Work Hard and Look Good With The Girls

Photo: thegirlsapparel.com

You already know that workout gear doesn't have to be ugly or boring. Those baggy sweats and worn-out tees have their place, sure, but I've always found that when I look good, I feel just a little better. And sometimes, that's the edge that takes my workout from decent to butt-kicking.

Tummy control top and capris. Photo: thegirlsapparel.com

The problem is, often, workout clothes are designed for those who are already in awesome shape. If you have a little extra pudge around the middle, that fitted shirt is only going to exacerbate the roll coming over the top of your shorts (trust me -- I've been there). And that's why The Girls Apparel is so cool -- it's designed to flatter your figure while you're working hard to shape it up.

They offer pants and tops with control panels (using the Blu-Tech Control System), and while it's not going to function like a corset or anything, I tried them out, and it definitely helps to smooth any bulges. There are also plenty of non-tummy control options available for those of you who don't need the help. The clothes are cute, covering all the workout basics, but that's not even the best part!

Everything is under $40, with many items under $30. Yoga pants with a foldover top (so you have total control over how low-rise they actually go) are $34.99, and a long-sleeved tummy control top (that you could totally wear with jeans) is $28.99.

Each piece comes in pretty basic colors -- lots of black, white and gray -- so it's super simple to put together a fitness outfit that looks sharp and gets the job done. If you're self-conscious about your tummy, I would definitely recommend the tummy control option. Just remember, though -- that doesn't give you an excuse to skip crunches! The goal is to not need the tummy control, right?