Lots of people make the ‘new year, new you’ type of resolutions, and there is something to say about getting a fresh jump on exercise in the new year. Motivation is higher, ‘Dryuary’ (or Dampuary) is often in effect, and it feels good to get strong and be healthy after a busy holiday season.
Whether you are going for a walk, hiking, heading to the gym, doing some yoga, playing pickleball, jumping on a bike, or hopping in the pool, we have some workout wear suggestions. Sometimes there’s nothing like simply a new pair of socks or a workout top to motivate you!
Clothing
We’ve mentioned this one before…because we love it that much. Perfect weight for a cool hike, or layer it under a jacket for a really cold day. The collar height is just right, and it’s also great for travel
Chrissie was in the market for a soft, lightweight ‘throw-on over leggings or wear with jeans on the weekend’ sweatshirt and found it with this TEN DOLLAR option from Hanes that is super soft on the inside and just the right weight to layer or wear alone. Comes in eleven colors. Size up for a slightly roomier/oversized fit. LOVE IT. While you’re at it, this Haynes t-shirt is also a great fitting basic, and is under $10 (looks/fits much better than it looks in the photo!)!
3.Icebreaker Wool Top – Jo loves these merino wool baselayers for warmth while walking in the Seattle rain, and for skiing. Cotton kills (when it’s cold and wet) so wool it is!!
4. Smartwool Tops/Bottoms – Wool underlayers keep you dry and warm all day long and last for almost ever. Smartwool socks are also a Ramsay family favorite.
5.Target Tees – The price is right, the fit isn’t too clingy and they come in fun colors.
6.Lululemon Wunder Train tights with phone pocket
The pocket makes all the difference! Carry your phone on your next hike for hands-free exercise. Chrissie loves the Athleta Salutation Stash ⅞ tights with a phone pocket as well.
7.Lululemon tennis skirts – Yes, these can be worn for tennis or pickleball but Jo loves these for walking and hiking in hot weather since she doesn’t wear shorts so much anymore!
8.Athleta Transcend Tank with built-in bra: Want to do your downward dog without showing your stomach? This top is for you. We know cropped is ‘in’, but not with all age groups! Here is a sports top/tank, with a built-in bra, that doesn’t show your skin between your bra/tank and waist – hallelujah.
9.Target sports bras – perfect price and all kinds of styles to meet any sporting need!
Coats:
Jo lives in Seattle where an entire wardrobe of coats is a necessity – we have warm rain and cold rain and snow – all of which require a different solution. Here are her best picks:
1. Cold Rain: Eddie Bauer Girl on the Go Insulated Trench. I looked long and hard for a raincoat that was also a down coat and this one has been great – and the price is right. I got the longer length which keeps me even more dry while out walking in the rain.
2. Warm Rain: I always take this coat hiking to pull out in a pinch. It weighs almost nothing so doesn’t weigh me down! For rainy walks in town, I love this one with its patch pockets and longer length.
3. Snow: Helly Hanson ski jackets and pants are great, as are tried and true Patagonia. For a bit more apres ski high fashion, go for Bogner!
Shoes
Both of us wear the Lone Peak for hiking! They have a nice wide-toe box to give those toes room. Jo has worn these for 200+ mile backpacking trips and has been blister free!! Around town, Jo wears the Olympus that has a bit more cush for long walks on asphalt.
These have been the hit shoe of late!
3. Crocs
Don’t laugh. These shoes are great for beach walks and safaris and have even been worn for short hikes. Most any distance is crocable!
Accessories
New socks…ahhh. These are good ones.
2. Lulu Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat
Chrissie tried this one on at the store and fell in love with it as it’s SUPER light, fits just right over the base of the head, and has a huge area for various ponytail options to reside. The front brim has a little cushion to it as well.
Chrissie has this visor and loves it for walks, Pickleball, etc as it shades the sides of the face as well as the front, and is super lightweight and easily adjustable.
4. Tilly Hat
Classic, lifetime-guarantee hiking hat.
5. Outdoor Research Sun Gloves
Protect your hands on long hikes with these lightweight options – especially if you are using poles.
Great small crossbody bag for your phone/keys while hiking (or grocery shopping or traveling or whatever!).
Equipment
1. Camelback backpack -This is a great small backpack for day hikes with a built-in bladder for easy hydration.
To stay hydrated, this one is currently ALL the rage. Keep it on your desk or in your car (fits in the cupholder). Did you know that a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream also fits conveniently inside and will stay cold due to its insulation? Just sayin….! PLUS there are ‘add on’s’ for your Stanley such as a ‘Snack Bowl’ that let’s you snack while you sip! It’s a movement – some much so that some people have requested their ashes be buried in a Stanley Tumbler (really- it was in the NY Times)!
3. Hiking Poles – Black Diamond make great lightweight trekking poles!
For a long hike on rocky terrain, these are a must. Various array of prices available.
4. Goggles and Swimcap
If you are a swimmer nothing feels better than a new pair of goggles (Chrissie uses these as they never leak for her or her husband). And Chrissie loves this swimcap as well. Plus she just got this new suit as she can swim laps in it as well as for a ‘beach’ suit – and it has good sun coverage on the chest and back.
Other
This app has such terrific classes – you don’t need a Peloton for it. Yoga, strength, core, pilates, meditation, running, and more – it’s a great workout motivator and saves a ton of time and money vs going to in-person classes. They have some special trial deals going on as well.
