I first walked into Lululemon the day of our St. Patty's 5k since the shop is downtown and we were waiting for the parade to start. Of course I wanted to peek in and see what all the rave was about. Well, between the awesome gals that work in our Colorado Springs shop, the fact that their dogs were just walking around the store also greeting everyone that came in, and the nice products, I was sold.
It is rare that I pay full price for anything, so of course I has happy to find out that they were having a sale on all products that were green/have even a little accent of green for St. Patty's Day. They also offer a 15% military discount in our local shop, so it was a good deal. I got a pair of the Run Inspire Crops, their best selling running capris along with a Swiftly Tech Racerback. I love both and since then my little collection has grown to 3 pairs of run inspire crops, 2 swiftly tech racerback tanks, 2 sports bras, 1 short sleeve swiftly top and 1 long sleeve swiftly top (all purchased on sale or were gifts, thanks to my awesome husband and momma).
I have heard about Athleta and knew they were the main Lululemon competitor. From their quality of clothing, to their similar business model of offering free classes in their shops and allowing you to bring in your furry friends. However, we do not currently have an Athleta shop in the springs (though I hear one might be opening up here next year), so I never got a chance to check them out. Until this past Monday, when I got an email that they were offering free 2-day shipping.
I thought I would check out what they had to offer, and found a pair of crops (Relay Capri) and a long sleeve top (Fast Track Top) and popped them in my virtual shopping bag. Sure enough, they arrived yesterday afternoon, so I was excited to try them out on my run this morning!
The verdict: split down the middle!
I think I might like the Athleta Relay Capri a little better, though I still love my Run Inspires. They did not ride down at all during my run, I feel that they have a little more compression, and they have nice reflective strips on the hips and back of the calves. Both have a good sized zipper pocket on the waist in the back and vents behind the knees. They are also less expensive, usually $69 (I got mine for $34), compared the Run Inspires that go for $86.
Regarding the top, I like aspects of the Fast Track Top, but think I am still more of a fan of the Swiftly Long Sleeve. The Fast Track and Swiftly lines are both made from their own version of anti-stink fabric, which means even when you are super sweaty, you don't smell it. The Fast Track has grippers at the hem so it doesn't ride up, along with nice thumb holes. But, the Swiftly is softer, has longer sleeves (for us girls with long arms) and moves better (I felt like my range of motion was a little restricted in the Fast Track top).
Overall, I am a fan of both, now I just have to be on the hunt for a good sale at either, because finding a great sale is half the fun, right?!?!
What is your go to fitness brand?
Do you care more about the price or what you are getting for that price?
I have an obsession with Under Armour, they are the best brand so far that I have found. At least for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It seems like you know a lot about fitness clothing. Can you tell me from where can I buy Designer Leggings? I want something that can be worn inside the gym and outside as well. I think there are a lot of people like me who like staying comfortable all the time.
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