There’s nothing like the Paris Olympics to make you realise it’s time to get off the couch, hit the gym and tone up.
Okay, so you may not be able to win a gold medal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look winning while working up a sweat with the help of the latest trends in activewear.
But if your outfit is worn and tired, you’re unlikely to feel energized. So ditch those baggy t-shirts and old leggings and switch to something sleek and flattering.
After all, why shouldn’t your workout wardrobe be as stylish as your post-gym attire?
Skin-tight shorts are trending this season, so put them at the top of your shopping list. Yes, they’re tight, but they’re also flattering.
Jacket, £79, marksandspencer.com; sports bra, £65, and matching leggings, £100, vuoriclothing.co.uk
Made from thick, stretchy fabric, they support you and have the same effect as control underwear.
If thigh-hugging shorts still seem too intimidating to you, lululemon’s Align 6 in Shorts (from £29, lululemon.co.uk) may be the answer.
Incredibly soft, they’re made from Nulu fabric, which wicks sweat, is incredibly lightweight and features extra Lycra for stretch and shape.
High-waisted and not as short as the ones your daughter wears, they provide just enough support to hold you in without digging into your thighs or abdomen. Plus, they don’t ride up, so they won’t chafe during stretches on the treadmill.
Not convinced? Then look no further than the baggier, retro-style shorts from the 80s. Serena Bute’s silk tracksuits have long been the go-to item for celebrities including Kate Moss and Rita Ora, and now her jogger shorts (£98, serenabute london.com) are too.
And don’t forget to pair your new gym clothes with ankle socks instead of the invisible ones on your sneakers – it’s the quickest way to look younger!
The next item on your shopping list is a new season tennis dress. From a host of celebrities, influencers and royals at Wimbledon to Zendaya in the recent Challengers film, tennis style isn’t going away anytime soon.
Featuring hidden shorts, the pale blue version from Alo Yoga (£120, aloyoga.com) is the brand of choice for model sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid.
Jacket, £69, fabletics.co.uk; shorts, £48, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £9.99, sockshop.co.uk; trainers £140, on.com
Sports bra, £79, leggings, £85, heulogactive.com
Jacket, £108, and top, £42, lululemon.co.uk; leggings, £27.50, marksandspencer.com
Dress, £130, aloyoga.com; sneakers, £110, thehoff brand.com
Sweatshirt, £69, fabletics.co.uk; shorts, £48, lululemon.co.uk; socks, £8.99, hm.com; trainers, £140, geox.com
With a built-in bra for added support, elegant criss-cross detailing at the back, and a skirt length that tends to reveal, it also has court-to-café potential.
You’ll also want to upgrade your boring black leggings. Bold, abstract geometric prints are a fun way to work out.
Heulog’s pretty blue and cream scalloped print is the perfect antidote to a summer full of florals and leopard prints.
Designed to take you from the gym to the pool, their sports bras also function as bikini tops and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
All of their pieces are made from sustainably regenerated nylon so you can take them out of the washing machine almost dry and throw them straight into your gym bag.
On the high streets, M&S leads the market with leggings in bright patterns and colours at attractive prices in the GoodMove range (from £12, marksandspencer.com).
Pair them with retro, lightweight trainers like Geox’s air pocket-soled trainers (£140, geox.com) and you’re good to go.
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