7 Winter Fitness Essentials

Sometimes the right sportswear can make all the difference to your training. There’s nothing worse than sports bras that chafe, tights that wear holes in unfortunate places or shoes that give you blisters – and we all know that in the depths of winter, any excuse is a good one to stay in bed. Lucky for you I’ve got a little sportwear obsession – I’m the kind of girl that goes out to buy a dress and comes home with a new pair of tights and three singlets instead. In fact, I’ve probably owned more pieces of sportswear than you’ve had hot dinners and today that comes in handy because I’m going to share my winter favourites with you. You’re welcome.

 Berlei Electrify underwire bra (approx AU$49.95)
I’ll start with the practical stuff because let’s face it, it doesn’t matter what season it is, you need to have a good sports bra to avoid any aches, pains or sagging. This is by far my favourite for any high impact activity and you can adjust the straps to a racer back style. Plus, the size range is from an 8A to an 18E, so women of all shapes and sizes are catered for. I tend to buy mine from Myer (and they often go on sale for 30% off).

Run: Inspire Crop II (AU$119)
Lululemon is one of my absolute favourite brands and I could live in these tights. In fact, I basically do live in these tights. They aren’t cheap but they really do go the distance. Light enough to wear in summer but long enough to give good coverage in winter (particular for someone of my short stature), my drawers are literally filled with these bad boys. Oh – and most importantly – they come in a range of gorgeous colour combinations.

Lululemon Run: Rise & Shine Pullover (AU$119)
I promise this won’t become an ode to Lulu – but I couldn’t do a winter essentials list without this top! It’s moisture wicking, which means it’s designed to channel sweat away from the body, leaving you dry and warm. I throw it on over a singlet for early morning runs.

Cotton On long sleeve tops (approx AU$15)
I can’t remember how I survived winter without these. I think they retail at around AU$15, but I’ve picked many of mine up for about five bucks around sale time. While I don’t find cotton great to run in, it’s perfect for when I’m training clients. I just throw my vest on over the top and I’m good to go! Which brings me to…

North Face Nuptse 2 vest (AU$269.95)
I stubbornly avoided buying a vest for a really long time, but adopting Lou last year meant getting much more closely acquainted with a Sydney winter at 6am. I finally caved and can honestly say I have not looked back. Insulated with 700 fill goose down, this baby is extremely warm! It’s great for early morning or late evening outdoor sessions, and it keeps my arms free for exercise demonstrations.

iPod Shuffle (approx AU$53.50)
In summer, everyone is outside exercising. There’s plenty to see, plenty to hear – basically a whole lot of things to distract you on those long training runs. But in winter, the world seems to go into hibernation and your early morning runs can feel pretty lonely. Solution? Load your favourite songs on your iPod and get into the zone. I bought mine at JB Hi-Fi.

On Cloudsurfer running shoes (approx AU$270)
For the last few years I have had a few foot problems whenever I’ve kicked my training runs up a notch. I’ve seen a brilliant physio intermittently, but the other thing that has helped has been changing my running shoes. I picked up my first pair of On’s from Northside Runners in Manly, am now on to my second pair and I really couldn’t be happier with them. The NR team is incredibly knowledgeable (they are all runners too) and friendly. On’s may not be for everyone, but it won’t hurt to give them a go next time you’re in the market for shoes!

So there you have it – my top seven pieces of sportswear to keep you comfortable – and keep you training – this winter. If you’ve got any questions – or any of your own favourite pieces that you think I should try – then let me know!

Happy training!