Bring your style A-game

I have been completely neglecting my workout gear of late. Off I go to the gym in what can only be described as gym rags.

I don’t know if anyone else does this, but I will go through stages of having some nice workout pieces, look and feel fab whilst working out and then suddenly everything just looks so shabby.

I only notice when I'm in a pilates class and everyone is bringing their style A-game. I always feel better when I have a nice workout look on so it makes sense that I would try and do this all the time.

Dare I say the right outfit has me skipping into my favourite classes; well that might be a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean.

There’s some gorgeous sportswear out there at the moment and from many Irish brands so I have no excuse not to replenish the workout wardrobe. Final Bend, a great Cork brand founded by Emma Coffey, has just launched a new collection called Between Tides which marks a new direction for the brand.

Launched this month, the collection includes a double-layered sports bra with a baby blue and navy striped inner layer, paired with navy leggings featuring pockets and a minimal embroidered logo. A matching striped toiletry bag and an oversized fleece with contrast piping and hidden zip pockets complete the collection.

The campaign was shot in the stunning Ballymore House and Gardens in Cobh which is high on my places to visit this year.Another stand out piece from Final Bend is the jewel green Apres Ski knit and it would perfectly slot into your everyday wardrobe or be a cosy added layer for those early morning walks.

There are two things that must be absolutely right and fitting well when it comes to gym gear and that is sports bras and leggings.

They are non-negotiables and items I need to have fitting me perfectly and that I know I can do my class without the worry and annoyance of a waistband slipping down or a boob escaping.

There is nothing worse than fixing your leggings constantly and not being able to focus on the task in hand. For me things need to be tried out and tested in the fitting room and there is no way that I could just pick up some bits in the shop and not try them on.

I also have a very short leg, so I am always thrilled when I see a shorter leg length.

Queen B Athletics and Gym Grow Gain are also go-to places for me when it comes to leggings as the quality is top tier. They always pass the squat test and I know they aren’t see through nor are they going to drive me mad with waistband roll down.

While I also love a high waistband, sometimes brands can go too far. I once bought a pair of gym leggings without trying them on and the waistband was so high and the elastic so thick it nearly cut off my circulation and created an intense roll over the top. Needless to say, that was not a good look.

A sports bra must also be that bit tighter than a normal bra so as to hold everything in place, but it also needs to be comfortable so again trying on a number of different brands and styles is imperative.

With the right gear you can totally fake it till you make it at the gym.