Considering that I’m sweating it out at the gym about 4-7 times a week, it’s important that I have great workout gear! Now, keep in mind, my co-workout-ers at the gym could care less about what I wear. Just like I like to dress up for work or for a night on the town, I like to feel good about how I look when I’m working out as well.
I will also be at Fitbloggin in a few weeks, so what a great time to make a few fitness purchases.
In early July, a brand-new Athleta store opened in Denver – - The 1st in Colorado! Until this weekend, I had only drooled over their workout gear in their catalog and via their website.
So far, I’d only ordered one item from Athleta, my trusty gym bag… but I knew there was much more I’d be interested in. I also have a good friend who manages the location. And, as luck will have it, Mel contacted me the night before to tell me that she had a 30% off Friends and Family coupon to share! Score!
The Athleta store is in Cherry Creek Mall which is one of my favorite spots for shopping, and I was excited to hear that my friend Robin was interested in going, too.
We had so much fun trying on fun yoga pants, tanks, and fabulous jackets. Athleta had these beautiful jewel-toned pieces that I could resist getting.
And, on a side note, I bought yoga pants that were sized MEDIUM. I have NEVER done that before! What an awesome non-scale-victory!!!
Fortunately, I had the 30% off coupon to use for my purchase AND I had a very nice Gap gift card to use. Just the same I LOVED the pieces I got and couldn’t wait to try them!
Next, we decided to look for new sneakers. For the first time in my life, I’ve worn my sneakers out, and I need new ones. The ones I’ve been wearing are looking sort of rough. And… everyone seems to be running around in the cutest fluorescent accented workout shoes. We both wanted to find some.
We went EVERYWHERE in the mall. Nordstrom, Lady Foot Locker, Sketchers, Puma…. no one had shoes we were interested in purchasing. Ugh!
On Monday afternoon, I decided to hit up DSW and see if I had better luck there. The great thing about DSW is that they carry all brands and they usually have great prices! I found not one, but TWO pairs! And, I had rewards coupons to use, so one of the pairs was F-R-E-E!
I didn’t end up with neon colors, but I did end up with these bright shoes. Check them out…
The blue New Balance pair really surprised me. They are uber-comfortable and I just like them! Do I have anything that’s blue? Not really… but it kind of falls into my obsession with jeweled tones.
I also found this black and hot pink pair of Nikes on clearance. They’re super-cozy… and perfect for walking, Zumba, or any other light exercise that I might want to get into.
As for my beloved Adidas I’ve worn (out) for the past year… they will become my hiking shoes. I feel weird about getting rid of them, so they’ll be sticking around!
Do you find the need to pick up new gear from time to time? Do you too find it difficult to find the right workout shoes??
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
nothankstocake
In my former life (hahaha…back before foot surgery) when I was running on a regular basis, I would go through shoes fairly quickly. It’s recommended every 350-550 miles depending on body type/running style. There’s a good article on About.com (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/replaceshoes.htm).
As for other gear…I <3 Athleta too! No stores around here though…so still drooling over catalogs. Know just what you mean though about wanting to look good at the gym. When you feel like you look good, you just carry yourself better. Plus, the fashion world has really started to make some great advances in workout wear…its just plain fun to buy!
I’m not a runner… more of a walker and occasional jogger, so I just went with the DSW shoes, but I’m intrigued by the article! Shannon – - You would LOVE the store. Maybe they’ll be in Ohio soon!??
Love love love your purchases!
I do toooooo…. I’ve been wearing them all week!
I’m looking for a new gym bag right and can’t find one. I’ll have to check out Athleta!
They had a bunch of cute ones in store!
Yes! NSV are the best! Yes I am finding myself purchasing ubber cute workout wear and buying workout/special runner’s shoes and I’m lovin it! I have been doing my 8K interval traing outdoors lately and I feel amazing and of course lookin good when you are super sweatin it makes it even better! Cheers to you and to all of us who invest in ourselves for the sake of our health!
I totally know how you feel! Sometimes when I am really in a workout rut a new gym outfit will totally get my butt back into the gym. I saw that Athleta opened over in Cherry Creek and I am super excited to head over there because I’ve never actually tried their clothes on, just looked at them online! Maybe I will *spoil* myself just a little bit!
You totally should! Second floor outside of Nordstrom!
Hi! I am in desprate need of new running shorts. The ones I have ride up and drive me crazy! I have a running skirt that I love, but it’s too small after having my baby.
I buy my running shoes at Salt Lake Running Co. in Utah. They record you running on a treadmill and give you shoes to match your gait. I found that running in t shoes that fix my pronation got rid of my ITBS. They are expensive but totally worth it.
Love your blog!
Running shorts… hmmmm… I’m so not a runner. I didn’t even look at their shorts. You should try them online (www.athleta.com) Thanks for your kind words!! xoxo
I love when I’m in your blog, makes me feel famous lol! I wore my new pants last night and my kids said they make my legs look thinner…. Um can you say money worth spent
I loooooove them, too. I’m thinking I should have bought the long ones too. Oh wait, I guess that means we’ll just need to go back!
I have a terrible time parting with my old running shoes, however I have done a couple “mud runs” this summer (super fun…brings out the kid again) and needless to say your shoes are trashed after the race.
Congrats on the new smaller size…always fun!!!
Ok, I can relate here. I feel totally weird about throwing them away. I just can’t. I mean, we’ve spent MILES together afterall… I’ll save them for hiking and whatnot, I suppose.