Social Workout

Workout Wear

What Dancers Really Wear

Let's say you're checking out a new dance studio. And you're not exactly a dancer but you want to look the part. Turns out it's easy. "Dancers are all poor," the head of the Social Workout Dancers told me today, "so we wear whatever." Yay for wearing what you have! But here's the thing: "Whatever" for dancers is a little different than "whatever" for the rest of us. They're not actually wearing running shorts and old race t-shirts. More like leggings with fitted tees or leotards with drapey pants. Yes, I said leotards. While you'll be fine without one, lots of people at dance studios actually still wear them. Favorite brands, I'm told, are Capezio, Bloch, and American Apparel. You may remember Capezio leotards if you took dance classes as a kid. With leotards for grown-ups starting at $6, they're good for more than nostalgia. Bloch starts with leotards priced in the teens. American Apparel will set you back $28. And if you're playing dress up, you might as well go for some leg warmers while you're at it. American Apparel has them for $16. Add it up, and twenty/thirty bucks is all it takes to convince everyone you're a dancer, at least until you start moving. 

Workout Wear

Fila Teams Up With...Susan Lucci?

Perhaps you remember Björn Borg wearing Fila in the 70s, and so, for you, Fila equals tennis. So what's up with Fila launching a Pilates apparel collection with daytime-drama queen Susan Lucci on the Home Shopping Network? Apparently that's what happens when an Italian apparel maker gets sold to a hedge fund which in turns sells it to a Korean company. Historic Fila fans may be horrified by this seeming fall from grace. Profitability can be so painful. Stick to Fila tennis sweaters if you must, but based on the description of the Susan Lucci collection and Fila's current "personal performance" line, I suspect it's actually going to be good stuff. The collection debuts tomorrow — maybe you should stay home from work to watch! 

Workout Wear

Hoochie Mama Gym Clothes

Sometimes you just have to elbow the person next to you to make sure they're getting a gander at what's walking by. I'm elbowing you right now: Check out Bia Brazil's line of gym apparel. 

• These pants are a truly amazing Punky Brewster special. 
• I'm dying to see someone strut across the gym in this unitard. (The word unitard means you have to click through) 
• The bejeweled back of this tank is spectacular.

I hope none of you don Bia Brazil apparel this holiday season. But I hope legions of people at the gym around you do. A real-life sighting of these Tanguy shorts could leave you feeling merry for hours.  

Workout Wear

Ellen Barrett Likes Beyond Yoga Clothes

Workout DVD instructor Ellen Barrett recently told me she's a big fan of Beyond Yoga apparel. "It's just great, practical, soft, functional stuff," she said. I checked out the collection, and here's my take: Some items look a lot like cheaper items you can pick up anywhere — regular shelf bra camis, etc. — but a few of the items are uniquely appealing. 

What's worth a look:

Workout Wear

Spotted: Neon Green Sweatband Running Through Brooklyn

On the running trail this morning, saw a neon green sweatband coming at me from 50 yards away. Not until it got much closer did I realize the neon band was attached to the head of my friend A. She's a legit Hipster Olympics level hipster. So I guess this answers the sweatband question. If you're going to wear one, might as well wear the brightest one out there. Options: e4hats.com, Epic Sports, and, of course, American Apparel.