Life

Autumn's coolest workout gear for women

Feeling inspired by the Olympics? Or want to hit the gym after a summer of too many lazy days (and ice cream sundaes)? Katie Wright sorts the sportswear that's sure to strengthen your resolve

Zakti Bra; Leggings, Groundwork Barefoot Trainers, available September 19; www.zaktiactive.com
Zakti Bra; Leggings, Groundwork Barefoot Trainers, available September 19; www.zaktiactive.com Zakti Bra; Leggings, Groundwork Barefoot Trainers, available September 19; www.zaktiactive.com

IT MIGHT be years – even decades – since your actual school days, but it's hard to shake that new-term feeling every time September rolls around, isn't it?

And that usually means reassessing our summer fitness regime – or lack thereof – and vowing to make amends.

But with heaps of high-energy classes now on offer, getting fit has never been more fun – or fashionable.

So kit up in autumn's coolest workout gear and get ready to kick ass...

THE HIIT LIST

High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, involves short bursts of cardio and strength training interspersed with painfully brief rest periods.

Whether you're at a class or using an app or YouTube video, if you're doing HIIT right, you're going to get very sweaty, so a supportive bra top, leggings or shorts and trainers are all you need.

:: Zakti Bra, £15; Leggings, £28; Groundwork Barefoot Trainers, £40 (available September 19; www.zaktiactive.com)

:: Ellesse Trevalli 2 Leggings, £25, JD Sports (www.jdsports.co.uk)

:: Nike Juvenate in Bright Crimson, £72 (www.nike.com)

GO FOR A SPIN

Inspired by the cult-like SoulCycle movement over in the US, there are now tons of static bike classes to choose from in the UK, where punishing pedal-based workouts are soundtracked by techno beats and insanely perky instructors.

As such, you can indulge all your 'athleisure' fashion fantasies in bright bike shorts, cool crop tops and slogan tees, plus you don't need to worry about footwear because clip-on cycling shoes are often included.

:: Fabletics Lauren Tank, £35; Salar Leggings, £58 (www.fabletics.co.uk)

:: We Are Handsome Cascade Performance Mesh Bike Shorts, £68 (www.wearehandsome.com)

:: Under the Same Sun Palm Crop Top, £61 (www.underthesamesun.se)

RAISE THE BARRE

Based on classic ballet poses, barre workouts are deceptively simple, as tiny, graceful movements are repeated over and over until you really feel that burn.

As you'll be focusing on strength and flexibility rather than cardio, your best bet for a barefoot barre class is a pair of high-waisted leggings and a sports bra, with a hoodie or sweatshirt to whip off once you've warmed up.

:: We Are Handsome Botanica Performace Cross Over Back Top, £68; Botanica Performance Capri, £118 (www.wearehandsome.com)

:: Alo Yoga Sunny Strappy Bra Slate Glossy, £41, and Airbrush Leggings Black/White Modernist, £70; MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote, £150, The Sports Edit (www.thesportsedit.com)

:: White Stuff Lotus Pose Seamless Bra, £25 (available end of September; www.whitestuff.com)

:: Proskins Active Women Tempest Print Compression Leggings, £29.99 (www.proskins.co)

FEEL THE BEAT

For a dance-inspired workout that's anything but graceful, unleash your inner club kid with a rave gym class, complete with disco lights and banging 90s tunes.

The brighter the better is the mantra here – think neon leggings, retro slogan tees and hi-tops (glow sticks optional).

:: NikeLab x Riccardo Tisci Top, £65, and Tights, £145 (www.nike.com)

:: Ellesse Crop Sleeveless T-Shirt, £20, JD Sports (www.jdsports.co.uk)

:: Reebok Les Mills Hayasu, £69.55 (www.reebok.co.uk)