can. My favorite shoes are the Easy Spirit Alpine Slingback walking shoes. They take me all over town. I normally buy two new pair a year. I wear them out. As for clothes, I also like Kohl's ... Cute ... Comfortable ... Reasonably priced.

Here is a link to the shoes: http://www.easyspirit.com/Alpine-Slingback-Walking-Shoes/56383851,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&...

[WendyB]

@GraceFitbit 

Favorite my Purple Nimbus 15. This shows a 16 and mine were not that expensive

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-NIMBUS-16-Womens-Running/dp/B00KIHWZBW/ref=sr_1_6?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&...

I also have a Gel Equation

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-Equation-Titanium-Lightning-Brilliant/dp/B00AK9BLBS/ref=sr_1_3?s=app...

Gel Exalt

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-Exalt-Running-Lightning-Turquoise/dp/B0087RFVXY/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel...

I actaully have 2 of the Exalt. I forgot I have a Pair I call my Gibson Ranch Shoes. They live in the garage. Its a dirt trail and they are pretty dirty 🙂 Not allowed in my house. They are the Black ones 🙂

@EmilyELOh Yeah Lucy! Never found on Sale though. 😞

@SunsetRunner Carol those look comfy

[CourtB]

My choice of running/workout shoes are Asics Kayano-19 - I have to wear custom orthodics and they fit great in these shoes -- These shoew are also great at preventing/reducing shin splints

My active clothing line of choice is Danskin for shorts/capris and bras (their 'extreme' bra selections are very supportive for running/jumping) -- I like Russell Belden for t-shirts -- they fit great, stay put when moving around ALOT, don't strink and last a long time before showing any wear -- I find both brands to be reasonably priced

[Algenon]

I usually hike when I am away from home so I wear shoes (New Balance) and other gear from Nordstroms like Vince silk jogger pants.  Nordstrom has great customer service and return policies.

At home I wear my birthday suit when I work out.  It washes really well.  

[MonaLS]

Love my New Balance WW847 Health Walking Shoes, my Camelback Charm Hydration Pack, my Thorlos Distance Walking Socks, and my Sansa Clip Zip MP3 Player. I love the Sansa Clip because it has a built-in radio. And the socks keep my feet comfortably cushioned.

[Hils]

Hi, I am a runner (approx 10-15ks most days) and have worn Asics Kayano for many years now.  They are fantastic but in Australia cost around $300 so I buy them online from the US.  Great shoe.  Have a great day.

[Clairekemp]

I love the Lorna Jane line ...they look great ,feel great and are fantastic quality ...they are pricey but I also like the old navy line .for shoes I won't wear anything but Merrill's barefoot ...have tried others but always come back to them

[MeikeD]

I love my Asics gel sneakers. I shop at Marshalls, TJMaxx and Kohls for exercise clothes. I love Adidas and Nike and, of course, Lulu (if I can find it on sale!). 

[lyro]

I love my Leki walking poles.  I think they are a perfect match for walks with the fitbit.  I also find that they help improve my posture and stride as I walk and also take any stress off my joints.  These enhancements also help me to walk further.

[GraceFitbit]

Thanks for sharing, everyone!

Has anyone tried Athleta? I've been curious about the quality of their merchandise. It seems to have a similar price point as Lulu though 

[SunsetRunner]

My most favorite activity is a run at about 4:15AM. It's even before the birds are up. The air is sweet and cool and the only sound is my footsteps on the path. I don't run with any headphones or music despite this being an advantage for maintaining pace.

My most important gear for this is my shoes. I'm running now in Vivobarefoot, and before that in NB Minimus. And the other bit of gear is a black thong. It's still quite humid in the early morning and even at 78F it's enough to make me sweat like a horse. So I have an advantage as far as cooling is concerned. I run in a dark neighborhood devoid of much traffic at that hour, and don't think I've ever even been noticed.

I'm really hoping for a light, warm rainshower. I think it I would be a beautiful experience. But usually our summer storms are violent, so it's a wish that's unlikey to come true.

[Potsyhen]

The shoes I can wear are very limited because my feet are so small I struggle to get adult shoes that fit me within my budget.As a result I have to go to the girls junior section, problem with that is that they are all Barbie Pink or Minnie Mouse. I have Nike Dualfusion I!d say they were my favourite but only because it's the only ones that fit. I have to say though I won't go out without my polar heart rate monitor and for clothing I love the Karrimore range, agin if only the women's weren't all pink. Don't get me wrong, I like pink but I would like a bit of variety now and again.

[smhermione]

For clothes, I tend to shop Walmart or some place that is cheaper as I enjoy watching my size drop.  I've really enjoyed my new running shoes from Merrell though.  These are my first pair of running shoes as I had a lot of difficulty running before beginning to lose weight.  Though these are a "barefoot" shoe it does have a lot of support through the arches, though they do take some getting used to.

[Pastafarian]

I'm in Ghost 7's right now, but I'm not really a believer in brand loyalty.  My suggestion is, if you can afford it, go to a running/walking shoe store where the staff as the experience to get you in a pair that fits correctly and matches your gait style.  The good stores will have a treadmill where you can try the shoe for a mile or two to make sure of the fit.

$100+ for sneakers sounds expensive but compared to PT for your knees because of crapy shoes or a bad fit is a bargin.  Cheap shoes are fine for banging around, but are not a good idea for real training.  Also, track the milage on your shores and replace when recomended.  Turn the old shoes into daily beaters or keep them for running/walking when the weather is nasty.

Just my $.02 and worth every penny paid for it!  🙂

Eric B

[GraceFitbit]

@Pastafarian - LOL at your user name. Workaholics? 

[Pastafarian]

Flying Spaghetti Monster