I Worked Out in CALIA By Carrie Underwood's Fitness Line — Here Are My Favorites
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I'm quite discerning when it comes to activewear. When I try on new tights, I not only want to be able to wear them seamlessly from the gym to the street, but I also need performance-driven fabrics that can handle the sweat! (True story: I'm a sweater.) Cute pants aren't enough to push me over the edge. I want pockets, and I want comfort. On the quest to find just that, I decided to try on seven pairs of leggings from the CALIA by Carrie Underwood line and worked up a sweat in every one of them. See how my top three stacked up.
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Favorite tights for running
Nothing ruins a run faster than wearing a pair of ill-fitting pants. As soon as I put these on, I knew there'd be a good jog in my future. The CALIA by Carrie Underwood Women's Essential Tight Fit Heathered Leggings are touted as being smooth and flattering, and I have to agree. They pulled on easily — tights can sometimes get stuck at the calves — and the thick waistband not only kept the pants up but also made for a comfortable fit at the waist. After a 30-minute sweat session, the antimicrobial technology left me feeling as clean as I could be. After trying on all the options, this pair was my top pick for running.
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Favorite tights for long walks
Every workout drawer needs a pair of pants that are feminine and flattering. These are those pants. The CALIA by Carrie Underwood Women's Adjustable Mesh Heather Leggings featured asymmetrical patterns along the thigh that hit all the right places and unexpected mesh detailing at the bottom. The drawcords along the side of the calf muscle are designed to help the wearer get a custom length, so I made them a length I liked and opted for a very long walk (though, they're cute enough to go from the studio to the street). After an hour of walking, I realized I hadn't tugged at the thighs once. Usually, my pants slide down at the waist and I spend a lot of time yanking the fabric. These were comfortable and flattering and even had a waist zip pocket to keep my stuff — the makings for a top pick for long walks.
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Top pick for Pilates
If you've ever been on a Pilates reformer, then you know how much balance and stability are involved. A key component of the workout focuses on strengthening your core, so you want a pant that can move with you. The CALIA by Carrie Underwood Women's Extended Heel Leggings feature four-way stretch fabric that makes it easy to get into intricate positions, and the moisture-wicking technology gave me confidence during class that I'd be odor-free. The most fun detail, however, was the mesh detailing throughout the leg, making these my top pick for Pilates.
After working out in CALIA by Carrie Underwood tights, I can say I have found my top three picks. Next I need to try the tops!