November 18, 2009 "We're hitting the holiday celebrations and also creating all the lists of resolutions for getting healthier and looking great in our curves," Michele says. "Companies have found that for those of us with a fuller-figure, even the length of a T-shirt makes for a more comfortable workout experience."
Exercise wear that fits can make the workout session a more positive one, especially when trying out something new: like a spinning class, Yoga or Pilates mat class, or even walking outdoors, Michele adds.
"Everybody wants to be able to have the choices for working out no matter our size," Michele continues. "If you're wearing clothing that is designed for the task at hand and flatters your shape, chances are you will be more motivated not just to work out, but to work out harder and more effectively."
Here are some great active-wear tips:
Commentator Michele Weston is wearing an outfit from: Caggieandlisa.com
THE SWING JACKET STYLE #3911211 Indulge in this every-woman's perfect jacket! It's a sumptuous substantial jersey knit that flows with your coolest moves. Makes a grand entrance and travels like a pro. $450 Sizes: Small (14/16) Medium (18/20) Large (22/24)
THE SKIRT STYLE #393911 How did we live without this skirt? Cut to a shape that's sexy on your shape - not clingy, not baggy. Back slit. Contoured pull-on waist. ! $175 Sizes S (14/16) M (18/20) L (22/24)
THE ESSENTIAL TANK TOP STYLE #3963411 that covers perfectly. With great simple details like lingerie loops to hold your bra straps in place and a front lining to make your neck and armhole clean. $175 S(14/16) M(18/20) L(22/24)
LOOK# 1 MODEL: ASHLEY
Enhance your waistline and create curves in athletic gear that work your middle while you are working out. Look for a more fitted T-Shirt or long-line athletic inner bra shelf top.
Princess seaming defines a fuller waist, and color blocking with a darker shade on the sides is a perfect way to define and play down or up your waistline.
A Big Attitude (ABA) company has some of the best color blocking tops with Lycra that fit like a dream and are sized Ox-6x; available at AlwaysforMe.com.
ABA Baseball Cotton/Lycra T-Shirt in TURQ/BLK / Style# 9558 / Price $35. Sizes 1X -- 6X in 3 color choices at AlwaysforMe.com.
ABA Side Stripe Detail TURQ/BLK Cotton/Lycra Capri Pant / Style# 4115 / Price $33. Sizes 1X -- 6X in 3 color choices at AlwaysforMe.com.
LOOK #2 MODEL: RACHEL H.
Balance a fuller bottom and more pear-shape figure with clothes that are fit for your shape with a flare leg cropped or full-length pant.
You can also create a longer line with the illusion of an outside stripe on the leg in a lighter color.
Athleta at the Gap.com website has some great modern styles for curvy gals to create a better silhouette and their cropped longer workout pants.
Polar Fleece pullovers will make the trip to the gym even better.
Layer an Enell sports bra (Chosen by top magazine editor's year after year for the well-endowed figure) Check out AthletaGap.com for their Plus Sizes in sizes XL -- 3X and the Enell Sports Bra at AlwaysForMe.com.
Athleta Persian Red Half-Zip Wuzzabear Fleece Jacket / Style# 685141032007 / Price $39.99 Sizes 1X -- 3X at AthletaGap.com.
Athleta Chaturanga Asphalt or Bone Flare Pant / Style # 6943250420006 / Price $69. Sizes 1X -- 3X AthletaGap.com.
Enell Sports Bra Style #100 / Price $66. Sizes 38C -- 52DD / Color Range - Black/White/Beige/Pale Pink from AlwaysforMe.com.
LOOKS # 3 & 4 MODELS: LAUREN & NICOLETTA
Fabrics that have hi-tech looks with Lycra were created to smooth your limbs and create a silhouette you will love during exercise.
ABA's Cellulite Smoother Bike Shorts or the Capri's answer this need.
Layer these with a great Knit Zip Fitted Sweaters with pattern details that slim your silhouette and you are set indoors for Spin Class or a brisk walk outdoors.
ABA Fitted Shelf Bra Tank Style #9556 / Price $37. / Sizes 1X -- 6X / Colors: Black or White from AlwaysforMe.com.
ABA Bike Short in Black or Navy Style# 9577A / Price $33. / Sizes 1X -- 6X from AlwaysforMe.com.
Athleta Jet Stream Zip Sweater Style#7209830020006 / Price 108. / Sizes L -- 2X at AthletaGap.com Athleta Snuggle Plush Scarf Style# 7098880020000 /Price $29. One Size / Color: Beige at AthletaGap.com.
Siren Sport Shoe by Merrell in Ink / Style# 7204560120105 / Price $64.99 / Sizes 7 -- 11 M Width from www.Piperlime.com.
Look for pull on pants with wicking or Lycra and a wider waistband for smoothness for a smoother look.
Companies like AthletaGap are finally creating great looks for Plus-Sizes!! You can hit the paths and cross-country walking trails that will keep you warmer with Techno fabrication.
Athleta SnowZone L/S Mock-Neck Top / Style# 685207012006 Price $39.99 / Sizes S -- 3X / Color way: Red & Black from AthletaGap.com.
Athleta Polar Tec Power Stretch Cap is also a stylish choice for your stroll. Style# 7153930020000 / Price $32. One Size / Color: Black from AthletaGap.com.
ABA 'Cellulite Smoother' Legging's / Style# 4444 / Price $47.00 / Sizes 1X -- 4X / Black from AlwaysforMe.com.
Ankle and foot support is best with wearing more supportive athletic shoes for weight bearing activities. Brands such as New Balance, Ryka, Adidas and Saucony have created lines just for women and also offer wider widths as well. Just hit www.Piperlime.com and also Footlocker Stores www.footlocker.com with many choices and wider widths as well.
LOOK #5 MODEL: SHEILA
Layering with fitted tops and knit sweaters as you enter your gym or fitness classes will also build help you build your "Curvy Confidence" to keep returning.
Define your bust line by choosing the right sports bra for your specific sport and always get the right coverage and support.
ONE OF THE BEST? ENELL Sports Bra. The price is right and the size range is terrific.
Also consider the Champion SuperSleek Sports Bra Style #411 for $29.00 -- it comes with built-in underwire and available Target www.target.com & Kohl's www.kohls.com stores in Graphite or Black.
Danskin Aerosilver V-Neck Tank / Style# 3112 / Price $ 36.00 / Sizes 1X -- 4X/ Color: Fuchsia from AlwaysforMe.com.
ENELL Sports Bra/Style #100 / Price $66.00 / Sizes 38C thru 46 EEE Colors: Black, White & Pink from AlwaysforMe.com.
Try the Athleta Hitch Skirt/Capri to minimize a fuller booty in Black with a good dose of Lycra for control in Yoga or Pilates/Style# 6945360020007/Price $44.99 / Sizes L - 3X from AthletaGap.com.
LOOK #6 MODEL: NIYEKA
Try sporting the Avenue velour zip hoodie and matching drawstring pant (it's VERY 80s! Right on trend!) in a brilliant color; choose Plum, Teal or Green to brighten your mood when hitting the gym.
Add a fitted padded vest or jacket.
AVENUE Jogger Velour Hoodie / Style # 0334-05310-1173 / Price 28.90 / Sizes 14/16 thru 30/32 in 6 colors.
AVENUE Drawstring Velour Matching Pull-On Pant / Style # 0326-03357-1173 / Price $ 28.90 / Sizes 14/16 thru 30/32 in 6 colors.
AVENUE City Quilted Fitted Zip Vest in Black / Style # 0304-93058-1173 / Price $ 39.90 / Sizes 14/16 thru 30/32.
All online at www.avenue.com and at the Avenue stores in the Chicago area.
Danskin S/S V-Neck Tee with Cover stitch Details / Style# 3016 / Price $42 / Sizes 1X -- 4X in Pink, Black, White from AlwaysforMe.com.
Consider using some light-weight shape wear from companies like LipoInaBox while you take a long walk outdoors instead of staying inside on a recumbent bike or elliptical machine; you will smooth your curves and stay warm without extra bulk.
Smooth your midsection with a high-waist biker short for $42/ Style#46822 /Sizes XS -- 3X or a Tank Bodysuit w/o underwire for $76 / Style #46000 / Sizes XS - 3X from www.LipoInaBox.com or www.Underology.com.
Also check out the Sexy Secrets Collection from www.Avenue.com. Prices range from $19.99 to $49.90.
MORE WORK OUT TIPS FROM MICHELE
Pedometers are great for getting counting up our 10,000 steps a day and it comes with your orders at AlwaysforMe.com.
as well. Hook it onto your pants and shorts at the gym and as you're walking 'round town or through the office; it will help you meet your fitness goal!
Remember that how you speak about your own body has a lot to do with how others speak about you. Recognize that nearly every woman around you is having these "Body Conversations" all around you; why not just hit the gym or take a yoga class for yourself?
Act confident and people will believe you are confident. Nothing's more attractive than people who genuinely feel good about living in their own skin! Exercise allows you to learn something about yourself, challenge yourself, and discover your own inner strength, power, and agility in moving in your curves.
By making sure those "body conversations" quiet down in our heads, finding the right fitness space, and the right workout clothes, you too can become a fabulous "gym diva" and start the new season out right.
For more information, log onto divinecaroline.com for Michele Weston's Learning Curves style column.
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