Now that we are actually going to the gym (2013 resolution complete in late 2012!), I’m realizing that it would be inappropriate to work out in my sports bra and underwear in front of other people. Not that I’ve tried it, just common sense I guess.
When we first started, I was wearing whatever I had in my closet, old t-shirts, old running shoes, bleach stained sports bras. Not that there is any problem with any of these things, but I realized that in the middle of some of the most intense workouts of my life, I was wasting precious time messing with and readjusting my clothes. The fabric of my shirts was all wrong and was making me even more sweaty than was probably necessary.
I started shopping around for some semi-inexpensive options to get me started. I started with the most inexpensive idea, shopping from my own closet!
Zella Live-In Capris – If I could get away with it, I would wear these every single day of my life. They are crazy comfortable, well made and have the perfect fabric. They are stretchy, but not thin. They are flexible, but stay put through a crazy workout. I wear the capri pants more often, as CrossFit can be a smidge difficult and the long pants hold in more heat. If you have another suggestion for great workout pants, I’d love to hear it. Although the challenge will be actually getting me to try something different.
New Balance Minimus WT20 - As soon as I started CrossFit, I knew I needed to find a new pair of shoes. I had a pair of cross-training shoes that got in the way at every turn. We do so many different types of movements, including tons of agility, jump rope, weight lifting. The huge soles of my shoes were tripping me up. I didn’t want to spend a fortune and be one of those folks that starts at a gym, decks themselves out in all new gear and then never comes back. My good friend has a pair of these New Balance shoes and I was able to find them for about $40 (total steal!).
These are set in between a barefoot running shoe and a traditional cross-training shoe. They weigh next to nothing, are super flexible, are constructed from open mesh on the top and have a midsole differential of just 4 mm. The soles are made by Vibram, who make those freaky finger-shoe looking things. While I can’t stand those shoes, I do love the durable and flexible soles the company makes.
Amazon has several styles available, some as low as $35 – $40 + FREE shipping.
New Balance Tanks - I have several workout tanks that I like, but have been loving my New Balance tanks. I have a few different styles and both are super comfortable. I basically put them on and forget about them throughout my entire workout. 6PM.com has a great selection right now, with some styles as low as $10 each.
Beauty and the Beast socks from The Sox Box - Okay, I don’t have these. But I’m pretty sure I NEED them.
I would LOVE to hear all about your favorite workout gear and accessories! Personal recommendations are the only way to go. What is your must-have item?
Check out where I wear these items and the 374 reasons I love CrossFit before you go! You can also make your own workout tank following our step-by-step tutorial, no sewing required.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
As a fellow cross-fitter, I can attest to need for the right shoes. I started in basic five-vinger Vibram’s, but has a little difficulty with my flexibility in the squat, so I switched to the Nike Free 3.0. I got them on a huge discount offered at a sporting good store here and they are the best! I can do every movement extremely well at the gym. So, I can’t live without my new shoes there! I hope you’re loving CrossFit as much as I do! I have muscles I never knew existed from it.
I wrote a post yesterday about the 374 reasons I love CrossFit.
It’s been such an amazing adventure for us, although sometimes I think it might actually kill me.
I know several people who work out in the Nike Frees and love them as well. Sorry about the freaky Vibram comment. I know people love them, but I just can’t get past the look. They weird me out!
Not that you brought up sports bras, but I’m going to, hopefully that’s OK
I have been loving my Fiona by Moving Comfort (http://www.movingcomfort.com/Fiona/350003,default,pd.html). I got it when baby was a few months old and I needed some extreme support, and then I was happily surprised to find that the straps are actually looped through and velcro-ed, so they can work for mom who might need to nurse after (or during, ha) a workout as well as being adjustable. It also claps in the back, which avoids any crazy acrobatics to get it on 
I’m glad you did! I have a few that work fine, but nothing spectacular, so love the recommendation. Although it’s been awhile since I’ve needed the nursing features.
Haha, yeah, the Velcro hasn’t been necessary here for a while now either… I think I originally heard KathEats recommend the Moving Comfort brand for high impact.
Those shoes are my favorite. I workout in them as well.
I really love Nike capri’s. Kind of similar to the ones you posted above. I have several friends that work at Nike here locally so I get them for 50% off! http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-657914/pgid-681852
I also like nike tanks but I can’t find the link right now.
I second the Fiona by moving comfort. I trained and ran Portland Marathon before baby and even after, a bigger size works perfect – not for nursing, but just working out
. I can’t say enough about how great it is.
Melody, I LOVE this post! I am always wearing my old t-shirts and doing adjustments all through my workout. I have been considering the cross-fit work out per your recommendation and think I will try it next month. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas and your outfit!! I might have to get me some of those pants.
It makes a huge difference to find a decent tank or pants. Although I hate to spend a lot of money, a few bucks here and there made everything work a little better.
CrossFit is pretty amazing. No lack of motivation or encouragement there!