Modern women lead busy and stressful lives, often putting others before ourselves. However, self care is one of the best investments of your time not only for your own wellbeing, but for that of your family, your workplace, and your community. Many plus-size women say they are intimidated to go to a gym or attend a yoga class for fear of being the largest person there. I am often the largest women in any of my classes and I can promise you the press has not yet arrived to splash a picture of my big bootie on the front page of the local daily. Plus, I have such great active wear, I would LOVE it if they did! Here are a few tips to ensure you have awesome clothes for your workouts.

1. Be sure you have a proper sports bra. Making sure “the girls” are encased and ensconced supportively translates into a better and more comfortable workout. Check out www.junonia.com, www.jms.com, and www.biggerbras.com. All feature extensive selections of style and size. A good sports bra always is worth the price! These are your GIRLS we’re talking about!
2. Colorful and trendy workout wear is easily found at stores with which you are already familiar. Because these clothes are washed often, they should be of high-quality cotton with a touch of modal or elastic to hold shape and feel good against skin. Good options for affordable pieces are www.oldnavy.com and Target; if you want to invest a little more for really trendy pieces, check out www.zaftique.com for the cutest separates.
3. Select pieces that have mileage outside the gym. Hoodies and loungewear have become weekend staples for busy women, but they need not look like afterthoughts. For a great range of mix-and-match pieces that can take you to yoga class and through your day, check out www.lanebryant.com for easy separates, or www.loveyourpeaches.com for on-trend workout wear made by a woman-owned company.