Getting my fitness on

Fun fact about me... I work part-time as a fitness instructor in addition to my full-time teaching job. And despite my affinity for fashion, my workout wardrobe is quite lacking. I've had the same four (identical) pairs of Nike boot cut pants for over five years now. I've had Old Navy tanks from well, who knows how long. One short sleeved blue Puma shirt and well, that's pretty much what I am working with!

This year I made a New Year's resolution to take more classes as a STUDENT. This is often a luxury because when you are teaching classes 5 days a week you are more concerned with your class than yourself. This year I made a life-changing decision to take reformer Pilates classes. I can only afford weekly classes but I wanted more so I eventually started supplementing my work outs with Pilates DVDs at home.

So basically, I spend a good chunk of my week exercising in old exercise clothing. It's funny how I am willing to spend oodles of money on a skirt that I will wear once or twice a season, but will be super cheap about workout clothes!  I decided it was time to get some affordable new workout clothes.  I couldn't have picked a better time!

I bought two pairs of these Old Navy compression pant capris on sale today during the store's 40-percent off "stuff and save" sale. I'm pretty happy with the performance-type quality. I don't expect them to last as many years as, say Lululemon pants, but I figure I have a good year to wear them. At $16 each, I am not complaining.  Oh, and I purchased the capris because I am 5'3 and the leggings pants were made for females who are 5'8. I refuse to spend $20 to get the pants hemmed, so capris win!

While at Old Navy, I also bought their fitted active jacket in Heather Gray. It reminded me a lot of the gray/black Lululemon jacket from last year that I missed out on. Oh, and it has thumb holes! I think this jacket has excellent material and will last a while. Only $20 after discounts!

Gap Body is also having a cardholder promotion this week -- 30 off store-wide and a "must have" promotion on select items. I bought three pairs of G-Fit capris. I admit that I like these better than Old Navy's and suspect that they might last longer. Of course I am biased that Gap is a better store than Old Navy. Time will tell.

I also bought these cycling shorts for about $12 and some tanks for under $10 each.  Great wicking material. Unfortunately the tanks I bought are sold out online and no photo is available.

Later, I made my way to TJ Maxx and picked up two braided racerback tanks by Marika. Many bloggers have expressed that this is one of the better brands to buy at TJ Maxx and I can see why. The tanks are high quality and fit well. Only $9.99 each

Lastly, the final addition was a long awaited purchase. I bought a Lululemon "Street to Studio" jacket in black. Now you could probably find a similar version of this item elsewhere for less I nearly bought everything else for the same price but this was me "treating" myself to the good stuff. It is a very versatile jacket because it is black, has a hood and is fleece lined. I hope to wear it for many years. If the quality is what people say it is, I will be back for another purchase down the road.

So -- what are your thoughts on these brands and the deals? What brands do you like most for exercise clothing? How often do you replace your workout gear?