GYM GOALS
9 sporty Houston athleisure brands to stay perfectly fit for those New Year's resolution goals
Hot girl walks, Pilates, HIIT, or barre – whatever the workout du jour, 2023 is the year for Houstonians to get moving.
According to a recent poll by statista.com, the top three 2023 New Year's resolutions for adults are to exercise more, eat healthier, and lose weight. Get ready, as gyms and outdoor trails across the country will be teeming with workout enthusiasts for the next few weeks.
Looking for motivation to get off the couch and keep your New Year's resolutions intact? Cool — or hot — gym clothes really help. From leggings that won't roll down and offer much-needed sweat-wicking to a sleek bodysuit, looking in the mirror at the gym while sporting a good 'fit is a proven incentive to keep going.
Whether or not getting in shape is a 2023 goal, trying something new in January is always a good idea. We offer fashionable fitness motivation and inspiration via local activewear brands to shop now.
All it took was the frustration of a stinky t-shirt for founder Megan Eddings to invent Prema fabric. This antimicrobial fabric remains odor and bacteria-free even after the sweatiest gym sesh. Made from eight recycled water bottles and organic cotton, Accel's Forever Joggers offer the best comfy and sustainable materials.
Accel's revolutionary Prema fabric keeps the post-workout stench at bay. Photo courtesy of accellifestyle.com
Houstonians Larry Leonard and Sukaina Rajani (of Macaron by Patisse fame) recently launched a line of athleisure apparel called DBS (Don't Be Scared). Featuring workout wear for both men and women, DBS is made of premium materials in vibrant colors. Designed for workouts and everyday wear and made from soft squat-proof fabric, their leggings offer four-way stretch and two side pockets.
The DBS – Don't Be Scared brand was recently launched by Houstonians Larry Leonard and Sukaina Rajani.Photo courtesy of dbs.com
Ethically made and designed by Houston native Reagan Bregman, Exiza's mission is to empower women to feel good about themselves daily. One of the company's newest arrivals is the Quarter Zip Jacket, available in the colors black and cappuccino foam. Bregman, whose degree is in marketing and who spent time at Google and Oracle, has launched a new Exiza line called Breaking Barriers (find it here) that honors women all over who do everything from shattering ceilings and launching companies, to managing kids and homes.
Exiza focuses on exercise and the active lifestyle not for vanity, but for self-care.Photo courtesy of exiza.com
Local favorite Fiercely Built was founded by Erin Miller to encourage women to live their best life through self-acceptance, happiness, fitness, and health. Known for their value-priced sets in bold colors and designs, this Pop Fuchsia Set is made from soft, breathable material.
Fiercely Built is known for their value-priced sets in bold colors and designs.Photo courtesy of fiercelybuilt.com
Beyoncé put her mark on the athleisure industry when she unveiled Ivy Park in 2016. Named after Houston's Parkwood Park (where the superstar used to run with her father) and her daughter Ivy Blue, her ultra-glam collaboration with Adidas is a mix of high-tech performance gear and fashion. The Metallic #Ivytopia is available at Adidas stores.
Beyonce's latest collab Ivy Park x adidas features metallic performance gear. Photo courtesy of Ivy Park/Instagram
Located near the Galleria, Mighty Aphrodity is a boutique that carries quality fitness and athleisure clothing. Owned by native Houstonian Valerie Horwitz, previously a fashion art director, the store has many brands, including Alo, Bala, BeachRiot, Perfect White Tee, Nux, and more.
Located near the Galleria, Might Aphrodity carries a number of fitness and athleisure brands. Photo courtesy of mightyaphrodity.com
Houston-based DYI, Define Your Inspiration, recently closed their M-K-T Heights store, but the cult favorite is still available online. Their Compression Basic Long Sleeve has an interior bra with removable cups making it ideal for the gym or on the go.
Houston-based Shop DYI sells fitness and streetwear fashions. Photo courtesy of Shop DYI/Instagram
Former ABC13 reporter Stefania Okolie is the founder of Solely Fit, a brand that supports and unites stone women while telling a story of who they are. Solely Fit's sleek bodysuits are made with soft fabric and are available in various bright and neutral colors.
Former ABC13 reporter Stefania Okolie is the founder of Solely Fit, a brand famed for their bodysuits. Photo courtesy of mysolelyfit.com
Figure-flattering shaping activewear for men and women is the core of XODUS Fitness Apparel. Their XFA Bodysuit is made with a padded bra and an exposed back, perfect for showing off those gym gains.
XODUS focuses on shape defining fitness gear for men and women. Photo courtesy of XODUS/Instagram