Andrea's It-List: 6 practical (and stylish) fitness staples that everyone should own
![Andrea Thompson: 6 fitness staples](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b55Xso3dVEJ3rb7gErrcNc-415-80.png)
The below is from editor-in-chief Andrea Thompson's weekly newsletter, Andrea's It-List. Subscribe here.
As someone who starts each day with a run or work out, I can confidently say I know a few things about sportswear. Over the years, I’ve tried and tested too many brands to mention and although I believe there are no hard and fast rules about what suits everyone, there are a few standout high-performance pieces I swear by to keep me motivated to get out of bed each morning for a workout, whatever the weather. A great piece of sports kit should be light, breathable, incorporate the latest tech and hopefully be so comfortable you forget all about it by the time you’re working up a sweat.
Running has been my go-to exercise since school when I ran competitively, but these days, I pepper my week with some HIIT workouts and strength training too. My love of exercise works on a daily basis to balance my stress levels and keeps my mental health in check during challenging times. Being motivated to lace up my trainers for a run or take out my mat for a home workout when I’m busy or tired is what sets me up for a productive and positive day, and having great pieces of kit I look forward to wearing is vital. Here are a few of my top picks.
SHOP MY TOP PICKS
These On Cloud trainers are the dopamine hit I need to get out for a run before work. The ultra cushioned sole with its impressive shock absorber technology make me feel like I’m literally running on air.
I’ve been a die hard fan of Bamboo clothing for years and this super smooth crossover vest is the softest item I own. The hidden support is great for medium impact workouts but it's stylish enough to wear all day.
If you’re working out regularly, it's likely you’ve got a pair of Sweaty Betty cycling shorts. I’ve tried so many brands over the years but these are the most hard working I’ve found. They’ve got extra support around the waist, never roll down or ride up and crucially have a discreet slimline pocket for my keys.
I’m one of those runners who never goes out without my cap. I love this one made with recycled shells by Adidas Stella McCartney. I’m just as likely to pair it with a cute midi dress or jeans for weekend brunches.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This week we’ve been talking BBE (Big Bag Energy) over at Marie Claire. That’s embracing all things oversized when it comes to arm candy. This season, elevated styles from Celine, The Row, Toteme, and Khaite offer the perfect combination of practicality and style. But top on my wish list right now is this iconic geometric puzzle design tote from Loewe favoured by Jennifer Lawrence, which cleverly folds flat with an origami inspired design. This is a classic investment buy I know I’ll be wearing season after season for years to come.
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Andrea Thompson is Editor in Chief at Marie Claire UK and was named by We are the City as one of the UKs top 50 trailblazers for her work championing gender equality.
Andrea has worked as a senior journalist for a range of publications over her 20 year career including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, Channel 4, Glamour and Grazia. At Marie Claire UK, Andrea oversees content, strategy and campaigns across fashion, beauty and the brand's purpose pillars. Her weekly newsletter and column Andreas It List showcases her curated edit of the very best in fashion and beauty. Andrea is a keen advocate of women's empowerment, sustainability and diversity and is a regular speaker at events on these themes. She sits on the committee of the British Society of Magazine Editors where she acts as Vice Chair and looks after Diversity and Inclusion and regularly mentors young women from under represented communities trying to break into the media industry. Follow her on instagram at @andreacanwrite
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