I Work Out Every Day—These Are the Athleisure Essentials I Swear By

The beginning of a new year always feels like a reset. It’s when so many of us recommit to ourselves, our routines, our goals, and our health. For me, movement is non-negotiable: I’ve been working out religiously for the past 11 years—ever since a year after I had my son—and it has completely shaped how I start my day. I’ve become a “wake up at 5:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m. class” kind of person. (I’m a Tracy Anderson fanatic. I love how the workout makes me feel afterwards. It gives me focus, clarity, and an endorphin high like nothing else.) That hour in the morning is mine: no phone, just movement, sweat, and music. I’m a firm believer that small, consistent efforts lead to better outcomes, whatever your goals may be.

Because I work out five to seven days a week, I focus on comfortable pieces that allow for movement, especially in the heated classrooms I often work out in. Nothing tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable. Over the past decade, I’ve landed on a handful of accessible, mass-fashion brands that I always come back to for the best workout outfits because they deliver on quality, fit, and look. Below, I’m breaking down my core exercise uniform, my tried and true activewear go-tos.

Aritzia’s "Butter" Leggings and Tops

Aritzia has been a long-time favorite retailer of mine. I live in its leggings and workout tops, especially anything in its "Butter" collection from its Golden activewear line. The material is incredibly soft, supportive, and flexible, perfect for high-movement workouts like Tracy Anderson Method.

What really sets it apart for me is the color palette: The navies, taupes, deep greens, and burgundies feel elevated and chic, and in spring, the muted pastels are beautiful. These pieces get a lot of wear (and washes), and they truly hold up.

Amazon Leggings

I discovered these through an influencer, and honestly didn’t expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. These leggings are incredibly soft, sometimes even softer than higher-priced options. Are they as long-lasting as Aritzia’s? No, but for $32, they’re amazing and of impressive quality.They’re perfect if you want comfortable, affordable staples in rotation.

Gap Sweatshirts

Gap is one of my go-to destinations for athleisure layers. Its boxy cropped sweatshirts are a staple in my closet: I own them in navy, butter yellow, chocolate brown, and more. (They come in 20 different colorways!) My daughter is constantly borrowing them. The fit is effortless, and the price point is sharp. These are the pieces I throw on before and after workouts to feel polished. For me, it’s always about the mix of quality, fit, fabric, and colorway—and Gap delivers on all four.

Uniqlo Sweatpants

Uniqlo is unbeatable when it comes to comfort and function, especially for the colder months. Its sweatpants are warm without feeling bulky, and the HeatTech technology is a game-changer when you’re heading out early in the morning.

Uniqlo Puffers

Uniqlo puffers are a true winter essential for me. When I’m leaving the house before sunrise for a workout, I need something that keeps me genuinely warm, and these coats do exactly that. They’re lightweight, insulating, and easy to layer, making them my go-to outerwear for early morning workouts.