Best department store fitness clothes

How do you feel when you put on your exercise clothes? Comfortable? Confident? Ready to sweat it out? If not, it’s time to get some new duds—because when you feel good, you perform well and work hard. But when athletic apparel—especially the brand-name stuff—can be almost shockingly expensive, it’s easy to just keep trudging through the miles in that old company tee.

Well, it’s time to throw that thing out. The big-box stores that America hates to love have taken note that the public is getting active—and they’ve amped up their fitness wear selections in stride, with some stores even designing their own labels or partnering with top brands.

We checked out dozens of customer reviews from across the country, did some in-house testing of our own, and compared the price, performance and style of big-box fitness brands. And what did we find? That while some fell flat, our favorite big-box stores delivered when it mattered. Does your go-to make the cut?

#3 JCPenney
Last year, Penney’s launched its own, private brand of performance wear that claimed to deliver “style and quality at a smart price.” And that’s exactly what happened. Xersion, available for men, women and kids, nails the basics—decent quality, good colors, fantastic price. And it's available right alongside your favorite pair of mom jeans.

Men's Xersion Core Running T-Shirt
Just like its women’s counterpart, this is your basic exercise shirt—done right. One reviewer raved about the cut especially, declaring that with this version, they finally hit the nail on the head.$20; jcpenney.com

#2 Walmart
Paper towels may be the first thing that you think to buy at Walmart, but these days active wear should be a close second. Partnering with Danskin, the designer fitness brand, Walmart introduced Danskin Now—high-quality, fashion-friendly, holy-crap-that’s-affordable active wear for women that needs to be tried to be believed.

Danskin Now Women’s Seamless Sports Bras, 2-Pack

Seamless sports bras are fantastic for low-impact activities—hiking, biking, climbing, yoga—and should be in every woman's dresser. And sure, you could opt for the $20 per pair option available most places. But at Walmart, pick up a two-pack (I repeat: TWO-PACK!) for $10. Same quality, same support, same style—better price.
$10; walmart.com

Danskin Now Women’s Dri-More Leggings

The little black legging has become as much of a staple as the little black dress—but a good pair can run you nearly the same price. Cue Danskin Now. While the fabric isn’t as high-tech as your pair of Lucy’s (it’s cotton, spandex), these leggings have gotten more than 500 five-stars reviews from women of all ages on Walmart.com, with owners raving about their quality and durability, comfort and flattering fit.
$8; walmart.com

#1 Target
Is anyone surprised? The big-box favorite is partnered with Champion—a time-trusted fitness brand that’s known for delivering on its quality, durability and price point. With options that start at swimwear and underwear and layer up until you’re ready to pound the pavement, Target is the ultimate one-stop shopping destination to get in shape—and take down your entire shopping list at the same time.

C9 by Champion Women's New High Impact Bra

A serious, high-impact sports bra is hard to find for cheap—especially if you’re, ahem, well endowed. But with a back enclosure, supported adjustable straps and modesty padding (to name only a few features), Champion’s new High Impact Bra gets the highest marks from its wearers (many of whom rock Ds or larger).
$22; target.com

C9 by Champion Men's Performance Boxer Brief

Athletic underwear may feel like a luxury—but it shouldn’t. Champion delivers on soft-to-the-touch, moisture-wicking briefs that keep their shape and keep you supported.
$10; target.com

C9 by Champion Women's Premium Run Short
“These are better than Lululemon shorts!” reviewers everywhere rave. In assorted colors, with built-in running underwear and a back zippered pocket, there’s no reason
not to pick up a pair…or four.
$25; target.com

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Sneaky stomach exercises

When you're in the car
Tighten and release abs repeatedly at red lights. It's the ab equivalent of Kegels: a little move that yields results almost without your noticing.

When you're at your desk
Give belly pooch the pink slip with Pilates breathing: Gently suck in your gut as if you were buttoning a tight pair of jeans. Then breathe without allowing your abs to relax. Do this for 30 seconds. Repeat five times, advises Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn University.

While you're working out
On the elliptical or treadmill, keep your back straight, head forward and abs tight. Perfect posture will target your tummy as you sizzle calories.

While you're walking
Fido Brace against leash tugging and banish your belly: Keeping torso upright with shoulders back, engage abs for five strides; relax them for five strides. Repeat until you're back at your front door, says Torri Shack, a trainer in Los Angeles. Check out your (bow) wow abs!

When you're in bed
Count on compliments, not sheep, with this mattress move: Place palms right below belly button. Exhale and allow stomach to expand. Then inhale, pulling belly button toward spine, drawing abdomen toward the box spring. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat four times.

When you're lifting weights
Sit up straight! Slouching not only makes you look up to 10 pounds heavier, but it can also weaken ab muscles--undoing all those hours spent sculpting your abs in plank position. Keep your core activated and engaged anytime you're sitting down, by keeping your back straight and your shoulders back.

Two inches off, no moves needed!
Picking up your pace in any cardio session can streamline your midsection, according to researchers from the University of Virginia. Women who added three 20-minute high-intensity jogs or walks to their weekly walking routine lost an average of 2 inches from their waist over four months; those who stuck with less intense strolls lost only half an inch. Stepping up your sessions may release more fat-burning hormones, helping you trim faster.

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