If you’re expecting a baby and exercising regularly, well done you! As long as you feel well and have no symptoms or conditions that cause your doctors to advise against exercising, there is ample evidence that active mums to be benefit from more energetic pregnancies, easier labours and accelerated post-birth recoveries. Recent studies even suggest that babies born following active pregnancies have increased athletic ability and higher IQs, so if you’re hoping to produce a prodigy then you can start by marching your bump to the squat rack.

Remember to move mindfully as your growing bump will present a few obstacles to select exercises. If you’re not sure what is and isn’t safe, you may find clarity in this blog post summarising simple ante-natal exercise modifications.

Once you’ve equipped yourself with the knowledge you need to train your body and protect your baby, you need just one further thing to feel your best during workouts: a selection of pregnancy fitness fashion that accommodates and complements your growing bump. If you’re like me, you’ll find that a mere week’s growth can rule out yet another pair of go-to pre-pregnancy leggings or turn that beloved vest into a rather uncomely crop top.

No one wants to break a sweat over wardrobe disasters before you so much as make it to the gym, so I’m using my own style trials and tribulations to help save you time, money and frustration when shopping and dressing for your workouts. While ante-natal activewear is undoubtedly on the rise, my own experience with ‘pregnancy leggings’ from most maternity brands has proved an incessant wrestle to keep sag-prone fabric in place and a battle to source enough long-length vests to protect my dignity as poor quality fabric falls short during the ‘squat test’.

As a Sweaty Betty ambassador I’ve had the privilege of putting all their product ranges through my own pregnancy paces. I live in activewear from early morning to late evening, so while function and comfort comes first, I also refuse to compromise on style. My below edit of Sweaty Betty’s bump-friendly athleisure has served me faithfully, and I have good faith that my top picks will support you through every last rep as well as that all-important task of growing a tiny human.

First Trimester Pregnancy Fitness Fashion 

One of the first telling signs of a new pregnancy is also a game-changer when it comes to choosing appropriate workout wear: your boobs get plumper and substantially more sensitive! For me, wriggling into pull-on sports bras was not an option. SB’s Upbeat Workout Bras were my saving grace – the hook and eye and front zip ensured I felt secure enough to continue my cardio workouts, and even a little proud of my suddenly ample curves.

Most of my go-to leggings remained accessible to me throughout my first trimester, but I preferred styles with a soft adjustable waistband. The Power Leggings (in black or available in plenty of prints) were snug enough to stay up and soft enough that I could move and breathe comfortably.

I only started to show nearer the end of month three, so Athletes Vests were still my first choice layering top, but I did start to feel a little bloated and craved more forgiving cover-ups. Cosy throw-overs like the A-line Rye Knit Jumper helped me keep my little secret until I was ready to share the news – and those bold, bright colours scream confidence, so know one guessed a thing!

Second Trimester Pregnancy Fitness Fashion 

I’m so grateful there are so many prints and variations of the Contour Leggings, because they have been my absolute favourite all throughout pregnancy. The fabric is so soft and stretchy while the wide waistband sits comfortably on bump. I sized up to allow a little room for growth, but I can definitely see myself wearing these right into the birthing suite. My latest addition is the 7 A Day Print – it’s giving my autumn wardrobe such a playful pop of colour!

As fitted vests became more of a squeeze, I moved to looser tops and tees. A word of warning. Your favourite leggings of days gone by may become marginally more see-through as your bump grows, so having a little extra length in the back of your tops gives you a peace of mind at the squat rack. Both the Pacesetter and Flaunt It Vests work a treat. I’m also wearing the Pacesetter below with my Ilado maternity necklace, which contains a tiny little bell that makes a soft soothing noise baby is supposed to recognise when she joins us in January. I love this concept from Paris, and was so touched when my husband surprised me with such a thoughtful piece of jewellery!

Third Trimester Pregnancy Fitness Fashion 

I can’t quite believe it myself, but I’m already several weeks into my third trimester and I’m really enjoying dressing my bump. I’m coming to terms with my changing body and having fun accentuating my steadily growing workout companion. As a huge advocate of strength training and remaining active during pregnancy, it’s important to me that people see me excelling in my workouts. I feel a responsibility to showcase that lifting weights is an accessible and enjoyable form of exercise while expecting. If I can set an example and inspire one woman to lead a healthier pregnancy, then I’ve done something positive with my day.

For showing off my bump while moving confidently and comfortably, nothing beats a seamless option like the new oxblood Prism Leggings. Now that it’s getting colder out, I’m pairing it with the matching Reflect Seamless Top to warm up and transition in and out of the gym. As I write (after choosing my day’s outfit in the morning’s sub-zero temperatures), I’m wearing the new Drift Ski Base Layers, which are also seamless and have an equally soft and stretchy waistband that has remained comfy from morning clients through to my lunchtime dog walk (as pictured below) and now to my desk-based content work.

For more relaxed workouts, long weekend walks or the regular stretching I’m finding increasingly necessary now that third trimester stiffness is setting in, I swear by the Hatha Harems. They cocoon my tummy so it’s obvious I’m pregnant and not just full of post-brunch pancakes, but the waistband sits above bump so there is no friction around my growing middle. I will be training, practising yoga, brunching, working, napping and nesting with a plate full of Christmas leftovers in these until my bootcamp boss co-conspirator joins me in January… I’ll probably even wear them as I carry her home from the hospital!

If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, make sure to check out my profile @FitBritCollective, where I post daily pregnancy fitness tips and workout videos to keep you feeling safe, strong and confident through your unique pre and post natal wellness journey. I always welcome feedback and requests, so please don’t hesitate to comment or DM me and I’ll do my best to help! Until next time, thank you for reading and I wish you a fit, fashionable pregnancy. Brit xx

* Thank you to Sophie Keogh for taking the beautiful photographs used in this post.  

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I have some really exciting news to share. As of this week, I was officially named a Sweaty Betty Ambassador, representing the Wimbledon Village boutique. 6 months ago, I was actually working for Sweaty Betty as their in-house copywriter, so this is a brand I’ve grown to love from the inside out.

I laboured over the precise tone of key marketing campaigns, slogans to display in-store, and even the brand poem that would come to promote the Sweaty Betty lifestyle (see below).

I studied every stitch of the products in order to capture their essence and summarise all their amazing benefits for in-store and online shoppers. And I made the painstaking decision to leave Sweaty Betty headquarters only because my passion for teaching took me increasingly away from my desk. Fortunately, the separation was only temporary. As Sweaty Betty Ambassador, I now get to continue my love affair with the iconic British brand’s incredible twice-annual collections.

The next season – AW16 – is called Fire and Ice and is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. As always, it is totally different from what has come before and I cannot wait to incorporate some of my favourite pieces in my ever-expanding workout wardrobe. Until then, I just want to share a few of the reasons the role of Sweaty Betty Ambassador means so much for me.

Brit style for a Brit brand

Many people think the ‘Fit Brit’ in my brand refers to me. It actually refers to YOU – my fitness family. It refers to all the people who live in Britain or look up to the UK’s inspiring and burgeoning fitness scene. As a Collective, FBC is a brand that is defined by the people who join me for personal training, bootcamps, classes and events. That means your energy, your humour, your style and your goals are at the heart of the brand. I’ll give you the workouts, the ebooks and the advice to support your fitness journey, but only you can own that journey and create outcomes that make you proud.

Similarly, Sweaty Betty’s collections are so customisable, with tops that you can layer just as you like, leggings you can reverse according to your mood and the coolest Sports Luxe pieces that lend themselves to infinite styling. Sweaty Betty provides the pieces, but its customers create the look and bring it to life by the way they wear them and what they achieve while they’re all geared up. We’re both ever-evolving brands, created for and defined by the community. I can think of no activewear brand that makes a better fit for FBC!

Brand evolution based on innovation

Creativity is at the heart of my personal and group training services. I literally spend every commute and spare minute thinking about new exercises and new ways to put classic exercises together for bigger, better results. Likewise, Sweaty Betty has some trademark features – like their exceptional fabrics and show-stopping prints – but every season they add new twists and updates so each collection feels like a dramatic evolution of what came before. While I love to keep the body guessing, Sweaty Betty innovates by giving us year-round fashion inspiration and adding serious impact to our workout wardrobes.

Celebration of movement

I used to work closely with Sweaty Betty founder Tamara Hill-Norton when working in her head offices, and she continues to be someone I respect and idolise a great deal. Her initial inspiration for launching Sweaty Betty was to create a retail haven that embraced, enabled and celebrated women who participate in every kind of activity. You can shop for ski wear alongside yoga wear; find the perfect outfit for marathon training or a kickass bikini for playing beach volleyball on holiday. Although there is a slight tendency in the industry to lean towards aesthetics-based training, I love how Sweaty Betty holds true to its celebration of all movement and finds joy in movement itself. It’s not all about how you look or the results a particular style of exercise can deliver – it’s also about loving the exercise in the moment and the way it makes us feel.

One of many proud moments (after a Fit Brit Collective bootcamp) wearing Sweaty Betty

Professionals growing stronger together

As well as on-point customer messaging, Sweaty Betty’s immediate team of designers, marketing professionals, retail staff – plus of course their now global team of ambassadors – are collectively some of the most inspiring people with whom I’ve had the good fortune to work. In a highly competitive world, Sweaty Betty manages to lift up every individual in the pursuit of collective success. I’m already looking forward to some incredible Sweaty Betty and Fit Brit Collective collaborations, and to working together with my fellow ambassadors on Sweaty Betty’s famous Get Fit 4 Free campaigns. With mutual love and support, the world of women in sport and fitness can only become more positive, welcoming and progressive. That’s a chain reaction I can happily get behind!

Collective spirit of adventure

Insane shoot locations naturally elevate Sweaty Betty from a lot of other activewear brands, but the brand’s spirit of adventure is both internal and external. Models in the past have been dared to hold headstands on paddleboards – sometimes successfully, sometimes not. (The hair and makeup teams work exceptionally hard!). The teams organising Sweaty Betty events and campaigns are continually pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and leading by example by taking chances. There is a collective sense of ‘Why not?’ inherent to the brand and the community drawn to Sweaty Betty. And as I begin this new adventure as Sweaty Betty Ambassador, I look forward the many other thrills and discoveries around the corner. After all, we’re all in it together.

Brit xx 

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As the copywriter at Sweaty Betty, I recently wrote a blog post about how Victoria’s Secret models are paving the way for a new ideal that favours fitness over slimness on the runway. And as being fit becomes more fashionable, fitness fashion is also becoming increasingly innovative and respected.

When I first started training seriously, about 10 years ago, I would save my worn out old tees and summer shorts for my gym sessions. These days I can’t imagine being so slapdash about dressing to work out. I now have a dedicated gym drawer in which I carefully separate my full-length leggings from my capris and shorts, fitted vests from looser layers and yoga bras from high-impact bras.

My trainer collection is also pretty healthy. Classic black Nike Lunars with ample support for running. Colourful Flyknits for a lightweight gym trainer that’s fun and easy to wear. Understated ASICS with just a touch of colour so they don’t look garish on my commute to work. And two everyday options between Pumas and Converse.

But outfit building for the gym is not simply an exercise in vanity. Since working for Sweaty Betty, I increasingly appreciate the importance of choosing the right fabrics for different disciplines – those mesh-panelled run tights are going to feel itchy and uncomfortable in yoga class, while the thicker opaque fabric of yoga leggings are too insulating for your typical cardio session. Plus, having different outfits for different workouts helps focus your mind on your training goals for the day; and looking amazing is wonderful motivation at any time.

I wanted to share with you some of my current season favourites from different brands, along with some of the thinking that goes behind my shopping decisions when I want to refresh my workout wardrobe. You’ll notice a fair number of Sweaty Betty pieces, and this is because I know the products inside out and can genuinely vouch for their quality. But I’ve also incorporated a number of other popular brands to show how you can build practical and beautiful workout looks under every budget and wherever you are in the world.

Best for standout studio style

For studio workouts like dance, yoga and Pilates, my go-to look is printed leggings with a colour pop bra beneath a sheer t-shirt. Studio workouts are usually really sociable and I always feel upbeat wearing a bold print. It’s also important to be able to move freely and to see your body’s movements, so I find a sheer relaxed-fit tee is a great compromise between comfort and perfect alignment. And when I need extra grip for barre or reformer workouts, I complete the look with these playful Toe Sox. 

Best for all-day wear

My favourite weekend activity entails taking a class with a friend, then rewarding ourselves with a really nice brunch. I’ve finally mastered the art of dressing for both the studio and the street, and the solution is black leggings with knitted layers. Sweaty Betty’s Level Leggings are hands down the best black leggings I’ve ever worn – super comfortable and sweat-wicking so they don’t feel sticky after a workout, and more flattering than my favourite blue jeans. I’ll wear a simple vest like this one from H&M, with a complementary low or high impact sports bra. Finally, I throw on a more luxurious post-workout cover-up like this Ballet Beautiful Wrap Top. Then I march for my meal in beautiful trainers – New Balance are on the rise since their US collaboration with Kate Spade. 

Best for discreetly covering up

Whether you’re feeling bloated, under the weather (or, perhaps, a tad hungover), the right styling gives you a little extra coverage without giving the game away. My favourite trick is harem pants over printed leggings, and an A-line top that just skims the waistband (this gorgeous one from Blake Lively’s brand Live the Process is ultra forgiving; it does have a built-in bra but I recommend getting extra support from this strappy padded bra by London-based Striders Edge). The double-layered approach to the bottom half feels really cosy and looks just daring enough to be deliberate, and an A-line vest is still a little feminine and sexy but ideal for concealing the midsection.

Best for showing off

Now for the polar opposite. When I’m feeling particularly confident (and all my plank variations have paid off), I always find it fun to show a hint of midriff with a really stylish crop top. I spotted this block marl design by Live the Process on Net-A-Porter and immediately added it to my wishlist. Generally, when I’m baring more skin, I strip back the colours to keep the look understated. These Lexie Sport shorts with the metallic panels would be the dream – especially with this silver Onzie bra to cement the theme. However, there’s always room for a little bit of colour on my feet – these US-only Flyknit Zoom Agility Trainers are calling out to me. 

Best for workout motivation

When buying new workout clothes, I try to strike a balance between feeling really amazing and also recognising that workout clothes are for sweating in. This pretty top from GapFit is affordable and sensible, so I won’t mind accumulating sweat patches. In fact, the die hard inside me can’t wait to turn it from light to dark grey with a killer HIIT session.

For the performance factor, compression leggings that boost circulation and also sculpt the legs into beautifully toned limbs are a no-brainer. I love these ones from Sweaty Betty for their subtle pop of blue! It’s also an absolute priority to feel supported by your bra. Racerbacks are a safe option because they give great support and don’t detract from your range of motion. This discreetly printed one by Body Science is designed in Australia, so I also like the idea of imagining Sydney Harbour while I train. And last but not least, these do-it-all triathlon-inspired ASICS are brighter than the sun, so you really have no choice but to wake up and work out. 

This week marks the beginning of October. It’s now officially autumn and the word Christmas is once again on everyone’s lips as hushed whispers set out holiday plans and ruminate over wish lists. In the spirit of our most desire-driven season, I’ve decided to start a new monthly series called ‘Most wanted’.

Each new month I’ll give you a look into the most materialistic corners of my mind. What compression leggings am I prepared to work overtime for? Which leather gym bag has caught my eye in the recent onslaught of sporty accessories? What powders, supplements and kitchen tools do I hope will keep my health on track over the winter months? Well, one shouldn’t be too greedy. Let’s start there…

No Jiggle

Former InStyle Fashion Editor Sarah Statman has recently launched her new sportswear range with the aim of delivering quality performance wear that transitions through various looks to last the day – all while enhancing your natural curves. The piece I’m most keen to get my hands on is the glute-sculpting Fifi leggings. I predict that heart shaped detailing on the bottom will inspire a #BelfieBritain Instagram craze.

GymTote

It’s pretty enough to secure some prime real estate in Vogue and it also conceals several hidden compartments perfect for stowing your gym kit, trainers and water bottle. I’d carry the Eva bag by GymTote to meetings, dinners and gym dates with equal pride.

PhD Woman

I’m fresh out of protein powder and keen to stock up on one that has a whey with women. PhD’s Support and Recovery range is specifically designed to meet women’s nutritional needs during a tough training regime. It’s at the top of my list because the ingredients list is simple, it’s light enough to drink after a workout and contains no added caffeine to keep me awake at night. Plus, you’re still encouraged to consume all your meals as usual – liquid food substitutes have never appealed to me!

Nutribullet

Before I go and contradict myself, I should clarify that the only time I enjoy a drinkable meal is in the morning when I’m too busy for a sit-down breakfast. I currently have my eye on the much talked about Nutribullet. But my wish is not entirely selfish…

If I can pinpoint my one major bugbear with the fitness industry, it’s the mixed messaging surrounding juicing. Are liquidised fruit and veg a healthy vitamin blast or a surefire way to increase your risk of diabetes through repeated blood sugar spikes? The right recipes can deliver superb vitamins, proteins and fibre – but throw in too much sugar-laden fruit and the benefits dwindle. I’d use a Nutribullet to help set the par for healthy smoothie practice.

What hot health and fitness products have recently stood out to you? Leave a comment to share. Who knows? Santa could be reading…

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A refreshing way to shop

The concept is really clever. You fill in a quick lifestyle survey that tells Fabletics all about your personal style and your favourite forms of exercise. Then, each month, Kate Hudson pulls together personalised outfits to suit every type of fitness persona – the yogi, the runner, the weekend warrior, the gym bunny and so on. If you buy a complete outfit, you save a hefty 40% off the total price of the products.

Back to black

Since my workout wardrobe already resembles a raver’s paradise, I lingered over several pairs of graphic leggings before deciding to go back to basics with an all-black ensemble. But it turns out the Seychelles full-length leggings and vest top duo is far from your typical gym apparel. The subtle diagonal sheer panels you see in the product shots of the leggings are even more eye-catching in reality. And – as   someone who is far prouder of her toned deltoids than her (minimal) chest – the mesh back on the vest is right up my street.

Seasonal suitability

Fabletics uses top quality polyester, which is soft on the skin yet stretchy enough to hug all those good curves and conveniently compress the ones you’d rather conceal.  I went for a size 8 in the leggings and they were a little tricky to pull on at first, but the flattering fit was worth the effort. While a little warm for Britain’s current heatwave, the vest is equally comfortable and I’m sure I’ll get a lot of wear out of it this winter. And with a flash of a fluro sports bra beneath, it’s a top that’s just sexy enough to ramp up your pre-workout excitement.

Putting it through the paces

So far I’ve tested the outfit in Hatha Yoga, on a run, during a tough weights circuit and even while tottering between trees at Go Ape on a Chester hen do! Both the top and bottom stayed put during my yoga flow sequence and kept me from jiggling about during sprints, plyometric exercises and Tarzan swings. At all times I felt classy – no fear that my knickers were exposed through the genuinely opaque fabric. Fabletics should probably be endorsing me for the free promotion with all the referrals I’ve sent their way, but I’m happy to enlighten more women to the increasingly creative world of female workout wear.

Get yours today

By the way, when you refer your friends to Fabletics, you also get £10 towards your next outfit. Beautiful clothing by an inspirational celebrity and an unbeatable rewards scheme – what’s not to love?

Take a trip to the Seychelles now, shop the top in the Cayman or rock the Rocha leggings on their own.

*In these photos, I’m wearing the Rocha leggings with a lace racer back vest from Forever 21.