JUST BREATHE

From down dogging in Union Square to running around in circles in Prospect Park, we’re taking advantage of the (finally) dried skies, no matter the frizz factor. Still, we’re not gonna put up with yellow stains or suffocating fabrics. SDC’s resident fashionista, Jessica Lerew, investigated breathable workout options that span the Skinny Steal VS. Dip Deeper price spectrum and all the sports in between, so we’ll never have to question keeping our arms up while we hula-hoop.

Cruising downhill with the wind whipping against our faces is just fan-tastic until we come to an abrupt stop at the foot of Central Park’s monstrous Harlem Hill. You’ll keep going when you’re wearing one of these shirts which have you covered (but not too much).

SKINNY: $60 Hot orange, but as cool as our favorite empire waist shirts that give us ample room to move no matter what we eat, the wide front straps on Schrader by Terry’s cycling shirt have an integrated support bra, but gives way just beneath the chest all the way to the hip.

$94.99

DIP: $94.99
Indie Bike’s sweetheart Giordana’s Shaped Racerback isn’t just flattering—the flexi straps also keep our arms unrestricted. Composed mostly of comfy Supplex material, the added mesh panel behind two rear pockets keeps the sun’s rays from beating sweat circles into our backs.

$39

YOGA

Sure we could be Zen enough to overcome any sweltering moments while holding an extended Warrior Three, but on broiling days like today, we don’t think we have to try.

SKINNY: $39 Neon green and composed of company’s kid sister fabric, Luon Light, Lululemon Athletica’s Cool Racerback will certainly draw attention, but only for its color and fit, not any wet marks, because this lightweight material is both chafe resistant and perspiration protected.

$60

DIP: $60 Omala’s Bamboo Double Layer Cami gives you support with a built in shelf and an alternate colored waist band, without sacrificing the breathability since the soft bamboo fiber sucks out moisture.

HIKE

Trekking through the woods always give us the false impression of a verdant lush green filled afternoon–not muggy terrain. These tops keep such illusions alive.

$20

SKINNY: $20 The North Face W Velocitee Crew’s fabric sweeps sweat to the shirt’s outer layer, away from plain sight and the set-in sleeves give some bonus protection from wayward twigs and (ick) bugs.

$40

DIP: $40

Patagonia’s Women Shade Running shirt’s off-set shoulder seams reduce chafing under your backpack , cute gathers add shape without bulk and the material wicks moisture and dries fast. When you do you get hot, you won’t get burned, because this guy protects you with 30 UPF. Oh, and you’ll give it back to nature when you recycle it through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

RUN

We wait all year to ditch the treadmill and then get all whiney when it’s too hot. We need a new excuse.

$14.99

SKINNY: $14.99 The fact that Under Armour’s Women’s Action Racer Back is part of their HeatGear line kind of threw us off. But once we experienced its ability to improve airflow and mobility, prevent boo boos with its side seams and control odor, we realized we couldn’t care less what they call it.

$48

DIP: $48

With adiStar Shimmel’s complicated technology like ClMACOOL (to keep you dry) and FORMOTION (to support your muscles) and a high impact bra to keep you comfy, we’d be suspicious of this shirt’s true job if it weren’t for the signature stripes.

We peel open subway doors with the might of our heels, coerce our landlords into lowering our rents, and break a sweat on any piece of grass or concrete we find available (speaking of which, we’re going to Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp tonight). It’s true, we rarely give our warrior selves a break. To keep it that way all summer long, we’re hitting up three affordable NYC weight training facilities that keep us panting, toned and our guns and wallets fully loaded.

Elissa’s Personal Best

Armed with an MS in Exercise Physiology from Columbia University, aerobics and Pilates certifications, hot pink hoops and a scrunchie to match, Elissa Hyman has been training her clients with such 80s signatures as leg lifts and clapping push-ups long before shiny leggings resurfaced at American Apparel (25 years long). The big haired decade makes its way to this 750-square-foot subterranean Upper East Side studio in the form of Inner Circle and Whitesnake so your $65-$75 one-hour training sessions make you feel less recessionista responsible and more so Jane Fonda rad.

334 East 79th Street, Suite LLD, 212-744-2378

Absolute Fitness

There are no frills, but there are calories and buns to burn during these 30-minute private sessions, led by husband-wife team, Rob and Jana Castillo, who have been offering New Yorkers affordable ($35-45) one-on-one strength training since 1996. You won’t get a chance to stare down the clock during these circuit, cross and target trainings where you’ll be doing weight training, medicine ball movement, balance ball stretching, and Pilates, as the effective method here is defined by minimal rest between sets. Not to mention, your coaches, well they’re not the easily distracted kind and will be counting your every move. Though they will allow you to request your favorite countdowns—40’s and showtunes being the favorite soundtracks around these parts.

124 East 40th Street Room # 20, 212.681.9724, http://www.absolutefitnessnyc.com/

Move Into Greatness

Our very own fitness expert, Colleen Wahl, offers classes in building bones without breaking down the pocketbook at her Move Into Greatness studio. Dynamofit, a weekly 60-minute six class series ($120) is rooted in Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals so that students learn movement literacy. You guessed it–no more cubicle-shoulder crunching. You’ll walk away with less pain and able to navigate your own weight room just as confidently as the Monster energy drink guzzling, body weight lifters do. Check out the schedule or request a slot especially for you and your buddies.

320 West 37^th St, suite 1504, 585.507. 2967, www.moveintogreatness.com