As Best Health’s resident fashion junky, I’ve discovered that the most effective workout motivator for me is new fitness wear. I used to use my lack of cute workout clothes as an excuse for why I didn’t work out regularly. (The idea of sweating it out in an old, oversized cotton tee and ugly, clunky sneakers that are all function and zero style? No thanks, I’ll pass.) So, I’ve been working on boosting my motivation by building my fitness wardrobe. Brightly coloured racerback tanks, seamless tees, sweat-wicking leggings, and high-tech runners are now fighting for space in my closet, leaving me with not only no more excuses, but a desire to actually wear all my new gear as often as possible.

In February, I bit the bullet and registered for a month of Pilates and yoga classes at my local Moksha Yoga studio (They also have locations across Canada)—and I’ve been keeping it up ever since, going to Pilates at least twice a week (My instructor, Rebecca, does a great job of making the classes challenging without being intimidating for beginners—and always looks inspiringly stylish decked out in her Lululemon gear). And, once the spring weather begins its transition to warmer summer days, my boyfriend and I have make a pact to start running together. I’m a running virgin, and am anticipating a steep learning curve that has me slowing to a panting jog in an embarrassingly short distance—but if it means I get to wear my pretty new mint green Nikes, I’m determined to do it.

Speaking of, on the to goods—Here are some of my favourite new additions to my fitness wardrobe this spring:

Nike Free Run+3 shoes (Shown above, $125): Designed to emulate the natural motion of your foot, these lightweight runners have a super flexible sole and a breathable seamless upper. And, this spring’s styles come in an array of super-bright, nearly neon colours.

Clockwise, from left:

• Active By Old Navy seamless tank ($20): I can’t get enough of this neon peachy/coral shade right now (I also snagged a matching nylon mat bag in the exact same shade for $20.) This tank has a built in shelf bra that gives enough support for yoga or Pilates, and the straps split into a unique M-shape style in the back.

• C9 by Champion seamless bra ($17): I got this from Target in the States, so sorry, you can’t buy it here. But the highlighter yellow shade gives me an energy boost just looking at it.

• Oakley Muscle Girl tank ($35): I like a looser fit for cardio, and this tank is designed to have an oversized fit. The dropped cut of the armholes creates a drapey look and plays peek-a-boo with a brightly coloured sports bra.

• H&M drawstring running shorts ($15): Full disclosure: I don’t own these yet. But soon I will, once I’ve decided whether to go with the bright lilac or the turquoise— although for only $15, I may just get both!

Does fashionable activewear motivate you to workout? What are your go to brands for cute, affordable gear? Let us know in the comments.