As the days have sunk into a mellowed chill, the gyms have gotten more jam-packed. In my previous life as a non-fitness person, I would have thought the opposite: that swimsuit season would compel a greater percentage of my fellow New Yorkers to brave the burpees for a chiseled physique.
Alas, as soon as fall begins, Type A Manhattanites flood into the gyms to reverse-hibernate for winter.
Because I began my fitness adventure in late summer, all I’ve needed until now are leggings and a tank top. Now that my sweat turns to a layer of wet freeze as soon as I go outdoors, I’ve had to figure out how to re-purpose my existing gym clothes for the windy commute between classes and the train.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. But if you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them!
For Bikram yoga, the room is heated to 105 degrees, so I wear the bare minimum — usually tiny shorts and a tank. But once I go outside, I need layers. I’ve been opting for these pull-on Adidas track pants and a cozy fleece. It’s like walking around in a bearhug — and after a taxing 90-minute class like Bikram, the comfier, the better.
For bootcamp class, I stick to a sporty combo of compression tights and a jersey-inspired tank. Because my legs have generated so much heat in the class, I don’t bring another pair of pants as my layer of choice. (Although that will likely change come January.)
Instead, I wear this sweat-wicking, light jacket that is surprisingly warm. In fact, this jacket gets me so toasty, I take it back off once I’m waiting on the subway platform. The jacket has been a closet VIP this far. Its best features include the slim silhouette and a nipped-in waist, which make the jacket sophisticated enough to wear into the office without feeling self-conscious. And the back is long enough to cover your booty, which is a godsend when you’re wearing skintight leggings.
For spin, I have a pretty short walk from my home to my two most-frequented studios, so the layers are just a little bit lighter. Specifically, I wear this navy floral windbreaker that is perfect for misty, damp mornings. (Fair warning: If it’s actually cold outside, you’ll need a long-sleeve top underneath.)
Even though this windbreaker is still available online full-price, I picked up this windbreaker at a consignment store for more than 80% off. It’s proof that affordable, designer athleisurewear can truly be found anywhere — you just have to look.