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Resolving to Shop

If you're like me (and I know you are), it's incredibly hard to maintain your healthy eating habits during the last quarter of the year, a.k.a. "The Gorge Festival". From October 31 through New Year's Day, I consume food like Pac Man, only stopping to wash it down with a glass of something multi-caloric. From Halloween candy to turkey with all the trimmings, through the cookie -and-hors-d'oeuvre December social circuit, right on up to Champers and cold tenderloin-and-brie sandwiches on the first day of the year. But in the cold, grey light of January 2, my self-control kicks in with the realization that bathing-suit-shopping season is a mere three months off—less if you're planning a mid-winter getaway. And then the cold, grey light of the dressing room will reflect off the cold, grey flesh of my upper thighs, and I will be much happier if they're not registering their own zip code. Each.

As a girl who lives to shop, I admit that I could easily lose myself in finding and acquiring sassy little slingbacks, perfect pumps and pretty platforms, (my feet are still gorgeous even if the rest of me is, um, a tad larger) but as I said before, it's time for self control to kick in. Thus, I then set off for the gym last week with a purpose. And, fortunately, discovered the silver lining to my New Year's resolution for 2007: new workout clothes! And shoes, and a yoga mat, and tote bag, and…

Unders: Start with the right foundation garments. You'll need wicking undies and a supportive exercise bra built for your size and your activity level (and no, they're not all the same). Make sure you get one that shapes you and doesn't squash you too flat, or you'll get the ever dreaded UNI-BOOB. Front-hook is a nice touch, and make sure you look for a bra with a t-back or cutaway shoulders for complete range of movement. A few are built like tanks, so you can dispense with the shirt on top.

Aerobics, Spinning, or Cardio Equipment: You'll need comfortable, flexible, and close-fitting tops and bottoms that will wick moisture and allow you to move without exposing too much. Go with a tee-shirt or cutaway tank top and flare-bottom pants, either full-length or below the knee (face it, you're going to perspire—short pants aren't going to make any difference and they're not very flattering). Look for features like mesh inserts in the back or under the arms of your top for maximum ventilation. Also, today's high tech fabrics are fabulous—anti-odor/anti microbial that conveniently, and healthfully, wicks away moisture to quickly dry. Grab some cross-training shoes with good lateral support and light weight; for spinning, pick up some purpose-built biking shoes for good pedal-pushing power to maximize your stroke.

Yoga, Pilates, or Low-Impact Classes: I love these classes, because while you're getting great exercise, generally you're not breaking much of a sweat (bikram yoga excepted), so you can keep the momentum rolling when class is over and run errands, go out for a bite to eat, get a little shopping done…Ergo, make the outfit cute! Good news is, yoga wear is pretty acceptable daywear these days, and available all over the place. Just skip dinner with the in-laws. Start with a t-back tank with support, and some great fold-over pants. Add a comfy hoodie or a stylish zip track jacket for warm-up and cool-down, and some supremely comfortable slip-on trainers. Yoga mat, cute bag, and you're off. Oh, and because these classes require bare feet, don't forget to make yourself a pedicure appointment, or spend some evening time with your feet up on the coffee table and soaking in emollient. The girl on the mat next to yours will thank you.

Really Working Out Outside: Running or walking, skiing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or in-line skating or cycling for those of you without salt and sand on the roads, are fabulous cross-training activities for your gym workouts, and offer a whole new range of gear-purchasing opportunities. The one thing that's common to all outdoor sports: layer, layer, layer. The only real way to stay comfortable when you're exercising in cold weather is to make sure that you stay dry, by adding or removing layers as you heat up and slow down.

Extras: Pampering shower gels, hair products, and portable hair dryers are vital for the post-workout primp, especially if you're headed to work or a social engagement afterwards. A quick-drying towel will do the job, but take up much less room in your stash, and won't weigh forty pounds like a big rectangle of Turkish plush. Remember a tote bag with a separate compartment for your wet things to air out, or they'll be ripe and stinky by the time you get home!

Entertainment: You know you need it, and working out is the perfect excuse to get one. Whether you buy one first as an incentive to get to the workouts at all, or use it as a reward for reaching that first big fitness goal, get yourself an iPod, right quick. (And the arm holster, so you can hold free weights in both hands.) There's really nothing else that'll keep you such good company while you whittle your waist. Except maybe a good workout buddy. And you won't believe the world of accessories this little goodie will open for you!

Well, there it is, girls, a whole new world of retail possibilities. (Don't forget to reward yourself along the way—I have my eye on these divine inspirations for my first incentive!) Just don't blow your whole budget on the exercise duds—you'll need to save a few pennies for the fabulous new clothes you'll have to buy yourself once the fruits of your labor start to appear: taut thighs, flat stomach, boundless energy, Angelina Jolie's arms…

Shop happy!

Shop Girl

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