Sweaty and proud! Irish women are sharing their REAL workout selfies

Jan 21, 2016

Fitness brands might have us believe that the only acceptable workout attire is a crop top, banging neon leggings and spotlessly new runners, but one look around your local gym or running route should confirm that's not really the case.

Most of us Irish ladies fall more into the 'random t-shirt, college hoody, thermal vest and bright red face' category, but that doesn't mean we work any less hard.

Fact is, you can deadlift 40kg or kill it at a 10k run just as well in basic, comfy workout gear, as a group of Irish women are proving on social media this week.

Here @Elverys this is what training in January actually looks like https://t.co/BTLHAKPg0R #gettingfitnotlookingfit pic.twitter.com/avQCiIIZH9

— Sinead O'Carroll (@SineadOCarroll) January 20, 2016

Journalist Sinéad O'Carroll took to Twitter to share her #GettingFitNotLookingFit selfie in response to a post shared by an Irish fitness brand.

"[T]his is what training in January actually looks like," she wrote, posting a picture of herself wrapped up and ready to work out.

Sinéad's post has since sparked other women to share their own no-filter workout selfies:

Kicked off by @SineadOCarroll, here's my #gettingfitnotlookingfit pic – accessorised w/eye bags & quizzical look pic.twitter.com/aGmVzM8Dzs

— Aoife Barry (@sweetoblivion26) January 21, 2016

@SineadOCarroll @Elverys that's easy! I still haven't budged. (Didn't mention it was a furry fleece) (#noshame) pic.twitter.com/fTZ5OGp6Dm

— Fiona Hanley (@GreenClouds4) January 20, 2016

@sweetoblivion26 Loving this, went running on Monday night – looked like I was off to burgle a house #gettingfitnotlookingfit

— Rachel Hegarty (@inspiringscribe) January 21, 2016

Sinéad's original tweet even led to a pretty sound response from the brand in question:

Love this from @SineadOCarroll! No matter how you do it, do it! #CommitToFit #GettingFitNotLookingFit! #GwanSinead https://t.co/mq9KxNiHI8

— Elverys Intersport (@Elverys) January 20, 2016

We're loving this trend – here's to us red-faced, fake tan-free fitness fanatics.

Couch to 5k! 7 pieces of essential workout wear to get you started

Jan 12, 2016

by Amber Saunders

As we all know some New Year's resolutions totally fail after the first week of January. Most resolutions are fitness goals, and this year there has been a huge rise in ladies going out running.

So, whether you've kept up your resolutions or fell off the wagon a little bit, these pieces will get you right back on track. And a bonus? You'll look hot AF while working out.

A breathable t-shirt

Life Style Sports, Nike Pro Hypercool T-Shirt, €42

Leggings with the perfect stretch

Life Style Sports, Nike Tidal Capri, €52

Comfortable runners

Life Style Sports, Nike Air Zoom Fit, €120

The perfect running bra

Life Style Sports, Adidas Womens Supernova Bra, €36

Leggings to keep everything in place

Life Style Sports, Adidas Womens Three Quarter Tight, €42

The lightweight runner

Life Style Sports, Nike Womens Pegasus, €110

The trend-setting half zip

Life Style Sports, Nike Womens Pro Hyperwarm Half Zip, €62

Win! Two pairs of fierce and fabulous Fit Is An Attitude leggings

Oct 16, 2015

by Amber Saunders

**Competition Closed**

Winner: Jill Egan

Looking for a replacement for those saggy black gym leggings?

Give your workout wardrobe a revamp with Fit Is An Attitude, an Irish-owned label offering flattering and flattening workout leggings in a variety of seriously funky designs.

Fitness expert Laura Armada Buch has teamed up with Spanish designer Alba Abreu to create the range, which – aside from ensuring you'll stand out at the gym – is all made with non-see through and oh-so comfy materials.

We're giving one lucky SHEmazing! reader the chance to win two pairs of Fit Is An Attitude leggings in the styles of her choice.

To enter, head over to Instagram or Facebook.

Hate the gym, but love workout gear? These women are on to you…

Sep 23, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Whether you're a fitness addict or can't stand the sight of a treadmill, there's no denying that workout gear is seriously practical.

If you're the kind of person who would happily stroll to Tesco in their PJs, leggings and a tank top are a nice compromise – comfy, but not "I have no pride in my personal hygiene" comfy.

However, Aussie comedy group Skit Box are sick of women donning 'activewear' for everyday activities that don't involve breaking a sweat.

Lycra for a spinning class? Yes. Lycra for a coffee date? No.

With that in mind, they've penned a song, a word of warning if you will.

Described as "a video for girls who wear activewear, to do not-active things," the skit is almost enough to make us put our gym leggings away.

Ugh, but then we'd have to put on JEANS…

Workout chic: A sneak peek at the new Adidas StellaSport range

Apr 17, 2015

by Amber Saunders

With the evenings finally getting brighter and longer, there's no time like the present to get out and get active.

If you're planning on hitting the gym (or the park) to get fit in time for summer like 7 out of 10 Irish adults, you'll love the new adidas StellaSport range which is available at Life Style Sports from April 20th. The fast drying adidas Climalite fabric makes the range ideal for running – no more sweaty t-shirts.

We got a first look at some of the pieces – and they're definitely all on our spring wish list.

As well as the printed tank above (€38), here are a few other things that caught our eye…

adidas Stella Sport Stella Graphic Sweater, €55, Life Style Sports

adidas Stella Sport Capris, €42, Life Style Sports

adidas Stella Sport Stella Print Tights, €48, Life Style Sports

You’ll never guess where this gorgeous sportswear is from!

Apr 8, 2015

by Amber Saunders

If the warmer weather is motivating you to get out and get active, then it might be time to invest in some new gear, too.

Luckily for you, Aldi have just given us a sneak peek at their summer running range, and it all looks fab.

As you'd expect from Aldi, the prices are brilliantly affordable – which probably means we're going to end up buying way more than we need!

The new range hits Aldi's 114 Irish stores on Thursday April 16th, but here are a few of the pieces already on our wishlist:

Ultra Bright Summer Running T-Shirt, €8.99

Ladies' Running Jacket, €17.99

Ladies' Running Shorts, €8.99

Ladies' Premium Running Shoes, €25.99

Set your alarms for April 16th – we reckon this is all going to sell out fast…

How to look good working out – it IS possible!

Dec 31, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Red face, streaming mascara, sweat patches everywhere (and we mean everywhere)… yup, sounds like a fairly standard gym session.

But it doesn't have to be that way! While we can't stop you getting sweaty and bothered, we can at least help you look good while doing it.

With some key make-up and style tweaks, it's easier than you'd think to look like the picture of exercise elegance… until you trip and fall off the treadmill before you've even switched it on, that is.

Here are a few things we'll be stocking up on for gym sessions this year…

Hair and make-up

1. Dry shampoo
A spritz of this before you begin your workout will soak up excess oil and sweat, meaning your 'do will stay fresh and full of volume!

TreSemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, €6.49, Boots

2. Moisturising lip gloss

Keep your lips from drying out with salt and sweat by using a moisturising balm or gloss. This Clinique one is light enough for wearing during a workout and is available in a range of colours.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss, €19, Debenhams

3. Waterproof Mascara
It's recommended to keep make-up to a minimum to allow your skin to breathe at the gym, but if your eyes disappear without a slick of mascara, then opt for a waterproof version. This budget buy from Miss Sporty is perfect for stashing in your gym bag.

Miss Sporty Lash Boost Waterproof Mascara, €5.04, Boots

4. Make-up Setting Spray
If you really can't live without foundation at the gym, go for a lightweight creamy one and ensure it doesn't cake or wear off by using a make-up setting spray. This Urban Decay spray deflects shine, too.

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Make-Up Setting Spray, €29, Debenhams

Workout wear

1. A great pair of leggings
Gym pants are worth spending a little extra for – go for a pair that fits like a glove and is flattering to your shape, rather than a budget buy that you'll only have to replace again in two months time when they rip or sag. We adore these Lululemon full-length gym pants – they're super-comfy and make your legs look lean and long!

Lululemon Wonder Under Pant, €108, Lululemon (eu.lululemon.com)

2. A flattering sports bra
Compression bras aren't the only option for great support. This Nike racerback one has separate cups for a more flattering silhouette than won't leave you looking like you're wearing a straitjacket underneath your t-shirt!

Nike Pro Rival High Support Sports Bra, €47, Elverys Sports

3. A cute headband
Stay cool and keep your hair off your face with an elastic headband. Ditch the boring black and liven up your look with these glitter bands from New Look.

Two Pack Black and Blue Shimmer Headbands, €4.99, New Look

4. Bright runners
These coral pink runners will cheer up a boring gym session! Pro tip: if you can't afford brand new runners, swap out your black or white laces for a neon pair that will brighten them up without the extra cost.

Women's Nike Free 5.0, €115, Lifestyle Sports