Tips For Healthy Habits For The New Year With Athleta
Athleta sponsors this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
Over the past year, I’ve focused on sharing more about healthy aging and wellness on the blog…what it means to me and how I’m making it a priority. I know from experience how overwhelming it can feel to simply get started. But here’s the good news: building healthy fitness habits after 50 is absolutely possible! It’s never too late when you have the right tools, the right mindset, and (of course) the right wardrobe. I get most of my workout clothes from Athleta, so I’m thrilled to be partnering with them today.
Their big January sale starts today, 1/14, through 1-21, with up to 70% off plus an extra 30% off sale items. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your activewear wardrobe and set yourself up for success.
Why Athleta Is My Go-To for Activewear
Athleta has become one of my favorite brands because its designs are made with women of all ages and sizes in mind. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and—best of all—flattering.
What sets Athleta apart is not just their commitment to inclusivity and quality but also their dedication to sustainability and community. As a certified B Corporation, Athleta meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. They’re actively working to reduce their environmental impact by using recycled fabrics and supporting fair trade practices. It feels good to know that the clothes I’m wearing align with values that matter to me.
Must-Have Pieces to Shop
If you’re not sure where to start, let me share some of my top picks from Athleta’s sale. These are the versatile pieces that I know you’ll wear over and over again.
1. Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings
Athleta’s Salutation Stash High Rise Leggings are a game-changer. These 7/8th-length leggings are the perfect length for me, but if you’re taller, you may prefer the full-length version here. They provide excellent support, stay in place during workouts, and smooth everything out for a polished look. I also love that they have side pockets that don’t look bulky to hold things like your phone and keys. These come in 19 colors and prints, so you never have to feel bored with your choices.
2. In Motion Seamless Tee
I have this In Motion Seamless Tee in several colors, and it’s my favorite because it has grippers at the inner hem to prevent it from riding up when I lift my arms. You’ll also notice that it has an open-hole stitchwork that makes it breathable. This is key for when I’m in Pilates! The colors vary by season, and right now, it’s offered in 6 shades. I wear a large because I have broad shoulders.
3. Triumph Hoodie
This Triumph Hoodie is a lightweight organic cotton hoodie that goes with any and everything. It’s the one I reach for when heading out for a walk or to Pilates. It’s selling out fast, with good reason. It’s cozy, warm, and super soft with just the right amount of stretch. This comes in tall, petite, and regular sizes up to 3X.
4. Pranayama Restore Wrap
I have this Pranayama Wrap in several colors, and I often just toss one on to wear around the house. It’s soft and perfect for layering over your workout gear or adding a cozy touch to your casual outfits. It comes in 14 colors: in regular, tall, and petite. I love the thumbholes, which help keep the sleeves in place and keep your hands warm. It also has side pockets to stash things in.
5. Softluxe Top and Leggings
This Softluxe fabric has a brushed texture and is amazingly soft. I bought the Softluxe top and High-Rise Legging in the Silver Cloud Heather color, but it also comes in 3 other options. It’s a breathable, quick-drying fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin…in case you’re inclined to try hot yoga.
6. Stellar Trench
Athleta clothes are made from performance fabrics that are perfect for every day living and travel. This Stellar Trench is far more than stellar…it is outstanding! It comes in 3 colors, and I’m wearing the Mineral. It’s made from an abrasion-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, stretch fabric with a UPF 40+ (sun protection). I highly recommend this trench, and the reviews are fabulous.
It has snaps at the cuffs and secure zip pockets, plus its belt is sewn onto the side seam, so you never have to worry about losing it! The styling looks traditional with a back storm flap and there’s an elasticized shaping at the back waistline for a flattering it. This comes in three colors in regular, tall, and petite, and it will be the perfect travel trench to dress up or down.
As you know, these Brooklyn Pants are some of my favorites for travel and have an elevated look for every day.
Helpful Tips for Starting Healthy Habits
Invest in Activewear That You Feel Good in
This is a given, but comfort and style are non-negotiable for every piece of clothing in my wardrobe. The right activewear can help you feel confident and supported during your workouts—and beyond. This sale is the perfect chance to stock up on pieces that do just that!
Ease Into a Routine That Works for You
Fitness at this stage of life should be about feeling good—not about following someone else’s idea of what you should be doing. Start with gentle activities that you enjoy, and listen to your body as you build up your strength and endurance.
Make Fitness Enjoyable
Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore when you find activities that make you smile and leave you feeling uplifted. Whether it’s dancing to your favorite songs, joining a walking group, or exploring a new class, focus on movement that feels good. For me, that has become Pilates!
MORE FAVORITES FROM ATHLETA
Don’t forget, from 1/14 – 1/21, Save up to 70% off + Extra 30% off sale items.
Jennifer,
You turned me on to the Endless Pants. I have them in black and navy. I wish they came in gray. I noticed a color called Eden that I have not seen before. It looks like a cross between a blueish gray and green. Have you seen that color in person and can comment on the color?
Thanks!
I just bought the Eden color today! It’s exactly as you describe. A soft grayed blue/green.Really really pretty
Thanks Jennifer! Much appreciated
I love the reply about strength training for bone density. I was told I needed to get on medication also and the side effects are so bad I decided to take strength training classes. I really love it and I know I will stick with it. I like to wear cute outfits to feel good about my workout.
I need to start lifting some heavier weights too. And yes, cute outfits are certainly motivating!
Following an osteoporosis diagnosis 2 years ago, I set off on a mission to improve my bone density without medication. The most impactful thing I did was sign up for the 3 month ‘boot camp’ run by Kaari Prehab. I never thought I’d stick with 4 days a week of weight training (done on my own schedule virtually which made it easier), but I did and now I am trying to keep it up at 2-3 days per week. Dexa scan 4 months after I did the program and my lumbar improved 3.5%! Given it take at least 3 months to drive bone density, I’m excited to see how much further I can go. All my fellow participants said the same thing – they felt empowered and positive that change is possible, despite what many doctors will tell you. https://www.kaariprehab.com/. Also awaiting my Osteoboost belt, FDA device that studies showed slowed bone loss as well as medication. https://osteoboost.com/
Thank you for the information. I too have been dx with osteoporosis per my last Dexa scan. I have started a weight training program as I do not want to take the medications. Too many side effects. I just need encouragement to stick with it on a home program.
I do better in an environment with others around me & their energy.
Thank you for bringing Athleta to our attention. I love my wool and cashmere sweater from them that you introduced to us. Unfortunately, I no longer can do yoga due to balance issues and have been told Pilates is a no because my arthritis is affecting gripping with my hands and feet. But I do walk daily holding my husband’s hand and the dog leash with the other. She is a little Havanese and doesn’t pull on her leash at all. I like those tees and Brooklyn pants. As long as they are forgiving in the waistband. I generally have to buy a 12P to accommodate my waist which is only five inches less than my size 10P hips. That makes my jeans and pants baggy looking. I’m 80 now but still like to look nice at home and on our walks. I look a lot like you color and size but obviously I’m bigger at 5’1” and 138 lbs. I haven’t worn an 8P in years! You go girl, those Pilates are working for you!
I was attending Pilates, but fell off the schedule and dropped it – shame on me! I really enjoyed it and now I’ll take a look at what classes are offered around me. Athleta is my favorite activewear clothing, and that trench definitely interests me! Would you mind mentioning what black slip-on shoes you are wearing in your last photo with the trench? Thanks for your motivation!
They are munro suede loafers from a few years ago.
I started going to a pilates studio 3.5 years ago, twice a week. And have only missed two classes. I’m hooked. Great instructors help and I call it my physical therapy rather than exercise. 🙂 I love it. And that trench coat is tempting. Great sales price.
The instructors are so well trained in Physiology it does seem like many know more than some physical therapists I’ve visited.
Great post . I take Zumba classes, usually twice a week. I also belong to a gym and try to get there two times a week. I also walk a lot. It’s sometimes challenging to fit it in as I work full time and take care of the grandkids one or two days every week. It’s worth putting in the effort to make time for physical activity, no matter what you like to do .
I agree it is work the effort no matter what we do.
A quick comment….I started Pilates 1.5 years ago and am in love with the results both physical and psychological. I do a trio group with 2 other ladies who are in their 30s/40s (I am 72) once or twice a week and have set up a small area at home to practice (mat and Pilates sticks).
Having a couple of pair of leggings and t shirts is perfect. Would highly recommend this great environment for women (and men) restarting/starting their exercise/health focus.
2 comment this week…unheard of! 🙂
What’s stick Pilates? You’re on a roll Dianne! Keep the comments coming. I need to know about Pilates sticks.
This is a link for the equipment/video. https://peakpilates.com/accessories/pilatesstick/?srsltid=AfmBOoqp2a-tld9HS1b6JAqe02zxK5Os78HBbGSXc-FB2H1yKdiEgWxI
I have it set up using a screw eye (inserted in wall stud ) and a 5″ carabiner to attach to the foam anchor. I use it to do leg (frog, circle, scissors, helicopter) arm exercises, roll downs and so on…similar to what you would do on a Pilates springboard. I brought mine (no mat) through my instructor and did a session with her to learn how to use at home. Having it set up at home has made it easier and more fun to work out here.
That looks amazing, Dianne. Thank you!
Good morning.
Are you wearing M petite or regular in the top and bottoms?
Which too and bottom? I’ve listed the sizes right under the pictures. I’m generally larger on top because of my broad shoulders so I wear large in the tee
Hi, Jennifer. My favorite ways to exercise are swimming, walking, and ballroom dancing. Luckily, the YMCA indoor pool and treadmills are only a ten minute drive away from our house, and our living room is big enough (if we push the furniture against the walls) to dance in. My exercise clothes currently consist of Spaulding bootcut yoga pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts and one-piece bathing suits. In summer I add a full-body SPF 50 diveskin for swimming in an outdoor pool so I don’t get sunburned. I’ll check out your recommendations when I take my lunch break since some of my yoga pants are from the days when you could only get them in black. Wishing you a great week!
I love this Christine! Your dancing sounds so glorious.
Athleta has always been my go-to. Their items fit wonderfully and wash like a dream. I always tease the people who work in store; why don’t the models they use in their merchandizing ads just display the clothing with regular poses; its so hard to see how an item actually looks with the crazy postures the models assume; going into the store makes it so much easier to figure out how it will look/fit because their employees all wear Athleta.
what socks are you wearing for pilates?
I love these socks because they’re cotton and the gel grips are so good and cover the whole bottom of my foot.