The Dumbbell: Spring fitness gear for gyms, camps, and clubs

Or, if you're like me, the local city park

I started lifting weights last fall (if we talk often, you’re rolling your eyes because typically, the sports I’ll engage in are limited to what you can do at a country club or a summer camp — yet I’ve somehow managed to make weight training my whole personality recently).

Exercise is largely about the outfits for me — and camp and club sports come with good outfits. I mean, did you see what the Princess of Wales wore sailing last year?

What the Princess of Wales wore sailing last year. Cute!

Gym outfits inspire me less, but when I started this new weight training pursuit, obviously I needed to treat myself to a few new things: a tank, leggings, the usual. But when I started scrolling through athletic wear brands’ websites, I was shocked to realize that workout tanks are… not a thing anymore.

Poor tank tops! Relegated to the bottom of the lululemon menu just above underwear and BELOW swimsuits. In winter!

Now look. I haven’t shopped for workout clothes since circa 2014 when I worked at lululemon and spent most of my paychecks at the store. (Lol.) And I still own a lot of things from that era and they have held up. I’ve worn them hard but taken really good care of them and I stand by the quality of that brand. But I digress.

What people wear to exercise has changed since then. I know. Fashion changing! In a decade! Groundbreaking.

As of 2023, tank tops have evaporated, like, as a category. Instead, your options are crop tops, boxy tees, sweatshirts, and not much in between. I thought that if I were to desire to purchase a loose-fitting tank top in a technical (non-cotton) fabric, without heavy branding, that fully covered my *midriff,* there would be somewhere willing to take my money in exchange for one. Right?

Wrong.

Or, not 100% wrong, but boy did it take some research to find it. I actually ended up, full circle, back at the doorstep of the lululemon Swiftly tank (of which I already own several) because it’s still great. Expensive, but it will last you 10+ years if you follow the washing instructions*. Not that I’m anti crop top! There’s a crop below from a new-to-me brand, because I do think the matching set thing is cute. I just usually prefer to layer a tank on top.

So, today I present you what I literally wear to the gym. Plus, some other ideas for what to wear to a fantasy country club or outdoor rec day — because she contains multitudes — or wherever/however you’re getting out in the fresh air this spring. Spring! Just the word makes me happy.

Gym sports

Gear for running, cycling, lifting, rowing, yoga, pilates, and more. Tried and tested. I own every style except #1 and #6 — though the sweatshirt is the dream.

1. The tank I wish existed when I started my search

2. The tank that’s good for every activity (size up one for a looser fit)

3. The ideal sports bra / crop top for low- to high-impact activities

4. The most comfortable, flattering legging

5. Two years ago I got rid of all other sport socks and now I only wear these

6. Sporty and luxe; the perfect to/from layer

7. The do-it-all sneaker: casual, athleisure, or athletic (Too light for much running but I’ve been known to wear these for a quick 3 mile jog on vacation when I didn’t pack other shoes. I lift in them because lower cushion is better.)

Club sports

Gear for tennis, pickleball, golf, and the most important club sport: walking around drinking an Arnold Palmer out of a straw and judging people through your designer sunglasses.

Since moving away from Omaha, all my tennis happens at our local public park. So, consider this roundup to be less about membership and more about vibes.

1. The retro sweater you might have stolen from your dad

2. The dress you might have just won Wimbledon in

3. I own these pants in black and wear them at least once a week

4. I also own this sleeveless polo and it’s cute with the pants and many other things

5. Protect your face from the sun!

6. Obviously

7. Very niche but a lot of golf shoes are ugly and these aren’t

Camp sports

Gear for sailing, paddling, hiking, and more. Every New Englander dresses during the warm weather like they might hop on a boat at a moment’s notice. This is the uniform.

1. The perfect heavyweight striped tee for a breezy boat ride or post-swim

2. Stay dry, but not too hot

3. This lightweight, unbranded baseball cap is in my shopping cart

4. I take a bandana everywhere with me in warm weather to hold my hair off my face

5. The iconic, customizable boat and tote

6. My mom was rocking these classic sneakers before Kate Middleton was

7. A very sporty shorty — the shorts version of the pants above

*Washing instructions for lululemon and probably other stuff: Wash all synthetic fitness fabrics together without anything containing cotton if you don’t want them to pill. Hang dry if you don’t want them to snag and to help them last longer.

Do you have a piece of sporty clothing you can’t live without?

xx Jane

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