TEE - STICKER MAN (designed by MY WITTY former BOSS lynda michielutti!)

The other day, my brother-in-law said something I hadn’t heard during the pandemic. He announced that he had lost weight since resting in place. Lost weight?? In our house, we’ve decided our scale must be broken and our pants have shrunk in the wash. I felt a mixture of awe and envy.

If you, like us, are fighting the ‘quarantine 15,’ know that we are not alone. Chipotle has launched ‘lifestyle bowls’ for those who’ve fallen off the well-being wagon. UVA is offering healthy recipes using pantry and freezer staples. And Huntington, Long Island is putting its 200,000 residents on a diet.

Clearly, some of us need inspiration. And one place we can look is our closets. Afterall, if we look the part, maybe we’ll act it too! Here are five steps to building a winning workout-from-home wardrobe.

1. Strength training styles that are strong on SS2020 trends

crop tights - athleta, running shoes - adidas ORIGINALS

Spring-summer 2020 is a riot of color – and so are the season’s workout clothes. Flame scarlet, coral pink, saffron yellow, periwinkle blue and Biscay green are all ours for the taking, in spandex as well as in suiting, so why not select a shade that will make you look and feel energetic? Strength workouts, where airflow is welcome, are a great place to combine color with two of SS2020’s other trends – crop cuts and mesh. Pop a complementary sports bra underneath and a pair of sleek tights below and hopefully you’ll feel ready for wherever YouTube, Instagram or your own inspiration may take you.

2. Yoga outfits that keep your mind on your practice

LONGLINE BRA - LULULEMON, TIGHTS - athleta

In yoga we’re supposed to focus on our breath, not on our clothes. Thank goodness this season’s styles are here to help. High waists let us forward fold, downward dog and invert without flashing our families. Plus, they make crop tops a viable option for those of us whose waistlines are ‘experienced.’ Take your pick of longline bras or tops with built-in support and tights with a variety of details. Even black leggings look anything but basic with a slash of mesh, a panel or lace or an oh so of-the-moment shine finish. There, now you’re ready for Yoga with Adriene or with your kids or with MJYogi (my instructor) - or with whomever floats your boat pose.

3. Barre wear that won’t let you drop the ball

leggins and tank - athleta. ankle weights - bala bangles

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When I started Barre as a pregnancy workout, I wore my typical knee-length crop tights. Little did I realize that bare (and sweaty) calves pretty much ensure you’ll literally drop the ball! Barre can involve all sorts of accessories – bender balls behind our knees, weights strapped to our ankles, resistance bands around our thighs – all of which make longer pants a good idea. Happily, spring offers a bouquet of full- and 7/8-length leggings. If you’ve got the legs, self-love, and quiescent sweat glands, bright colored-bottoms are on-trend option. If not, you can get still make a statement with animal, tie-die, camo or other trending prints.

4. Dance duds to help you get into the groove

The other day, I was absorbed in a Nia class (a sort of dance meets martial arts meets yoga) when I caught a glimpse of my husband. I was so embarrassed at my exuberant leaping I crashed down and rolled an ankle - quickly proving self-consciousness and dance do not mix! Other than banishing family members, you can help yourself feel at ease while you split leap, step ball change or chasse by dancing to the beat of your own style drum. Designers have risen to dance’s anything goes vibe with all sorts of individualist options - everything from Fame-era asymetrical tops to pants a la MC Hammer. Let’s get it started!

5. Running and walking gear that’ll get you going

jacket - lululemon, tank - athleta, bermuda shorts - anatomie, shoes - onitsuka tiger

Running and walking are some of the easiest ways to workout while in quarantine – which is how my brother-in-law came to lose weight. But sometimes we still need a push out the door! The right pair of shoes is a good place to start, since footwear can literally put a spring in our step. I find the bounciness and comfyness of Hoka hard to beat - although few people would love this brand for its looks! Addidas Ultraboost, Nike Pegasus and New Balance 1080v10 are highly rated running options that look a little sharper. For lower-impact walks, you could hop on the retro trend. New Balance dad sneakers, Converse Chuck Taylors and classic Nikes are all insta-worthy, according to whowhatwear.com.

Whatever you choose, I hope it helps you feel ready to combat the ‘quarantine 15’ – or just get to feel your fittest, most fabulous self. Happy trails (or squats or leaps or lunges))!