Burnt Up.

I gotta get me to the gym.  I have been uncharacteristically lax over the past few months, and it’s no bueno.  Part of it is because I canceled my gym subscription because (a) we moved; (b) it was warmer and I was running outside; and (c) my gym (FFC in Lincoln Park) was shady and kept randomly hiking the prices and, when I would complain, would inform me that I hadn’t read my contract closely enough.  Apparently the contract affords them the right to  adjust their prices whenever they want.  Shame on me for not reading the contract more carefully, but what kind of business is that?!  I’d much rather pay one up-front fee or be alerted to the fee increase schedule.  It’s not that I don’t have the money — I just think it’s a rude and shady way to do business.  I feel like they rely on folks not looking at their credit card bills and/or being too lazy to call and object and/or being strong-armed.

But now it’s -2398 degrees outside, I have no gym, and the temporary glow of “sticking it to the man” by canceling my subscription (take that! ha!) has faded into a dull memory.  And the gluttony of the holiday season is catching up to me.  And we’re just now heading into the depths of Chicago winterdom, with awards season in full gear (many nights of champagne and treats with my besties here in Chiberia).

So, I’m on the hunt for a new gym in my new ‘hood, and maybe also some new gear to get me into the mood.  Top of my list: some slick sporty shades (Oakley, $160), a mesh racerback tank ($34 — love love love the geometric printed one), and these RAD Nike running tights ($60):

Also, for those in sub-zero climates, I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the line Hot Chillys.  Check out these warm leggings.  Someone was just telling me how amazing these Nike no-show socks are ($8 for 2) — apparently they never slip under your heel.  Need.  I may also need this weighted rope ($15).  I used to be pret-ty good at skipping rope back in the day.  P.S. Do children still jump rope in schoolyards before class, or is that, like, a thing of the 80s and prior?

Also, I like the idea of tucking into a gym with a black leather or canvas cap — you know, so the paparazzi don’t catch me.  And I don’t actually spin, so I can’t wear this without feeling like a poser, but I love all of the SoulCycle gear, including this tank ($52) — also check out this bad-ass one with gold foil.  I got my little sis one of these, since she actually does spin at SoulCycle regularly.  I also got her a pair of PRISMSport leggings, and I want a pair as well.  I like these borderline tacky space-age print ones and these Missoni-esque ones, too.  At any rate, pair it all with some Nike booty shorts ($50)

These Flex Runs will get the job done ($80) — I love Nikes for running shoes.  They are so lightweight.

I also like plain black with the simple white swoosh — a classic that says: “I’m serious about working out.  Also, I might live in Manhattan.”  And, for my yogis out there, how about this funky patterned mat ($48)?!  How chic!

Finally, for any tennis stars, this racket bag is fabuloso (Monreal, on sale for $350).