pants: an exercise in futility

It’s 2011 and time to walk the walk. Literally.

But I have a dickens of a time (do people still use that phrase?) finding workout pants that really fit. I’m partial to a nice, modern bootcut…but many of those tend to cling unflatteringly to my thighs. When I choose a looser fit, I get the old gap-at-the-waist problem. Years ago, though, I hit the jackpot with a pant made by Nike: They’re black with a Bazooka-pink stripe down the side of each leg; loose-fitting nylon fabric; and—favorite part—they have a front zip. They’re almost threadbare by now, and I’m afraid I’m known at the gym as the girl in the black pants with the pink stripes. Sadly, I’ve never found another pair in the stores. Even tried eBay.  Nada. Zip. (Nor, front zip.)

Lots of people recommend Lululemon to me. I’ll admit they are beautifully made and the selection is staggering…but I just can’t bring myself to purchase $98 workout pants. At that price, I’m thinking they should come with a personal trainer.

So I was happy when the Gap (www.gap.com) launched their BodyFit line, full of well-cut workout wear–including decent-fitting black pants, called gflex–that are half the price of the luxury Lululemon’s. I was even happier when I found a pair of Champion C9’s “Women’s Fitted Stretch Pants” at Target (www.target.com) that do the job equally well—for just $24.99. I bought two pair.

Certainly not a lemon--Target's $24.99 pant.

 

Now, if only I could get those pants to the gym more often….Any suggestions?