I Haven't Worked Out in Six Months—Here's the Outfit Getting Me Back to the Gym
Here's the unfortunate truth: I haven't had a steady workout routine in almost six months. In 2018, I was going to Pilates three times a week, but then some crazy personal and professional stuff happened that still hasn't let up (did I mention I published a book last month?)—and I hate to say it, but my workout routine was the first thing to get nixed off my priority list.
Now it's been literally half a year, and I know I have to get back on the horse. But something that's been holding me back (and I know this sounds like a bad excuse) is that I am so freaking bored with my current fitness wardrobe, which hasn't been updated since before I stopped exercising. It's not that easy to get new leggings and sports bras, though. That ish is expensive!
People around the office obviously talk about our sister brand Joylab—an affordable activewear line at Target—all the time, but to be perfectly honest, I was always skeptical since I've been brainwashed by capitalism to think you have to spend $100 on leggings to get a decent pair. But then, the other week, I was practically forced to finally give Joylab a chance. And I can genuinely say I was shocked by how trendy, comfortable, flattering, and durable (I did a few lunges and stretches to test) the pieces were. Now that I have a few new workout outfits, I'm actually motivated to hit the Pilates studio again—in fact, I just signed up for a five-class bundle.
Below, see the budget-friendly Joylab outfits getting me back into the swing of exercising… plus the ones I plan to add to my cart next.
I love how these high-neck long-line tank tops look on models but due to my less-then-modelly stature (I'm 5'2" on a good day) and mild distaste for that dreaded armpit fat area, I'd so far avoided them. However, I enjoyed the light gray hue and mesh detailing on this matching set so much, I decided to give it a go. After acclimating to how my body looked in this new silhouette, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I dug it.
Though the bra isn't the most supportive one in the world (shoutout fellow D cups and bigger), it is very soft and comfy. Good thing Pilates is my workout of choice, meaning chest support isn't all that important.
It helps that the leggings are very, very soft. Like, scary soft. Didn't want to take them off. I will admit I was nervous about the risk of, well, camel toe because of the light color. And to be fair, these aren't quite "camel toe–proof," if that even exists. But, hey, if a little bit of cleavage is considered cute, I guess that could be, too?
Yellow is my favorite color, but you don't often see it in fitness apparel. This sunny, lightweight, short-sleeve top is perfect to throw on for a little more coverage or warmth. I also love how you can leave the open back loose or tie it into a crop top, which is how I've been wearing it.
A cute peachy-pink workout bag to throw all my new gear in. Love the roominess and various compartments. And, of course, the absurdly low price point.
Next: The most stylish summer hair accessories.

Tie among Linda Rodin, Hari Nef, and David Bowie.
Who are your 5 favorite people to follow on Instagram?@petracollins @katiejanehughes @alwaysjudging @bonnyrebecca @hotdudesreading
What's the beauty essential you can’t live without?If I have some brow gel and Sisley's Phyto-Lip Twist, I'm good to go forever.
What's your desert island album?Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism
What's your favorite Byrdie.com story?Game of Thrones's Nathalie Emmanuel looks so achingly beautiful in our feature with her that I think it's gonna have to be that!
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