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Loosen up: the age of tight, restrictive gymwear is over

A new look is emerging in the fitness studio, with leggings and sports bras being replaced by yoga pants and ballet cardigans

Inside the gym or fitness studio, leggings (or cycling shorts on a hot day) have been the only show in town – most likely worn with a sports bra and a tank top. Tight clothes used to be the default signal that you had made an effort – a fitted shift dress for work, skinny jeans on a weekend – but a more generous silhouette has reclaimed top spot. Perhaps we are starting to realise that exercise is about optimising your mood and your mindset, not just the shape of your body I like to hope that this gear shift also reflects a healthier, more holistic attitude to fitness.

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