When I first started taking group classes regularly, I quickly realized that my favorite pair of leggings could not be washed every other day to wear to my next class. I asked around for recommendations, and lululemon was suggested to me. It was shortly after that recommendation that I purchased the nicest pair of leggings I had ever owned, and my purple printed Align leggings entered my workout legging rotation. But my bank account was quick to remind me that having a closet full of lululemon was not feasible. So it was my in my best interest to find comparable, affordable options if I wanted to expand my closet.
As someone who works from home (in athleisure wear 98% of the time) and also loves being active, I set out to find athletic gear that held up over time, supported me in all kinds of movement, and most importantly was in budget! Below are my top finds in each category, all for under $60!
As a lululemon Align fanatic, anytime I see an Instagram post talking about leggings where the influencer says, āthese are a lululemon dupeā, I immediately hit add to cart and look forward to my package arriving. (Surely, Iām not the only person who is an Instagram marketerās dream?) I recently fell into this trap when I saw a post about Paragon. I ordered a pair of their High Rise Naked Leggings and loved them the moment I put them on! The material of these leggings are almost identical to lululemon while being HALF the price. Thatās right… $50 for essentially the same fit and feel! Paragon is still newer to the activewear market, so they frequently have coupon codes offering additional percentage off on their activewear!
Similar to my preference on leggings, I love cute, sleek, fun workout tops that move well with my body, and provide good coverage. Thatās where Athletaās Conscious Crop comes in! This top is on the pricier side at $59 (hey, still under $60) but holds its color, stitching, and support even after numerous washes. Athleta offers this top in two different sizing options (A-C and D-DD) making it a top that truly works for all body types (p.s. they have the best size-inclusive marketing)! Athleta is constantly adding new colors to this tried and true top so you can usually find a color under $40.
Similar to leggings, I am always open to trying new sports bras. If the marketing targeted at me includes buzzwords like support, comfort, and versatility, I’m in. In trying various brands (both expensive and inexpensive), I always come back to my #1 ā Target. Over the past few years, Target has continued to diversify their athletic department including pieces that are meant for loungers, marathon runners, and everything in between. Target offers great medium support sports bra options which can be worn in a fitness class or day-to-day while also offering my personal favorite, high-support bra option with a zip front. The best part about Targetās sports-bra options? Almost all of them are under $25 which means you can get two and still not break $60!
If youāre currently in (or from) the Midwest, you know that there is a good portion of the year where itās absolutely freezing in the morning, with a gradual warm up throughout the day before being 80 degrees at 4pm, just for it to start getting cold again when the sun goes down. This type of weather is exactly why a good, dry fit and washable jacket is a must-have. Whether youāre an early morning, late night, or squeeze-it-in-while-youāre-already-on-the-go workout person, Old Navyās Cropped Full-Zip StretchTech jacket is it. What I love about this jacket is the quick dry material which is easy to wash and also feels breathable for when you put it on after a good sweat sesh. Plus, it comes in a few great neutral colors to choose from!
As someone with long, thick hair a good headband and scrunchie to hold my hair back make a world of difference. There is truly nothing worse than having baby hairs in your face and constantly having to redo your bun or ponytail. lululemon and Love Your Melon understood the assignment and created two of the best accessories for my friends with hair to hold back! lululemonās Light Locks Scrunchie is $14 and comes in so many cute colors. This scrunchy is great for keeping your hair in a tight bun on top of your head and also still supportive for just a pony. With the scrunchie holding back the majority of your hair, the only thing left to do is make sure the tiny hairs stay off your sweaty forehead! Love Your Melon Scrunch Headband was given to me as a gift a few years and became my absolute favorite headband to date. It does not slide, has great compression (without giving you a headache), plus it benefits a great cause when you purchase!
There are so many options when it comes to fitness gear. At the end of the day, that absolute best athletic gear that is out there is the gear that you feel your strongest, most powerful, and most comfortable in. If that gear is over $60 ā great! If youāre balling on a budget and donāt quite know where to look, check out these suggestions and give them a try ā you might just save yourself some money, or be able to get everything in at least two colors!
We’d love to hear your favorites! Drop them in the comments below.
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with š¤ by Blink
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with š¤ by Blink Wellness
Parking available in the Scheels Parking Lot.
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Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldnāt -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life.
Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.
Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters.
Christen Bakkenās yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.
We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!
Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.
Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.
Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)
If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.
We have partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel).Ā Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:
Step 1:Ā Scan the QR code located in the lot.
Step 2:Ā Select your destination (i.e. āyoga studioā).
Step 3:Ā Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.
Step 4:Ā You are all set! Have fun at class!
Please note:
The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!
This option is valid once per day per license plate.
There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.
Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. ā Sat. 12-hour max*
Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon ā Sat. 4-hour max.
All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.
*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able toĀ enterĀ our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. andĀ exitĀ it going south. Thank you for understanding!