yoga clothes

When I began practicing yoga over 10 years ago, I bought a crappy inexpensive mat at a mall kiosk and wore some cheap tank top and leggings I had from my high school gym class days. I quickly realized that if you chintz out on gear, you'll pay for it in the end. My mat began to disintegrate before my eyes, and my pants, well I didn't originally buy them with a hole in the crotch. I saved my moolah and bought a Manduka Black Mat (that I've had since '99), and every year or so I invest in some quality yoga clothes. These Wunder Under Crop leggings from Lululemon cost a pretty penny at $68, but they are completely worth it. If you need a reason to splurge on some pricey knickers you're just going to sweat in, here are five.

1. You'll save money since your pants will last for years, withstanding daily wear, sweat, and numerous trips through the washing machine. Just be sure to let your clothes air dry so they last even longer.
2. You won't have to worry about embarrassing indecent exposures from seams that come undone or see-through material that lets everyone know what color your undies are.
3. The fabric is more technical so it performs well, won't stretch out, and it prevents uncomfortable chaffing and rashes. And when you're sweating during a workout, you definitely want high quality wicking material that dries fast.
4. Higher prices mean high quality, so they look better, which means you can feel good about wearing them out for a post-yoga class lunch date or grocery store run.
5. Splurging on expensive yoga clothes will inspire you to work out, meaning you will get your money's worth. Ultimately a pricey pair of capris helps you keep up with your healthy lifestyle and weight loss goals.

Although it may still be chilly or snowy in your neck of the woods, it's March, and that means Spring is not too far away. You can celebrate with some new Spring-inspired fitness gear in bright colors and uniquely fresh designs, like these from Beyond Yoga. The company sent me some pieces from its new Spring Collection: a Supplex Shirred Cami ($73) in Blue Ice, a Supplex Long Curve Jacket ($124), also in Blue Ice, and a pair of Supplex Knee Length Leggings ($66) in Graphite. My new outfit looks so adorable, and it feels so supportive and easy to move in. I was instantly inspired to exercise the minute I slipped it on.

I know these items seem pricey, but the Supplex fabric feels so much more luxurious than less expensive fitness gear. It's unbelievably soft and on the thicker side, so it's not at all see-through and is very durable. I've had clothes from Beyond Yoga for a while, and even with frequent sweat sessions and washings, the colors and material look exactly the same as the first day I wore them — really! These are the kinds of clothes you'll enjoy for years, and that makes it worth the dough. Check out the other new items in the Spring line when you read more

Yoga love has blossomed everywhere it seems, and just about everyone I know has either tried it, or practices regularly. I'm sure you know a friend or family member who has yoga coursing through her veins, so this holiday season, give her a gift to support her obsession.

A week after telling Us magazine about her battle with bulimia, Stephanie Pratt was headed to yoga, which I feel is a great form of exercise for centering oneself and calming one's mind. It looks like she likes Fila's new yoga line as well.

To see what she is wearing and if it will break the bank, just read more