Festive Fitness Fashion Hacks

'Tis the season, and it's a festive time of year for many of us!

Despite the crazy ride 2020 has taken us on, many are in good spirits with the upcoming holidays. We still have our fitness vices, after all. Even if many of our regular holiday-themed races aren't happening in real life, many are promoting virtual options. 

Granted, for some, the virtual gig has lost its appeal. At the very least, though, we can lace up, get outside and pound out a few miles in our running shoes.

...but why stop there? Why not have some festive fun in the name of fitness? After all, a few bright colors and some funky patterns never hurt anyone.

Here are a few fitness fashion hacks to consider. Who knows? They may just brighten your day as well as someone else's.

Festive legs!

Consider layering light-weight tights (or basic leggings) over fleece-lined running tights. After all, who doesn't like a little extra color or a funky pattern? Discount stores (TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target) have tons of cheap leggings, usually for less than $10. While I probably wouldn't wear these anywhere in public (some are pretty obnoxious LOL), layering them over "real" running tights suits me just fine.

Not-so-frigid arms!

Wearing arm warmers between layers on your arms works wonders. Usually, my base layer is pretty fitted (and preferably fleece-lined). A second layer over that adds more warmth, but sneaking in an additional layer (via an arm warmer, BETWEEN the layers) really ups the toasty-ness. I have several pairs of standard arm warmers, but actually my favorite hack is to wear a pair of cut-off knee-high stockings instead, especially in the winter. Just make sure to layer a bright 1/4-zip or jacket on top!

Flashy head gear!

Consider layering a fleece headband UNDER a stocking hat. Although a hat will keep your head warm, that wind can be ferocious. A little extra something underneath will make it that much warmer. This a great trick if you have a favorite holiday hat that you wish to wear frequently...layering a headband underneath will prevent a lot of perspiration from absorbing into the hat itself.

Functional warmth!

Don't overlook a puffer vest as a great option for fashion versatility! While a full jacket may offer a little more overall warmth, a vest will give you the option for added color (and/or pattern) on your arms. Remember the cut-off knee socks from above? This year, I'm going to cut some holiday stockings into arm warmers, because why not? Who says you can't layer arm warmers OVER your long sleeves? Certainly not I.

Fun lower-legs, too.

Even in Iowa, we do get an occasional "warm" day during the holiday season. You can bet I'm all about taking advantage and donning the Santa-themed stockings if given the opportunity. I have also been known to layer the stockings over my tights on the cold days.

Anyways, these are just some suggestions on upping the holiday spirit a bit. Even if we don't have many (if any) options for live races, we can still embrace the festive season and have some fun while we log our miles.

What do you have planned for holiday-season running? Do you get decked out in holiday colors or patterns for your runs or workouts? Any IRL races happening? 

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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