As summer solstice just passed, there is only one more indication that it’s summer: it’s time to put on a bikini and head to the beach/pool.

There’s usually anxiety surrounding your first time each year in a bikini, meaning it’s time to hit the gym (if you haven’t already started.)  While you may dread going to the gym even more than putting on a swimsuit, there are so many fun ways to get into shape now that it’s warm out.  There’s hooping, tennis (with the best clothes EVER!), soccer, jogging, rollerblading and much, much more.

And what better way to encourage yourself to get active then with a set of new gym clothes!

Workout clothes have gotten a serious face-lift these past few years giving you a million sexy/cute/functional items to choose from. So toss out your uninspiring, oversized sweats and the t-shirt you stole from a one-night stand and pick up some clothes that are both cute and made for exercise. There are different styles for every activity, as well as special styles to soak up your sweat and keep you as comfortable as possible during your ball-busting workout. So choose your activity and dress the part as you prepare to bare your favorite bikini this year.

And you gotta fit the gym in there somewhere.

I know, it’s always the first thing to go when things start getting busy, but it shouldn’t be! Working out regularly will keep you fit (obvi), and also help ease the stress and give you that much needed energy to get through those 16 credits, rush meetings, group projects and everything else you need to get through before Friday.

If that’s not enough to motivate you, perhaps some cute clothes will do? It’s obviously not easy to pull yourself out of bed and trek to the gym when you look (and therefore feel) like crap. Those baggy sweats and dirty t-shirts aren’t doing anyone any favors, especially you. And with all the super cute workout-wear that’s out there right now (in every. single. price point), there’s no reason to look drab for the gym. If you’re super busy, you can pile this stuff on before class and sneak in a workout during lunch; the clothes are so cute, no one would ever know. And if you’re just lazy, having cute and trendy pieces around will make you feel better and motivate you to get your butt moving. (It really works!)

If you need a kick in the (yoga) pants to get back to the gym, I’ve got 16 right here for ya. Enjoy.

So summer is half over.  Sad, I know. Before you know it you will be back at school for a week of activities.  And by activities, I obviously mean a week-long drink fest. Ah, the joys of welcome week. Only the best week of life that comes around once a year for four years. And of course you want to look your very best for your return to school before it all gets traded in for late night pizza runs.

The good news is its not too late to get moving.  And what’s more motivating than knowing you look damn good in your workout clothes? Nothing. Well, maybe that cute guy in the gym who will be seeing you in said cute workout clothes.  Sure you may be SO sweaty that your shirt looks like you just entered a wet t-shirt contest- but hey, at least it’s cute. And now, cheap as well.

Tops
Colorful, sweat absorbent, and most importantly you can still wear a workout bra with it, because we all know the feeling of holding on to your girls for dear life  when your top is not supportive enough (or is that just me?).

Bottoms
These will not only make your butt look cute, but they won’t ride down when you run (or sashay across the gym).