I’ll soon be packing for another trip, and here’s the big question: How can I keep up with my fitness program on the road? There’s barely enough space in my carryon for camera, laptop and toiletries without adding a pile of active wear!

Well, during a recent media tour, the nice folks at Fashion Outlets Chicago showed us an array of exercise attire and accessories that pack well and look chic!

Here are some great ideas I found:

I had no idea Lululemon Athletica could take me so many places! I love the entire To + From collection. Start with the Jet Pant, a relaxed-fit pant with a drawstring waist, four-way stretch and pockets. Add muscle tees for workouts and a Cold Shoulder Tee when you’re flirty. There’s a dozen different jackets, from fitted shorties to down-filled parkas.

My favorite piece was the Breeze Easy Wrap cardigan in heathered black. It’s a light-as-air oversized cardigan with an inner drawstring. Wear it as a cool-down or snuggle inside when the AC is too chilly.

All Lululemon Athletica outlet merch comes from full-price Lululemon stores. Many items are identical to those currently available, but in older colors or previous versions.

Yoga mat towel by Marika. It’s usually pretty easy to find a yoga class on the road, but if not, I stretch and plank in my room. But who wants to downward-dog while facing someone’s used yoga mat or the hotel carpeting? Not me. And traditional yoga mats are too cumbersome to carry around.  The Marika mat-and-towel combo is soft, lightweight terry microfiber. Fold it, roll it, stash it. Available at Nordstrom Rack and elsewhere.

Puma re-imagines its most popular, regular-price sport shoes specifically for its outlets. The brand’s famous quality is the same, and the detailing is high fashion, but the cost is wallet-friendly. (Fun Fact: Puma’s Swan Pack Collection of women’s athletic footwear was inspired by the New York City Ballet. And, yes, variations of these beautiful shoes can be found at the outlets.)

My pick for travel is the soft-foam, track-inspired Puma Vega Ballet flat. It’s low-profile, so it won’t take up much room. It’s the perfect fit for yoga, spin class or mad dashes through an airport terminal.

Make a note: Nordstrom’s Z by Zella line is athletic wear just for the Nordstrom Racks outlets. The looks are tied to contemporary fashion, so leggings and tops can be paired with other separates to go to a meeting out for craft brews later.  Pop a great jacket and pumps, and you’re good for a white-tablecloth dinner.

Nordstrom Rack also carries Nike, Puma, Adidas and more hot athleisure brands.

Fashion Outlets Chicago by Macerich is a shopper’s mecca with 130-plus designer retailers and more than a dozen fitness apparel brands. It’s an upscale experience with an impressive contemporary art collection and high-end amenities.

(I’ve written previously about how the designer outlet mall is a great excursion if you’re ever stuck at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. The Concierge Services include boarding pass printing, luggage and shopping bag storage, coat check, currency exchange and translation services. Shuttle and taxi service is available, too. Here’s a link to that post: Shopping Layover at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. 

And now, dear readers, it’s time for me to pack. Happy shopping! Happy travels!

Fashion Outlets of Chicago Concierge Services: 847-928-7520

#FOCfitness