ALL THE MOTIVATION YOU NEED
Body-shaping, slimming and head-turning for the right reasons, the new yoga gear is...
AT SCHOOL I was a hopelessly unsporty child. I considered the weekly netball session a great chance to catch up on all the gossip with my best friend.
We’d sidle off to the furthest corner of the field in our awful burgundy polyester gym skirts as the occasional ball whistled past us unnoticed. as an adult, spinning classes resulted in tears and a sore bottom. But I’ve always enjoyed yoga. Pre-children, I was
quite the bendy downward dog aficionado. Two C-sections later, the opportunity for some quiet time spent doing something that’s good for my posture is golden.
If, like me, a new decade has inspired you to up your yoga ante (or actually take it up, no judgment here), start with the fun part — some new gear! Oh, how times have changed since I first staggered into a yoga class. Even as a fashion editor, my fitness ‘wardrobe’ was a style-free zone.
But then along came ‘athleisure’. Canadian brand Lululemon can take some of the credit, launching its designer yoga pants — too chic to save for the studio — in the mid 2000s.
We reached Peak Athleisure thanks to Beyonce and her activewear label Ivy Park, launched with Topshop in 2016. Once us midlife mums knew the joy of a well-fitting legging with mesh inserts and a luxury hoodie, there was no going back. Decent leggings should be your first investment — high-rise and snug-fitting with a deep integrated waistband. Falke does great comfy options. Stripes or inserts down the leg, like these styles from Puma and Nike, are slimming, while Silou and Pama combine eco-conscious fabrics with impressive performance and style.
A good sports bra is also key. Add a fitted jacket or hoodie and you’re ready to salute the sun — and meet friends for a coffee afterwards. Or (whisper it) head straight for the coffee. Don’t tell my sports teacher . . .