When it comes to gym kit fluro is the new black. Adding a splash of colour to your active wear could boost your mood and motivation. Here, The Carousel’s health editor Amy Molloy brings you the brightest kit on the market, and explains why she took the rainbow challenge.
Model wears Vie Activewear Brazilian butterfly bra and tights
“Last January I made a New Year’s resolution to inject more colour into my gym kit. As a health journalist, I spend seven day’s a week in lycra, and yet my workout wardrobe was predominantly black, and fifty shades of grey if I was feeling imaginative.
I know it sounds superficial, but the clothes I wear do have am impact on my mood and are a reflection of my inner emotions. I did a count-up of my active wear and realised I owned 17 pairs of identical black pants. How could I expect my body to bounce in a piloxing class, or pop up onto a surfboard, when I dress like I’m heading to a funeral?
So, on the 1st January, I sorted through my gym kit drawers and gave regifted all but one black outfit to friends, family and the local second hand shop. Since then, I’ve been scouring the best activewear brands for multi-colored alternatives. As you’ll see from my Instagram feed @amy_molloy I’m not the rainbow bright of the exercise world.
It wasn’t an easy transition. After a lifetime spent hiding my thighs in monotones, it was intimidating at first drawing attention to my problem areas, by wrapping my legs in lime green and florescent orange.
However, it was also oddly empowering and extremely energizing. When my mood was dark, and I was struggling to find the motivation to exercise, getting dressed up in bright colours did prove to be an instant pep talk.
On top of this, I’ve never had so many compliments from fellow gym goers. In fact, I’ve struck up amazing friendships with girls in my yoga class, who approached me to say they love my psychedelic pants.
I even discovered an amazing initiative called Fluro Friday, which is run by a not-for-profit charity called One Wave.
Every week, on Bondi beach surfers at 6.30am, surfers and swimmers head into the ocean together, dressed in the brightest, most florescent outfits they can muster, from electric yellow tutus to wet suits designed to look like mermaids. And it’s all for a good cause, to raise awareness of mental health issues, and to encourage those in a ‘funk’ to form bonds with their community and enjoy the healing power of the ocean.
If you need another reason to embrace fluorescent workout wear, than think of the safety aspects. With winter drawing in, if you’re running outside in the dark, it’s far smarter to dress in colours that drivers will be able to spot.
When it comes to workout wear rainbow is the new black. So, next time you’re heading out to the gym and need some motivation, ditch the grey trackie pants and grab the brightest item in your wardrobe. It could boost your mood, up your energy levels and will, at the very least, put a smile on other gym goers faces.
Stand out on the slopes, with this exclusive collaboration between Nike and Dragon Eyewear. The new range of ski goggles is available in four equally eye-popping designs. $279.95. For more information contact 1800 032 065 or visit dragonalliance.com.
The perfect extra layer for running, hiking or any outdoor activity. Patagonia’s nano puff vest is lightweight, water-repellant and windproof, plus it packs down small enough to fit into your pocket. $169.95. www.patagonia.com.au
Struggling to find the perfect cossie? Surania lets you customize a bikini, choosing between underwire, halter, triangle and bandeau. You can even clash the colours and patterns you chose for the top, bottom and straps. From $36. www.surania.com
As all yoga fan know, in downward dog you spend a lot of time looking at your own legs. Bring a smile to your face with Reebok’s yoga leggings in punch pink. $65.00, www.rebelsport.com.au
You can’t get much brighter than Lululemon’s speed shorts, which have split legs and vents at the back, to keep you cool not matter how hard you’re pushing it. They also have a drawstring and handy zip pocket at the back big enough to keep a credit card. $65 www.lululemon.com.au
With winter coming, the key to keeping warm and fresh is layering. The North Face GTD tank can be worn under or over a long-sleeve top, and is a little longer than some sports vests, so is flattering for fuller hips. $50.00, www.thenorthface.com.au
Kamuka yoga mats have teamed up with Bondi surf photographer Beau Jones (www.soboimage.com) to create a range of mats printed with photographs from Australia’s most iconic beach. All orders come with a free mat bag. From $99, www.kamuka.com.au
British surfer Elsie Pinniger launched Neon Wetsuits after becoming frustrated by the boring designs on the market. You can custom-chose you own colours for the panels, opting for one all over colour or (our preference) a clash-tastic rainbow. From $45. www.neonwetsuits.com
Lululemon is world-famous for it’s yoga gear, but their outerwear is perfect for all types of training. Their lightened-up pullover is water-proof but stretchy so it moves with your body and comes in four colours including lime green and orange. $149, www.lululemon.com.au.
Edgy exercise brand, Vie Activewear was founded by a professional snowboarder and a marathon runner. Their zippered compression sports bras come in color-pop turquoise and a range of unique patterns such as ‘Brazilian butterfly’ and ‘black leopard.’ From $79. www.vieactivewear.com
A favourite shoe of professional athletes and long-distance runners, Salomon’s XA Pro 3D Ultras are perfect if you’re running off the beaten track. Water-resistant and lightweight with ultra-grip soles and quick-release laces, they’ll inspire you to get off the road and into nature. $159.99, www.salomon.com/au
Ensure your underwear is as eye-catching as your outerwear with Triumphs tri-action sports bra in royal lilac. The crop top is seam free so won’t rub and has a racer-back with adjustable straps. It comes in a choice of five colours. $39.95 au.triumph.com
