Weathering the heat
Katie Wright asks the experts for their gym kit tips for summer
Warm weather calls for gym gear that’s cool and breathable yet still supportive – and of course, we all want to look good while we’re working out. How to strike that balance? The instructors at London’s trendy KXU always manage it, so we decided to ask the gym’s most stylish residents for their fitness fashion advice.
“I bounce around like a ping-pong ball, so my go-tos are ones that I can teach, train and travel in without feeling restricted,” says yoga teacher Danielle Wills.
“I’m pretty minimalist with my wardrobe – monochrome is the way forward – so I’m so happy that many brands are bringing out clean-cut, beautiful pieces that can be worn and loved, day in and day out!”
And the good news is that it’s not all niche and uber-luxe labels for these fitness gurus – they love big brands and bargains too.
Here, Wills and four fellow KXU crew members share their summer sportswear favourites...
Danielle Wills, yoga teacher
“My Lululemon Align leggings definitely work the hardest of anything in my wardrobe – they hug and hold and move into the most ambitious of yoga postures, but they’re so neutral that they look great on the street as well.
“I’m always a die-hard Adidas fan – an Originals bomber jacket is always useful to throw over anything, and their Warp Knit Crop holds a special place in my heart.
“For kicking around though, my Vans get me through everything from breakfast meetings and weight training to an animal flow class – there is nothing they can’t do.” Lululemon Align Pant 28’’ full length Redwood, £88; Adidas Warp Knit crop top carbon/ black, currently reduced to £27.48 from £54.95
Laura Hoggins, HIIT and strength trainer
“My go-to brand for summer 2018 sportswear is Reebok, they blend performance with style and have some incredible new designs that can take me from squatting in the studio to bubbles and brunch and back again.
“I like to mix up my training with a blend of both strength and conditioning, so I need a training shoe that is light, comfortable, durable and can stand the heat.
“My all-time favourite crosstraining shoe is the new Nano 8 Flexweave, I can boxjump, deadlift, and push a prowler in style.” Reebok Crossfit Lux tights in stone, £54.95; Reebok Crossfit Nano 8 Flexweave, £99.95
Alex Rogers, spin instructor
“A few of my favourite sportswear brands have to be, firstly, Victoria’s Secret Pink for really fun basics with cute colours and bright prints, this brand is good quality but very affordable.
“Freddy is an Italian brand that specialises in sculpting the fine female form, their leggings are designed to make your bum look more peachy and pert.
“Last but not least, Spiritual Gangster. I love every piece this brand creates. Their slogans are beautiful and their materials are super cosy and soft. Best for soft baggy muscle tanks and cosy tracksuits.” Victoria’s Secret Pink Ultimatefront-zip
push-up sports bra, £32.09; Freddy Melange High-rise Superfit leggings, currently reduced to £28.20
from £47
Pete Geracimo, metabolic conditioning trainer
“My sports brand of choice is 2XU (pronounced two times U). They are an incredible company to work with and really put special care into all the products that they produce.
“Regardless if you are an Olympic or recreational athlete, 2XU will have what you need in order to excel and perform at your best. Their compression fabric is highly powerful, lightweight and flexible for the ultimate performance.
“By increasing blood flow, reducing blood lactate and increasing lymphatic drainage, it enables me to train harder, perform stronger and recover faster.” 2XU Men’s Accelerate compression tights, £80
Saskia Vidler, yoga teacher
“The only brand-snobs are my feet – Adidas Ultraboosts are perfect for running and getting me from A to B. Otherwise, I’m not brand loyal; ultimately I’m happiest wearing colourful Nike retro shorts and an oversized T-shirt.
“For hoodies and tees, Free City is a Californian brand I’ve been obsessed with for years. Super-soft cottons and incredibly cool prints.
“My legs love 2XU black compression leggings as they feel and look great. Otherwise, it’s the colourful collection of The Upside; their shapes are incredibly flattering and prints are original.” ■ Adidas Ultraboost Parley shoes, £149.95; Nike Sportswear Archive women’s shorts, £26.95