Healthful Bites

The right apparel can be awesome motivation to get your sweat on—who wouldn’t want to slip on a cute new top and show it off at the gym? That’s why making a few smart investments can be well worth it. But how do you sort through all of the capris, shorts, tanks and tops to know which are best? Well I haven’t been able to try them all, but these items are among my favorites this summer and are certainly Healthful Bites-approved!

• I challenge you to find another top with this many details at such an amazing price! Duo Dry stretchy fabric, a fancy (yet subtle) pattern and a unique strap layout make the C9 by Champion Seamless Mosaic Tank hard to beat. ($19.99)
• Strategic venting in the NUX Breathe Y-Tank helps you keep your cool during even the most heated workouts. And the strategic seaming slims your torso. ($47)
• Under Armour’s UA Great Escape Short is flattering and comes in awesome color combos. The super-comfy wide waistband keeps your tummy covered. The only thing that would make them better? Losing the slightly baggy brief that running shorts often come with. ($29.99)
• When shorts don’t cover you, but standard capris or pants are too toasty, the lightweight New Balance Go 2 Capri are just the ticket. Reflective details keep you seen during early morning and late night workouts and a small rear pocket can hide your house key or iPod. ($29.74)
• The ASICS Kayano Classic Low Cut Sock is cut just high enough on the ankle so your achilles area is protected but your legs still appear nice and long. Plus, the colors are bright and cheery! ($14)

For more of my favorite fashion finds, check out my earlier post, which includes a few pieces that are ideal for cooler days (coming quicker than I can believe!).

From today’s goodies, I’d pair the NUX tank and New Balance capris for a sweaty spin, and the Under Armour shorts with the C9 tank for treadmill session or cardio class. During a recent non-scientific poll (completed through Twitter) I found that the majority of ladies out there agree with my philosophy: capris and shorts have very distinct uses. When asked capris or shorts…

• “Totally depends on the activity. Shorts for running or bootcamp, capris for yoga or spinning.”—heathercRD
• “Capris for running, shorts for step and other group ex!” —theCHASEproject
• “Cute capris, unless it’s reallly hot.”—katdoesdiets

So interesting! Now it’s your turn to sound off. What kinds of bottoms do you prefer? Does it depend on the exercise method?