The Scottish Mail on Sunday - You
Rethink your workout wardrobe
OUR AWARD-WINNING HEALTH AND WELLBEING EXPERT
Do you look at your gym leggings and feel anything but inspired to work out? You’ll be pleased to hear that this spring, activewear has totally broken out of the fitness norm. From running skirts, yoga onesies and walking jeans, brands are reinventing sportswear according to our needs and body shapes. Get set…
SPORTY SKIRTS
Who says sports shorts are the only alternative to leggings? For some, they are as comfortable as an inner-thigh cheese grater – so why not try a running skirt instead? The Pace Rival Mid-Rise Skirt (£58, lululemon.co.uk) has been designed with running and tennis in mind. Made with lightweight stretchy fabric, it’s super comfy and feels lovely and airy down under. Packed with pockets, it leaves you hands-free to concentrate on moving.
JIGGLE-PROOF JUMPSUITS
The greatest nuisance in a yoga class isn’t losing focus in tree pose – it’s when your top rides up in a downward dog or when you’re constantly hitching up a pair of Nora Batty leggings. The yoga jumpsuit (where leggings and top are one) means the muffin top no longer escapes and you won’t have to break a pose to readjust. My favourites include the Lux Jumpsuit (£95, vuoriclothing.co.uk), and the Gary Jumpsuit (£100, sweatybetty.com). Both flatter the body without being skintight and allow total freedom of movement.
DESTINATION DENIM
One of my favourite hiking clothing brands, Acai Outdoorwear is making unflattering walking outfits a thing of the past. Its bestselling Skinny Outdoor Jeans (£120, acaioutdoorwear.com) use a fabric technology called Isko
Blueskin, allowing for 360-degree movement. Shower-resistant, they are also wipe-clean and durable, meaning you can camp, walk, rock-climb and abseil – all while remaining super-stylish.
RAINWEAR CHAMPIONS
The word ‘waterproofs’ brings up connotations of ugly wide-leg pull-on trousers and jackets about as comfortable as wearing a crisp packet. But brands are now making waterproof fitnesswear that’s breathable, comfy and light. First up is the Lightweight Running Jacket (£94.95, nike.com). Made from 75 per cent recycled polyester fibres, it’s the most featherweight jacket I’ve tried and doesn’t feel like a boil-in-the-bag top. Another option is the 3-in-1 Running Jacket (£49.99, hm.com). Choose to layer with or without the included gilet for greater coverage and wind protection.
POWER DRESS
Would you wear a dress in the gym? When it’s a Power Gym Dress (£100, sweatybetty.com), then yes. Made from its popular, super-stretchy Power Fabric, an inbuilt bra gives light support (personally I would wear my sports bra too) and inner shorts house a slip pocket. It hugs all the right places and will be my big buy for the summer.
BOUNCE-CONTROL BRA
If you don’t have a small bust it can be impossible to get a sports bra to fit that also provides enough support in a HIIT workout. Look no further than the Extra High Impact Custom Fit Sports Bra (£28, marksandspencer.com). Available in bra sizes A-E, it has ultimate bounce control without the need for underwiring.
@susannahtaylor_
ACTIVEWEAR HAS BROKEN OUT OF THE FITNESS NORM
I’ve been dating a nice guy for more than eight months. We met through a friend of a friend. He has two children aged ten and eight, and is a great, hands-on father to them. However, he isn’t nearly as tolerant or affectionate with my sons, who are 13 and 15. He has been quite harsh with my eldest, recently telling him off for leaving his homework until Sunday night and ‘ruining’ our evening meal. I know it might be that as my two are older he expects more of them, but I can’t help feeling that he treats my sons differently because they are not his own children. I’m wondering if he is as decent as I thought.
WHY IS HE SO HARSH TO MY CHILDREN?
Yes, it could be that he has higher expectations of your sons because of their age. Alternatively, divorced parents sometimes feel guilty about not being with their children full time. He might be overcompensating by indulging his own children. Could your partner have been trying to support you, albeit rather cack-handedly? Whatever the reason, it’s not your partner’s place to reprimand your son – especially early in your relationship. In blended families, it is important that all children are treated equally. Forming relationships takes time, but you need a frank discussion with your partner to explain that you don’t think he is being fair to your sons. If he can’t respond positively and try a little harder to understand and support them, I’m afraid it may make you start to question your new relationship.