Yes, fitness apparel or workout wear is supposed to be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish and fashion forward at the same time. If you believe the gym is the one place you can literally roll out of bed, throw on some old shorts or baggy old sweats and a t-shirt and show up without anyone batting an eye, think again! While the gym is primarily a place for exercising and working out, it’s also a prime spot for people watching and meeting new people for making friends. Your choice of comfort clothing can say a lot about you and be a way to make a statement about yourself, so you really don’t want to be sending out the wrong message. So even at the gym and the simplest of clothing, there some basic fashion rules in order to work it out right!

Here’s a look at some Tips on What Works and What Doesn’t in Fitness Fashion-

• Don’t over do it. You don’t want to be that woman decked out in shiny tights, bright leg warmers, the wrist sweat bands and headbands and every workout accessory known to man. Keep it simple, plain and modern, you don’t want to send out the ‘I’m stuck in the 80′s’ vibe.
• Don’t under do it either. If you’re one of those lucky people with the perfect abs and well toned body, I know you’re dying to show it off. But there is such a thing as exposing too much skin. Most of the your other exercisers will agree that while you may look great and be proud of yourself, it’s not nice to rub it in everyone’s faces.
• Underwear…Don’t exercise in it and don’t exercise without it. What I mean by that is, exercising in only your boxer shorts, bras or anything else that looks like underwear should be avoided at all costs. Seeing people stretch in their tighty whiteys is unpleasant for everyone around you. On the other hand, for the sake of comfort don’t skimp out on wearing any underwear at all under those baggy shorts or a bra under that tank top.The last thing you want is to give other gym-goers an eye-full of something they may wish they hadn’t gotten.
• Wear the appropriate innerwear. On the subject of under garments, it’s just as important to wear the right kind, especially for women. Regular bra during workouts more often than not, don’t offer enough support which can be both uncomfortable for you and unsightly for others (or draw too much attention, if you know what I mean!). Look into and sports bra or an exercise bra for extra support.
• Flip-Flops and Jeans are a No-No. Wearing non-athletic shoes while working our isn’t just a fashion faux pas, it’s also dangerous and could lead to injury if using the treadmill or other exercise machines. The shoes you wear for exercise are probably the most important part of your workout wardrobe, the provide padding and work as shock absorbers, the also provide the much needed grip for many exercises, so invest in a separate pair of gym sport shoes especially for working out. Jeans are just not appropriate exercise wear, they don’t have near as much stretch as you require to be comfortable and allow you the freedom of moment. Wear appropriate athletic clothes when working out.
• Wear comfortable but not worn out. It’s ok to sweat, get a little stinky and dirty when working out, that’s shows you’re actually working out, but don’t come to the gym in clothes that already emanate a disturbing stench or bear suspicious stains. And similarly wearing clothes with giant holes or that are so worn they don’t look like they’ll tear any second should definitely be avoided. If you insist on wearing that favorite old t-shirt of yours past it’s expiry date, at least make sure it’s clean and presentable, if not save it for when your not out in public.

*Image credits: yogacarashop.com (Bright White capri pants with contrast stitching), photos by YoGeek Mami and lululemon athletica on flickr

Sure everybody would like to adhere to the latest trends by updating their wardrobes each season but a closet overhaul is hardly practical. Petite or plus sized, invest in these ten true wardrobe classics and you won’t have to – basic, versatile and timeless pieces that are workable with all the rest of your closet all year round. The good news is you probably already own most of these items. Choose quality and a great fit with these must haves and you can never go wrong on any occasion or be stuck with ‘nothing to wear’. The top ten wardrobe essentials are

A white shirt
This clean and crisp white button down working man’s staple in now a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. Smart and sassy, dressed up or dressed down, the basic Oxford is available in many styles now, tailored to a woman’s body and rather contemporary. Create interest by rolling up the sleeves, or pairing it with a bold scarf.

Pencil skirt
Pencil skirts are on point every season because their classic desirability keeps them coming back. They’re as flirty as they are businesslike, so stick to slimmer shapes that are so feminine and chic.

Dark jeans
Flattering as anything, a good pair of dark jeans are an essential. High waisted or low rise, straight fit or wide legged, pick a style that suits you and you feel best in.

Stylish sportswear
These days fitness and yoga wear is cooler, colourful, functional, versatile, and dare I say it, very fashionable and in no way restricted to the gym or studio. Shop for the right fitness apparel and look chic when you hit the streets even before and after.

Little Black Dress
Who can do without the fail-safe LBD, the sassiest must have of them all. Knee length or above with bare legs or sheer tights. The key is to accesorize yours differently and it will come up trumps every time.

Classic pumps
Black or nude, these hot heeled numbers are so versatile, you can pair them with all your dresses and trousers. A 2.5 inch heel will always be in vogue.

Cardigan
Light, lovely and luxurious, the cardigan can be worn out and indoors, and add a layer for warmth, color and texture without overpowering an outfit. Invest in a neutral color or one you love to wear in cashmere or a wool cotton blend.

24 hour handbag
Every woman needs a handbag that she can take from day to night. Sleek, sturdy and shapely, it can be a basic beige leather box bag or a bold statement bag to up the ante and break away from the boring.

Good basics
Don’t scrimp on good bras and underwear just because they’re not on show. If they can give you the right support and shape, your outfit can look much better on you. Bulgeless and seamless, the right bra and underwear can make you look polished in even a t-shirt and leggings and make you feel sexy.

Black trousers
Black is flattering on all figures and goes with everything. Black trousers are a staple, boardroom or bar, and can be teamed with anything from a blazer to a ruffled blouse.

Photo credits: Pictures by liss_mcbovzla, Yogacara, LollyKnit, Coutorture,

A deep squat, Utkatasana is a yoga pose or asana that demands poise and concentration and will reward the yogi with many benefits as it engages the strength of your lower body and provides a stretch for the upper. Utkatasana can help reshape your body as well as it tones the butt and quadriceps, stretches the calves, strengthens the core and exploits the hidden power within the body. Plus it stimulates the organs and heart, opens the diaphragm, strengthens and stretches shoulders, boosts stamina, and works at improving the immune system as well as the various joints.

Sometimes also called the fierce pose, Utkatasana generates heat within the body and employs the seat of power so you can literally ‘feel the burn’ which can be very satisfying. Over time however, the sitting position can easily be attained for longer without support, providing more and more of the numerable advantages listed above. Sparking the fire within the pelvis, that you will feel in your belly will aid you in radiating this energy out through the limbs as you perform this asana.

How to perform Utkatasana:

• Stand with your feet and arms in Tadasana or basic mountain pose
• Inhale deeply, moving your arms forward and overhead, palms facing inwards and on exhalation, squat as if you’re sitting on an imaginary chair, keeping your heels firmly grounded.
• Try keeping your thighs as parallel to the ground as possible, but you should be able to see your toes, so your knees should be bent just slightly forward of the ankles.
• Draw in the navel which should help support the spine and aid in dispersing the inner power you have tapped into. Tuck your tailbone in and gaze upwards slightly but do not strain the neck and jaw.
• As much as possible, keep the spine, head and raised arms in line. Make sure the arms are at the same level as the ears.
• Hold the position for four to eight slow and steady breaths. And on exiting the pose, inhale as you straighten the legs and exhale when returning the arms to the sides as in Tadasana. It’s important to remember to breathe through this asana and find your balance. Repeat.

Variations – to make them easier or more challenging can include keeping the feet at shoulder width to start with, optionally using a block between the thighs and squeeze to engage the abductors, keeping the arms perpendicular to the floor, performing the pose on tiptoes, keeping the chin level, etc.

Cautions – Avoid lower back pain by maintaining the natural lumbar curve of the back, avoid straining the shoulders and neck as this can cause sprains or dizziness.

But performed both traditionally and unconventionally, practicing Utkatasana as part of your daily yoga will prove extremely beneficial as over time this asana will strengthen the core and pelvis, which will enable you to hold the sitting position for longer and longer.

*Photo credits: Photo by tarnalberry, myyogaonline on flickr

With New Year’s just over, I bet on many a new year’s resolution list is the exercise regularly or get fit point. And we’re here to help you get a kickstart fir that fitness regime by dressing the part. Working out is such a psychological thing and to motivate yourself to do anything high energy or high impact the proper attire can help a lot.

Many people question the use of special workout wear or fitness apparel vs just wearing a regular old baggy t-shirt and loose fit sweats. While we can give you the whole boo-ha of how special active wear designed by the big companies and brands use special technology in their fabrics that absorb moisture and help in your fitness regime. While those points are valid, the bottom line is that it is more psychological than anything, if your goal of exercising is to feel good in your body, why wear clothes that make you feel big and frumpy when you ARE exercising? Workout apparel closer fitted to the body actually helps you move a little bit better offering you greater ease of movement. Wearing more fitted clothing has also proven to be a motivating factor while exercising, as you tend to be able to see the shape of your body and the parts engaged in the exercise and not. This keeps one on their toes and plays a role in wanting to get in better shape.

The first thing to consider when buying fitness apparel is the type of exercise you intend on doing. For example, if you’re doing yoga which is low impact, the moves are slower and you don’t sweat much you can look for fabrics that breathe easily like cotton mixes. Yoga apparel should have stretch and extreme movability. The colors for yoga tend to be muted and on the earthy side rather than bright popping shades. Wearing clothes in the colors of the chakras are great stimulants when practicing yoga. For high impact exercises like aerobics, jogging, spinning etc. you want materials that will wick away moisture and not lock it in. Some fabric use a technology that actually moves the moisture off your body to the outer layer of the clothing, keeping you dry while working out. You also need to consider proper support in your top or sports bra when doing such activities. Bright colors and cheery prints are great for high impact workouts, it will make it that much easier to get inspired and motivated to put it on and go work out.

Own one set of staple or essential workout attire- a well fitted bootcut draw-string or elastic waist pants in a solid color like black, a well fitted tank which can be layered or worn with a sweatshirt should be a universal staple in every woman’s wardrobe whether they work out or just lounging out. This out fit is works just as good outside of the gym as inside.

*Photo Credits: photos by lululemon athletica on flickr.

Fitness and work outs are designed to make you feel good right? So, what better way to feel good than to look good while you sweat it out.

Wearing the right workout clothes has more to it than just the ‘feel good’ factor. While studies have suggested that you are more likely to have a better workout if you are happy with your outer appearance, wearing the appropriate fitness apparel is about function. Designed for freedom of movement and comfort while performing the activity, workout clothing is both functional and practical. Doesn’t mean it can’t be trendy and chic, right? If the celebrities can work it, so can we. Personally, sporting some trendy fitness gear just motivates me to sweat it out harder. We’ve compiled a short list of workout apparel essentials to have no matter what your fitness routine.

Pants: A very important piece, you want to look for pants that move with you and do not restrict movement in any way. Fabric blends of stretchable spandex and soft cotton are ideal as exercise wear as it stretches and moves comfortably while recovering its shape.If you prefer full length (great for autumn and winter) pants go for a style slightly flared and not too tight at the knee. Cropped pants or capris are great not only to show of those toned legs but for leg focused activities like running, jogging, yoga and jumping rope.

Tanks and Tees: For your upper body too, look for tops that don’t restrict the movement of your arms. Tanks and t-shirts in breathable fabrics that wick moisture easily are great as active-wear. The choices for styles of tops are endless from, sleeveless tanks, cropped shirts to t-shirts and hoodies.

A Good Support Bra: When you’re doing the jumping around and exercise routines, a good bra is highly essential. Sports bra’s true to their name offer serious support and are the best for work outs. Comfort is of utmost importance here and for that your bra has to be well-fitted. If you’ve got the body you can just opt for the ‘meant to be seen’ body shaping sport tops that saucy yet, serious.

Shoes: This piece of your workout gear needs some cushion or shock absorbency in it. Sports shoes are plentiful but can be priced a bit on the higher side. Keep them aside for workout’s only and one good pair shoes, you can hold onto for a couple of years making them well worth the investment.

Jackets: A drop in temperature is no reason to abandon your outdoor fitness routine. With some stylish yet functional outerwear, you can keep you toasty, even when the wind starts blowing. Hooded terry jackets are good for keeping warm and offer stretch for range of motion, not to mention a great addition to your wardrobe for layering.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com