Tag: Athletic

5 Fall Athleisure Outfits to Get You Through the Semester

We’re all sad another semester has begun, bringing more stress and even less free time. There is some good news though, chunky sweater season is almost here! Fall fashion is one of my favorites; however, sometimes it takes too much energy to put effort into an outfit while going to class. The athleisure trend, seen on models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, is a lifesaver. Athleisure is a broad term that refers to any type of athletic wear worn in normal settings, such as work or class. There are many ways to be fit and fab, which include wearing items such as track pants all the way to tanks. Here are five pieces you need in your closet to dress down while still being trendy.

1—Distressed graphic shirt

When you see distressed clothing, you might think back to all of the things your mom said when you asked for your first pair of distressed jeans. However, these edgy and worn-in clothes aren’t leaving the fashion scene anytime soon. The best type of distressed is DIY so go get a large T-shirt or sweatshirt and start cutting.

Outfit Idea: Make your look a little bit edgier by pairing a distressed sweatshirt with a choker and biker shorts for those warmer fall days.

 

PHOTO: Julia Michael

2—Sports bra

Sports bras are an easy way to style a look and can be worn under a cut out T-shirt or jacket. They’re a better alternative to wearing a real bra and come in different designs and colors, so they are the perfect addition to any look.

Outfit Idea: Pair your favorite sports bra with a zip-up jacket, leggings, sneakers, and your favorite sunglasses.

 

PHOTO: Katie Yang

3—Denim jacket

The best athleisure look includes one non-athletic wear item. My go-to is a denim jacket because they are casual and comfortable. They also add a vintage vibe to your look. Distressed denim jackets will also add even more brownie points with the fit fall fashion community.

Outfit Idea: Pair a denim jacket with a light sweatshirt and leggings to create the perfect fall look.

 

PHOTO: Ali Bell

4—Track pants

People have been wearing track pants on runways and throughout offices because the item has been in style for a few seasons now. They are a cute and comfy option for those wanting to dress up their sporty look. You can wear normal track pants or get a tailored pair to spice up your business casual work outfit.

Outfit Idea: Track pants fashioned with a solid T-shirt and jacket.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

5—Sneakers, sneakers, sneakers

The best item to top off any athleisure outfit is sneakers. No matter where your brand preferences lie, every company is stepping up their sneaker game. Go shopping and find the pair that best expresses your style! Everyone knows an outfit isn’t complete until you find the right shoes.

Outfit Idea: You can pair sneakers with your favorite leggings and an oversized T-shirt.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

How do you wear athleisure? Show us on social media. Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

4 Alternative Workouts for When the Gym Gets Boring

Love it or hate it, regardless of how we feel, going to the gym seems dreadful somedays. Treadmill, crunches, elliptical, leg press, stair master, squats, repeat. A repetitive routine starts to get tiring and “The gym bores” can easily set in. Here are four alternatives ways that you and your friends can enjoy working out outside of the gym.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Cycling

Cycling may seem only beneficial to your major leg muscles, but there is actually plenty more that your body will thank you for. Cycling requires balance to stay on the bike, and balance stems from a strong core. It is important to maintain good posture and balance while moving from various positions of sitting, squatting, and standing while going at different speeds. The combinations on the bike vary during the hour long class and are equivalent to sprinting. Cycling is guaranteed to make you sweat a lot, so make sure to stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle. Check to see if your school gym or home gym offers a cycling class or if there is a local studio near your campus. You can always take a bike ride outside and set your own pace.

2—Yoga

Aside from the obvious benefit that yoga is extremely relaxing, this skill requires a lot of balance that challenges your entire body. Yoga can improve your flexibility, which directly correlates to good posture and the elimination of body aches. The stretches incorporated in each exercise help to stretch your spine and result in positive long-term health results. Yoga improves arthritis pains, protects against herniated discs, and helps avoid osteoporosis. Yoga also increases blood flow throughout the body, which decreases your chances of heart attacks and strokes. Besides these amazing health benefits, yoga improves balance, focus, and overall happiness. Check this out for some yoga inspiration!

3—Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a fun alternative if your normal routine consists of building muscle. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro! There are a great deal of indoor rock climbing gyms that plenty of people go to for fun. Rock climbing focuses on all of your major muscle groups including core, upper body, and legs. As a result, it also encourages flexibility. Another great benefit is that climbing takes a lot of mental strength, improving your hand-eye coordination. Make sure to snag a cute pair of flexible pants before you head out.

4—Hiking

Get out into some fresh air with hiking! The benefits of hiking include stunning views, full lower body, and cardio challenges. You set the pace and determine the intensity of what trail to take. Ensure you have the proper shoes to hike in to avoid blisters. This is a great activity to do in a group or with one other person. Due to the many distractions along the way, hiking doesn’t feel like you’re working out which makes time fly by.

Do you have any creative ideas for an alternative work out? Show us on social media by tagging us at @Cfashionista!

Featured photo by Stella Fanega.

These 3 Fitness Classes Will Help Relieve College Stress

Once school starts, one thing is for sure. Stress seems to become a constant presence. When the homework piles up and the late night studying becomes the norm, it can be hard to find the time to take a breather. In any case, it’s easy to get lost with all the things you have to do. In between buying groceries and dealing with all college has to offer, it is important to take time for yourself. Now the question is how to relieve stress? I have found that fitness classes are one of the best ways to relieve stress. Nothing feels better than sweating out the negative stress of the day. Even if you’re just looking for a class to spend an hour focusing on yourself, here’s three fitness classes to relieve stress.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Yoga

Yoga is one of the best stress-reducing exercises. After one class of meditation and therapeutic breathing, you’ll feel like you blew out all your stress. Each class includes easy breathing exercises to refresh you from a long school or work day. In addition to beginner yoga, many studios have classes with heated rooms and even weights. With a wide range of class types to choose from, there is one to fit what you like. Invest in a cute yoga mat, and get ready to relax.

2—Cycling

Looking for a way to sweat out all your stress? Cycling classes are definitely for you. Try a class at SoulCycle or check your university for student classes. Due to the fast paced movements and upbeat music, all you’ll be thinking about is cycling to the beat. Pack a water bottle and towel and get ready to sweat your worries away.

3—Barre

This class combines ballet, Pilates, and yoga for a unique fitness class. You’ll strengthen and tone your entire body in one class. After a long day sitting in classes or hunched over a computer, taking a barre class is the perfect way to stretch out. With songs you can sing along to, you’ll forget the project you’ve been stressing about all day. Don’t forget your gripper socks to complete your ballet barre look.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

What’s your favorite fitness class to relieve stress? Have one to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below or tag @CFashionista on social media!

Additional photos by Kelly Rogowski.

5 Things I Learned From Ballet

From the first day when we enter school we need to watch out for so many dangers: there are the critical eyes of the other students, there is our tendency to compare ourselves to our peers, and there is our unbalanced confidence which can chase us every day (not to mention studying, grades, and exams). In my opinion, we all need a special support, a magical weapon, which can help us out on those doubtful days: ‘Can I do this?’ ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘Why is everyone else better than me?’ These criticizing voices can’t stop us from constantly creating ourselves. My magical weapon to be more self-aware was ballet.

 

I have always seen this genre as a sweet mixture between sport and art, which trains and delights at the same time. I’ve always wanted to become a ballerina, but since I started too late I have never got the chance to be a professional dancer. I don’t regret it. I wouldn’t want to neglect my mind and build a career based only on my physical abilities. It’s still my hobby, my form of meditation, and my way of developing. Ballet taught me to see life from a new perspective:

1—Dancing taught me that there are some points in life when you are on your own, and nobody can help you. There is only you and your body as your instrument, and you can only find strength in practice. This is the territory where cheating is simply impossible.

2—Persistence. You need to do the same pirouette for a thousand times before you perfect it. Even then, you will find that there is still someone who does it better than you. So what? You try it one more time. And one more time. And in the end, when you finally succeed you will feel a sweet relief and effervescent energy: you did it!

3—It’s not as easy as it seems. Behind those airy movements, there is a lot of strength involved. When you see a ballerina performing she seems like a finished article, you would love to be in her place, she is not even dancing, she’s flying.   What you can’t see are those endless hours next to the barre, the aching pain in her feet, and the never-ceasing concentration.

4—With hard work, you will get rewarded, and I’m not talking about a pendant. You will get the applause, the satisfying feeling. Creating is something that you can be proud of. You didn’t only watch series, you have a passion, you have a hobby and more importantly something that gives you confidence and definitely a more toned and flexible body.

5—You can do anything! Ballet is so multi-faceted. It can be a graceful levitation and a whimsical game with a rock-chic air at the same time. There are endless possibilities in choreography, the only boundary is your imagination.

What is your favorite sport? Tell us in the comment section.

5 Fun Ways to Stay Fit This Summer

It’s summer which means that you have plenty of free time to try new things, but you also want to stay in shape and break the cycle of watching Netflix on the couch all day. Here are some fun ways you can get out of the house and get a workout in without going to the gym! Grab some friends or go alone and have a blast!

1—Walking tours. Anyone who travels a lot knows that exploring a new city requires a lot of walking. Even if you’re not going on a European adventure or trip through the Amazon, most cities have some type of walking tours. Look for ones that are free and you can do at your own pace. You can even make your own! You’ll see some cool stuff and burn off the calories from all the trendy new foods you’ll find.

2—Hiking. Look up the local trails in your area and you can make a whole day out of your hiking adventure. This is something you’re probably going to want to do with friends because it’s much more fun and safer to go out with other people. Don’t be scared off by long distance hikes, you can go at your own pace and bring lunch and snacks with for breaks. Make sure to bring a lot of water!

3—Swimming. No, this doesn’t mean going to the pool and taking pictures with your swan floaties for your latest Instagram post, I’m talking about actually swimming. Swimming is an excellent way to get a workout, stay cool, and soak in some sun. Just make sure to put on lots of sunscreen and be aware of your own abilities. I recommend buying tinted goggles because they’re literally sunglasses underwater. Look for bathing suits which actually allow you to swim without falling off!

4— Water sports. If you live by any type of water, water sports that involve paddling can be a great upper body workout. Discover nature, work on your tan, and take some friends along. This can be a really cool way to get to places not accessible by road and these adventures are usually very peaceful. Bring your phone along in a waterproof case and you’ll be good to go. Remember to be safe and wear lifejackets, especially if you’re not a good swimmer!

5—Biking. Want to explore but don’t feel like walking for miles? Biking is an excellent workout for your legs and can really get your heartbeat up. You’ll get to enjoy the summer air and have the flexibility to travel along roads and trails. Plus, you help save the environment by lowering carbon emissions! Bike sharing is becoming more popular in cities, so you can check out affordable options near you.

Try out any of these fun activities or have some suggestions to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Athleisure—The Do’s and Don’ts

Athleisure is one of my favorite trends. There is nothing better than looking cute and being comfortable at the same time. Clothes that were once only for the gym have become acceptable to wear out and about when we all know you have zero intentions of working out. For someone who loves athletic clothes, but does not love to workout, this is the perfect trend for you.

Athleisure is a broad category that many different brands have created their own lines of. While some are more casual than others, others tend to be nicer than your average gym clothes. With such variety available, it is easy to wander astray. Since you can either buy actual athletic clothes or specifically athleisure wear, there are some key do’s and don’ts of this trend. I have compiled these guidelines into two simple lists that will leave you rocking the athleisure look this fall.

Do

1—Find what fits you best (i.e full-length leggings vs cropped leggings).

2—Keep it simple.

3—Cute sneakers.

4—Wear sports bras or bralettes.

5—Rock the athletic look when it is appropriate (class, errands, shopping).

Don’t

1—Wear two loose fitting items.

2—Wear too many bright colors.

3—Flip Flops or sandals.

4—Let your socks show.

This Fashionista followed all the do’s of the athleisure trend. She has long, slim legs, therefore the full-length leggings make her legs looks even longer, and fit her perfectly. She kept the whole outfit very simple by pairing black and white, which is always a great decision. She is wearing a simple white tank top with a sports bra to match. When it comes to athletic tank tops, many of them make your bra very visible, which is why it is very important to make sure whatever you are wearing underneath is not only cute but also matching. She paired her super simple outfit with all-black Nike sneakers. While I think you can absolutely pair a simple outfit like this with a colorful sneaker, it is always a safe bet to go with black.

Going out in athletic clothes to anywhere but the gym is a more recent trend, but it is a pretty awesome one because who doesn’t want to be comfortable when they are going to class or the grocery store?

What’s your favorite way to wear the athleisure trend? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

How to Balance Fitness and College

Finding time for regular workouts has always been a priority in my daily routine, but being a college student and balancing a healthy and active lifestyle can definitely be challenging. A little bit of exercise is beneficial for everyone, but most people, especially students, don’t have two hours to spend at the gym every day. If you’re a busy college student who just doesn’t know how to balance fitness and college, you’re not alone. Here’s how I’ve adjusted my healthy and active lifestyle and to fit into my college schedule.

Like everything else in college, planning ahead for your workout is so important. I’ve learned that if I don’t plan a time to go to the gym or to work out outside, I usually don’t end up exercising. I add my workout time into my daily planner or set a reminder on my phone. It’s also a good idea to plan your actual workout. If you’re new to exercising and need a plan written out for you, there are an endless amount of fitness Instagram accounts and online e-books available for purchase that will provide you with workouts right on your phone. My two favorites are Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide and Tone It Up. If you don’t want to spend the time or the money with that, here is my favorite short workout that I do multiple times every week.

High-Intensity Interval Training

Warmup: 5-minute jog

Sprints: 30-second sprint, 2-minute walk, repeat 10x (or as many as you can do!)

Cool down: 5-minute jog

High-intensity interval training workouts are my favorite because they are usually pretty short, but get your heart rate up and release stress. They’re also perfect to squeeze in on a busy day while still maintaining an active lifestyle. Along with doing high-intensity workouts, I love yoga and pilates. Most campus gyms offer free yoga classes for students, or you could explore the city your campus is located in and attend an off-campus yoga studio. Yoga has been so beneficial in releasing stress and lifting my mood, so I definitely recommend trying it out to any stressed out college Fashionistas.

Now that you have your workouts in your planner and some new ideas on how to workout, all you need is some new athletic apparel, which also serves as the perfect motivation to head to the gym and learn how to balance fitness and college in your own unique way. My favorite athleisure brand is Alo Yoga, and this black crop top is the perfect option for a high-intensity workout or a night spent on my yoga mat. So grab your favorite leggings, your running shoes, and a cute water bottle and start your favorite workout today!

How do you balance fitness and college? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

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5 Ways to Up Your Fitness and Gym Game

Being active has always been a huge part of my life. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned different ways to maximize my fitness efforts. Last semester I hardly worked out, so this summer I’ve been making up for lost time and readjusting my gym routine. Through this process, I’ve rediscovered what makes a huge difference in my day-to-day fitness goals. Below you’ll find my top five gym game-changers (besides a pair of killer leggings)!

1—Pre-workout supplements. How often do you find the excuse to skip the gym because you just don’t have it in you? Enter pre-workout. The most obvious benefit of pre-workout supplements is the energy boost. This effect is from stimulants, which help motivate you to get moving and maintain focus during your workout. Some less known benefits of pre-workouts include quicker muscle recovery and metabolism-boosting elements. Caffeine, among other ingredients found in pre-workouts, helps boost fat oxidation, body thermogenesis, and metabolism. Overall, pre-workouts will greatly improve your physical and mental fitness performance in the gym and recovery afterward.

2—Bluetooth earbuds. Invest in a pair of Bluetooth earbuds or wireless earphones! They allow you to increase your range of motion without having to worry about where to store your phone. If you’re a runner, I recommend a pair of earbuds that are both sweat-resistant and feature ear hooks.

3—Training gloves. If lifting weights is your jam, I highly recommend training gloves. They help improve grip and protect your hands from callouses. 

4—Blender bottles. Blender bottles are awesome (I think I have close to ten at the moment). Whether you’re using it just for water or for blending, they’re designed to be completely leak-proof. If you’re looking to use blender bottles to take your shake game to the next level, they come with a metal spherical “whisk” that eliminates clumps of protein powder/pre-workout/whatever from your drink. The final products are smooth shakes without the blender mess!

5—Branch chain amino acids (BCAAs). When you engage in muscle-intense workouts, your body tears, and repairs your muscles, making them stronger in the process. BCAAs help improve muscle recovery by providing your muscles the building blocks they need to grow. It’s important to consume BCAAs (whether through protein such as chicken or through supplements) around your training session. This allows your muscles to get the fuel they need when they need it. There are three types of BCAAs your body needs but can’t produce, so it’s important to get all three types either through your diet or supplements. BCAAs are the most research-backed workout supplement, but I recommend doing your own research to make sure you properly incorporate them into your diet and fitness regimen.

What do you like to do to get active? Do you have other recommendations for upping your gym game? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista on Instagram to show off how you workout in style!

Let’s Be Honest—Here’s What You’ll Really Be Wearing To Class This Fall

Back-to-school season is upon us. Besides reuniting with your besties and trying to get out of the 8 a.m. lecture, the thing you are most looking forward to is wearing the perfect fall wardrobe you have been curating all summer. In your head you decided that this was going to be the year you would “get dressed” for class. So you’ve been buying as many blazers, feminine blouses, and vintage Levi’s your summer paycheck would allow for.

While applaud your ambition, let’s get real. Once the first few weeks of class have settled in and your alarm goes off after four hours of sleep, the thought of sitting in class all day in tight high-waisted denim will make you want to crawl back under the covers more than you already do. So you’ll scour your closet, which is beautifully curated with chic pieces that are not practical. See the problem?

Photo: @sarahdewald

The good news is there is a way to be both stylish and practical In an effort to smoothly and stylishly transition you to the realities of college life. Leggings have solidified their status as actual pants and a staple of any athleisure/model off-duty/college student wardrobe.

I know what your thinking: Does this mean I have to give up on my dreams of having a fashionable school year? Check out the best leggings on the market right now, and trust us, you won’t have to give up anything. 

Splits59 Tempo 7/8 Leggings, $88, Available at Shopbop. 

Outdoor Voices 3/4 Warmup Leggings in Oatmeal, $80, Available at Outdoor Voices. 

Alala Captain Ankle Leggings, $110, Available at Shopbop. 

Old Navy Go-Dry High-Rise Leggings, $35, Available at Old Navy. 

Live the Process Geometric Leggings, $148, Available at Shopbop.

The Upside Yoga Stretch Leggings, $95, Available at Net-A-Porter.

Lululemon Wunder-Under Hi-Rise 7/8 Tight in Night Tide, $98, Available at Lululemon. 

Calvin Klein Performance Logo Cropped Leggings, $40, Available at Calvin Klein. 

Athleta High Rise Paradise Floral Chaturanga Tight, $79, Available at Athleta.

Victoria Sport Anytime Cotton High-RIse Leggings, $45, Available at Victoria Sport. 

What are your trusty go-to leggings? Share your picks in the comments below!

Beating Heat in the Streets

As I have emphasized in previous articles, there is nothing I find more difficult than trying to put together a comfortable and trendy outfit while dealing with sweltering summer heat. I spent the first month of summer struggling with trying to find heat-friendly fabrics that also match my preferred style.

I realized that guys tend to have way fewer options at hand than us girls do when it comes to fabrics and style. This Fashionisto, however, has found a way to incorporate comfort and style in a look that can be worn every day.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, graphic T-shirts are the perfect way to make a statement with any look. This Fashionisto wore a vintage-inspired black and white graphic T-shirt that depicts the late rapper Tupac. He complemented the top with a simple pair of Champion black athletic shorts, a perfect piece for guys to achieve comfort in the heat.

To add to the sporty vibe of this street-based look, he added a pair of green acid-washed Nike sneakers. The bright and bold sneakers make this simple look stand out in a crowd. To top off the look, this Fashionisto added a hand-crafted wooden necklace, which he says he wears with every look. Often times guys will stay away from jewelry, especially with casual looks. However, pieces like this add so much personality and character to any outfit.

What are your favorite tips on staying stylish and comfortable during the summer heat? Let us know in the comments!