7 Skirts You Can Sweat In: Be Your Own Cheerleader While Working Out

I love dressing up. My favorite casual outfits all involve skirts. This used to interfere with my workouts. For example, my main problem with the adult soccer team I played on for 7 years, was the unflattering, baggy orange uniforms. I realize that makes me sound very girly, but truth be told I was a beast in defense. I just didn't want to look like one, even put glitter nail polish on my cleats. Deep down, part of my reason for joining a local roller derby team and dropping soccer, was the chance to play dress up while playing hard. Tutus and fishnet, where do I sign up?

For those of you who, like me, do not want to check your fashionista badge at the door when heading out to exercise, check out these pretty workout skirts. You can run just as far, bike just as hard, skate like a roller fiend, Zumba your little heart out, or just walk the dog, while looking really cute. I equate a workout skirt to being undercover; no one would expect the chick in the pink skirt with matching fingernails to pass them up!

Be your own cheerleader with these 7 skirts you can sweat in and a fun surprise

1. Lucy Propel Running Skirt
At first glance, this is a basic black skirt, but look again; the details in this skirt make it a must have. Starting with the UPF 30+ rated fabric, the skirt features anti-chafe seams, a wide waistband for comfort and a stripe of reflective piping for nighttime visibility. I especially appreciate the little ruffle detail you can see through the side vents. But wait, there's more. This performance skirt also has a stash pocket that is perfect for keys or a spare tennis ball.

2. Wave Skirt Capri
This skirt/capri combo means business. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you comfortable, and cute to boot. The compression Capri pants hit right below the knee. Wearing capris under your skirts is common, this combo makes it easier to find both components faster, streamlining your preparation time.

3. Athleta printed skirt. I am going to show my shallowness here, but I chose this printed running skirt in ultra blue simply because it matched my running shoes. In other news, the wide elastic waistband and internal key pocket make this a practical choice. Worn over leggings, or bike shorts, the skirt is a colorful and flirty addition to the lonely trail.

4. Azure Dot Running Skirt
Again, let's pull some fashion news into the fitness world. Polka dots are huge right now, and this cute light blue skirt keeps you in the loop. When you just feel sweet and a little silly, this skirt is perfect choice. Typically, I head for black or bold colors, but could see slipping this blue skirt on for a run in the dark, give the black, early morning sky something to aim for.

5. Aqua wave ultra swift skirt
A serious contender, this ultra performance skirt features briefs with reverse seams for comfort, two Velcro pockets at the hips and a third pocket in the center back. Even with all these practical options, the skirt is pretty with its aqua blue and chocolate pattern.

6. Argyle running skirt.
Wow, this preppy pink and orange argyle skirt will definitely turn heads, especially if you complete the ensemble like the model pictured, pink knee socks, matching arm warmers and a hot pink bra top. I will not go this far, but totally dig the effort. The running skirt paired with a long fitness top would be enough.

7. Cruiser Bike Skirt.
I love my bike, but will not wear bike shorts alone. Afterall, there is that moment when you need to get off the bike. If I am in strangely padded shorts, stopping to chat or grab a bite to eat is not happening. Skirt sports has the answer. Check out the slick features on this pretty skirt; built-in, yet hidden, cycling shorts with elastic gripper to keep everything in place, pockets on each leg for your gels or music player, plus a music port-hole on the waistband. Proof the skirt is designed with bicycling in mind; the back is slightly higher to avoid any flashing action while leaning over your handle bars. Combine with the super flattering sexy back tank this outfit will make you want to take a spin just to show it off!

* Bonus- a dress
I see your running skirts and raise you a high-performance dress. Get out there and kick- butt, with style and grace of course. Extremely flattering and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, these dresses looks great coming and going as you pass all the gawkers at your next marathon! Talk about easy, no need to find a matching top, just slip it on and go. Feel free to accessorize with bike shorts, capris, running tights or arm warmers as needed.

Looking good while working out is a great motivator. Baggy sweats and t-shirts do nothing for your morale. On the other hand, a form-fitting tank and skirt in a color that makes you happy can propel you to show up at your fitness class with a smile. Fake it till you make it, right?