Maternity workout wear to keep you moving comfortably through every trimester
Pieces that stretch but hold shape, expand but support.
Exercising when you're expecting is one way to prepare your body for what's to come – but please check with your doctor before beginning any physical activity. When you're cleared to begin, or to continue, mamas-to-be can benefit from workout clothes specifically made for pregnancy. Look for fabric that wicks away moisture and holds its shape, pieces with extra elastane for stretch, proper support for your growing belly and breasts, and design details that regulate air circulation and temperature.
Matletik Women's Flex 3/4 Foldover Leggings, $95, matletik.com
Matletik is a Montreal brand dedicated to creating athletic wear for pregnancy. The back V on the waistband helps air circulate and the soft fabric wicks away sweat while keeping its stretch. A full panel can be rolled up or down, depending on the type of support you prefer. Plus, their clothes are made in Canada!
H&M MAMA Sport Nursing Bra, $29.99, hm.com
The ideal bra for the post-natal days, as well as for when you want to get back into your fitness groove. It offers medium support for low-impact activities, hooked openings and slits for nursing pads – a special detail mamas will appreciate. But don't worry. If you do leak through, the material is quick-drying!
Gaya Fitness No Stopping Me Maternity Tank, $82, gayafitness.com
This tank was designed by running moms, for running moms – but it's great for any kind of high-impact activity. The inner bra offers tight support (they recommend going up a cup size) and soft elastic to prevent chafing, while the outer layer is loose and breathable to keep you cool.
Happy Mama Women's Nursing Hoodie, $45.98 - $165.13, amazon.ca
A cozy warm-up or post-workout hoodie is a must, but the fact that this one opens for nursing access? Genius. It also comes in eight colourways (I love having plenty of choice), and it has a front pocket. It's a piece that will last throughout pregnancy and beyond, which makes it a sound investment.
Rosie Pope Christie Maternity Leggings, $98, shopnordstrom.com
Rosie Pope makes quality, fashionable maternity clothes and these colour-blocked leggings are a stylish pick. Keep in mind these casual leggings are ideal for low-impact yoga or long walks, not running a 5k. They're a poly-spandex blend, so they can be tossed in the washer/dryer — always check cleaning labels when it comes to athletic wear
If you're a runner, or dedicated to high-impact exercise, this is the bra for you. Details include flat seaming to reduce chafing, wider straps to increase support and moisture-wicking material. It's also a nursing bra, perfect for postpartum exercise (once you get the all clear from your doctor).
Fitta Mamma Maternity Exercise Short, $45, fittamamma.com
Calling all spinning mamas! These shorts are ideal for cycling or running – long enough to cover the thighs (no chafing or riding up), with extra elasticity for stretch and a double-rolled panel for belly and back support. Thick but breathable cotton keeps you cool, while remaining opaque enough to stop any see-through shenanigans.
Motherhood Maternity's patented "Secret Fit" is one of their best-selling features, and now you can have that supportive fit in workout gear, too. These yoga pants are cut loose to increase air circulation and keep your temperature down. The full belly panel provides support throughout pregnancy.
GapFit Maternity Breathe Racerback Tank, $34.95, gapcanada.ca
This tank will become a workout staple, thanks to its breathable jersey and flat seams that prevent chafing. Belly-flattering ruching expands as you do to fit throughout your pregnancy. The "GapFit Breathe" line is made from cozy-soft jersey that still wicks away moisture – you'll want to sleep in this tank!
Nuture by Lamaze Maternity Active Capri Leggings, $19.99, walmart.ca
These cheap and cheerful leggings are the best basics you can buy for under $20. Hand wash and air dry to maintain the stretch and extend wear life. They'll come in handy post-pregnancy, too – I lived in maternity leggings after both of my children were born (the tummy doesn't disappear overnight!).