Recently in Fitness Category

Q. I want to get a military jacket but are they still going to be in fashion the next season?

A. Military is a huge trend for Spring 2010, as designers like Marc Jacobs, Rag & Bone, Balmain and Celine (below) found inspiration from the Army Navy store in everything from jackets to pants to footwear.

So, there's never been a better time to splurge on a military jacket that you'll wear now and all the way through spring. Here are a few options worthy of taking a place in your wardrobe - and many of them are super affordable.

Q. It's the middle of April already and I am having so much trouble getting motivated to get in shape for swimsuit season. Any suggestions?

A. We'll admit it, we're also guilty of letting our fitness regimes slide during the cold months. After all, living in boyfriend cardigans, boyfriend blazers and chunky sweaters all winter long, it's easy to hide a multitude of sins. Now that warm weather is around the corner, there's no camouflaging those extra pounds in spring's skin-baring clothes.

If the thought of swimsuits, sleeveless dresses, tank tops and shorts isn't enough to motivate you to hit the gym and switch to healthier snacks, we've always found that investing in a fitness wardrobe is a great way to encourage you to resume your daily workouts.

Here are some chic but functional pieces to get you started on your road to fitness:

Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 $14 - Sephora

SkinCeuticals Active UV Defense SPF 15 $29 - Skin Store

Bendon Sport Max Out High-Impact Underwire Sports Bra $55 - Bare Necessities

Pursuit Tank $30 - adidas

Bliss The Love Handler $36 - Bliss

Reebok Women's Easytone Go Outside Training Shoe $109 - Endless.com

Sportline Women's 910 Heart Rate Watch $49 - Target

PUMA Fitness Small Workout Satchel $40 - Endless.com

Capri Anc Fitness $24 - Mango

Jacket Hld Fitness $39 - Mango

Q. I just bought a lovely skirt suit. What camisole colors can I wear with a brownish purple suit? Need help fast.
-Color Clarity

A. When you say "a camisole under a suit," do you mean the basic simple tank style or a style more like lingerie? Depending on how strong the brownish purple color is, you can easily go with chocolate or purple. But I'd say choose something with more zing of color.

1. Hanky Panky Gilded Rose Camisole, $47.99 at barenecessities.com
2. Lace-trim camisole, $28 at bananarepublic.com
3. Nanette Lepore 'Kiss Me' Top, $255 at nordstrom.com
4. Classiques Entier® Twist Front Top, $98 at nordstrom.com
5. Design History Sleeveless Ruffle Top, $75 at saks.com
6. Silk Illusion Blouse, $58 at ardenb.com

Q. I need to find an attractive yet durable gym bag that mimics a zip tote. Something that's reminiscent of Longchamps style is preferred.
-Active Tote

A. Why not carry a Longchamps bag? It’s the style you’re longing for and it will carry your athletic gear in classic style. Gym bags don’t necessarily come cheap and you obviously want a bag that is simple in style and won’t compete with your handbag or coat.  I found multiple styles, many of which come in several color choices to pair with any other bags you may be lugging:

1. Longchamp Small Nylon Foldable Tote, $115 at saks.com
2. LeSportsac Small Travel Tote, $68 at bloomingdales.com
3. Kenneth Cole Reaction "Sportster" Tote, $38.25 (sale) at macys.com
4. unXpected Hobo Tote LX, $49.99 at ebags.com
5. Sherpani Meta, $75 at ebags.com
6. Pinnacle Club Sports Bag, $203.95 at zappos.com
7. PUMA Fitness Sports Bag, $55.95 at zappos.com
8.  Lug Chocolate Puddle Jumper Gym Bag, $72 at sleepyheads.com

Q. With leggings and skinny jeans in fashion, does that mean leggings and skinny tapered sweats are the “in” thing to wear to the gym?  Are flared sweat pants out?  Are leggings and huge t-shirts “in” for the gym, like they were in the 80s?
-Gettin’ Physical

A. Please skip the huge t-shirts. It wasn’t flattering then and it certainly isn’t “in” now.  Stick to what flatters your body most when you hit the gym.  You want to be motivated, not disappointed. Wear tops that give you the right support when you’re moving, jumping, etc. and pants that have a bit of Lycra. Consider sticking with boot cut style which are usually flattering on most body types.  Remember, just because it’s a trend, doesn’t mean it’s right for every body.

check out activasports.com for a great variety of workout gear for women like the Scout Performance Color Blocked Bootleg shown here, $72

Q.  Along with at least half of the population I've headed back to the gym.  My workout tops just don't seem to cover my midriff when I lift my arms to use the weight machines.  Any suggestions for longer, cute, not too pricey workout tops?   

-Afraid of overexposure
 
A.  The dreaded belly roll or pooch from too much holiday eating or a sabbatical from the gym can lead to sudden self defeat when your shirt rides up while working out. The best way to keep your determination, confidence and see results is to avoid the baggy t-shirt and find tops that have stretch (to help flatten the tummy while you workout), wick away moisture and are comfortable. Here are a few inspiring and stylish tops to keep you lifting:

 
Empress Tank
$39 at athleta.com

Under Armour Metal Sleeveless Tee
$34.99 at activasports.com

Response Court Capsleeve
$45 at shopadidas.com