The activewear staples I can’t live without in the summer.

The spring and summer seasons this year have been far from normal to say the least. With so many fitness studios and gyms closed or operating under very limited capacity, I have struggled to find the motivation to commit to a solid at-home workout plan. I quickly realized that I loved group fitness classes because I was motivated to show up for the instructor and everyone else I could relate to in the class. That’s when the fear set in. Do I have it in me to show up for myself? Admittedly, it took me a few months to finally feel motivated to get my body moving and get my fitness routine back on track. And that’s ok. If you’ve been in a slump during the last few months and questioning whether you should start a new workout plan, DO IT! Your mind will always come up with excuses for why you shouldn’t workout that day, but it is SO rewarding to fight past that mentality and get started.

Finding the motivation to workout at home seems like only half the battle during the hot summer months, like July and August. Recently, the weather in the D.C. area has been in the mid-90s with lots of sun all day long. Getting through an outdoor run, or even a long walk, would have been impossible without the lightweight and breathable activewear I have on repeat in the summer. I’ve rounded up the activewear items you need to beat the heat this summer and start crushing your fitness goals!

The Nike Tempo Shorts are my absolute favorite running shorts for the summer, and they are super affordable! These shorts are SO comfy and breathable that I honestly live in them all summer long, even if it’s just to run errands. There are also so many colors to choose from… I have at least 10 different pairs that I’ve purchased over the years. I wear a size small, so I’d say they run true to size.

Once I tried the Lululemon Energy Sports Bra, no other sports bra could compare. The Energy Sports Bra is incredibly supportive for C and D cups in addition to A and B cups, even during intense cardio. I’m a 34C and have struggled with finding a supportive sports bra to keep up with my love of cardio. This sports bra passed the test through hour-long spin classes and a full marathon! If your sports bras aren’t giving you the support you need, the Energy Sports Bra is the solution you need to try. Not to mention, this sports bra uses moisture-wicking fabric to keep you feeling nice and dry during even the sweatiest of workouts. I recommend sizing up with this sports bra. I wear a size 6, as it fits much more comfortably than the size 4.

Last, but certainly not least, the Zella Work For It Tank Top is a new item I added to my summer activewear rotation last year. I ended up buying this tank top in three different colors because of how soft and lightweight it is. I love that it is suitable for all types of workouts—pilates, cross-training, and cardio. When I wear this tank top on a long run in the summer, I can focus on what matters: completing a challenging workout, not worrying about overheating under the sun. Trust me—you won’t feel bothered by an outdoor workout in the summer with this tank top!