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Spring is here. Say goodbye to winter blue jeans. Slide into slinky tennis skirts and body hugging yoga shorts. Get active in your active wear. Studies show exercise enthusiasts achieve better results when they feel good about what they’re wearing for a workout. Good excuse to go shopping. On our radar this issue, the best Baltimore shops for tennis, golf, running, and yoga wear.
Running
Charm City Run pampers its runner customers. Owner and marathon enthusiast Josh Levinson has rigged a brilliant little piece of technology—he calls it Video Gait Analysis (video recorder + treadmill)—to help runners choose the shoe that’s best for their type of landing. Levinson is happy to order shoes for customers, but the Lutherville store offers many good choices like, Asics, Nike, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno, Adidas, New Balance and more. They have a big selection of running wear for men and women, too—shorts, tops and tights by Champion, Hind, and others. Check out the sexy Under Armour shorts ($34.99) in pink and black. The Life is Good line is cute enough for a post-workout outing—low-slung jog pants run $49.99. The store carries quality orthotics ($60), sleek tights for more treacherous running (Brooks, $60; Hind, $80), and thick socks by Thorlos. Kids shoes and jogger strollers also available. 2045 York Road. (410) 561-3570. Fleet Feet also carries seven major brands of quality running shoes. The Asics gel Kinsei arrived recently, a brand-new shoe designed to adjust to different levels of ability ($164.99). 1809 Reisterstown Rd., (410) 484-6565. If you plan to run off road, try Urban Adventure for gear, shoes, and goofy treats (like plastic martini glasses to toast an outdoor event). The roomy store sells Merrill, Salomon, Northface, Timberland, and Keen, all of which promise ultimate comfort. A pair of celebrated Keen hikers sells for $79.95. Take note: The new Fells Point outdoor retailer is part of a young chain of shops committed to stopping urban sprawl, reviving downtown areas, and helping residents have more fun, according to manager Andrew Smith. 1500 Thames St. (410) 534-4453.
Yoga
A People United features an exciting line of yoga wear by the store’s co-owner, Marie Payzant. Her Yoga Toga line is comfy, breathable and a little bit glam. Grab her knee-length ballet skirt, cropped top, shrug zip-up, her low-cut dress or flowing pants for a hardcore yoga workout and a trip to the French bistro. These pieces pack style. Most single items sell for $58. The store also carries great African art and an interesting array of casual wear for men and women. 516 N Charles St. (410) 727-4471. Bikram Yoga is the hot kind…and we mean you’ll-be-dripping-sweat hot—this cute studio shop sells cool clothing that’s stretchy, brightly colored and fun. Out of New York, Yogabela-brand shorts ($39) and super-supportive sports bras ($25-35) don’t hold odor. Men’s 72K brand shorts are available in tight and not-too-tight varieties. Midtown Yoga Center sells extra-affordable American Apparel Classic Girl and Standard American (for guys). With its Midtown logo emblazoned on each item, the shop features three types of pants, a variety of T-shirts, all in festive colors, and more. Pants run about $20, T-shirt $15. Bikram: 122 Cranbrook Rd. in Cockeysville, (410) 683-9642 and 911 W. 36th Street in Hampden, (410) 243-3040; Midtown: 107 E. Preston St. (410) 889-4732.
Tennis
The Greenspring Racquet Club stocks an excellent array of tennis wear and accessories (headbands, hats, underpants, water bottles, even racquets). Shop staff welcomes non-members to browse and buy. They carry Tail, one of the most feminine women’s brands. Pair a cute sleeveless tennis top by Tail ($49.95) in light blue with a hot-pink Nike zip-up ($125). Choose from a range of tennis skirt options, skorts too. The shop stocks Adidas, Nike, Lejay, Lily’s of Beverly Hills, Under Armour, Bolle, Kaelin, and more. Tennis and walking shoes are also available by K-Swiss, Asics, New Balance, Saucony, and Ryka. And because much of their clientele plays club tennis, they stock plenty of whites. The kids’ section is small but adorable. 10803 Falls Rd., (410) 821-5683.
Insider tip: Many private country clubs will allow non-members to purchase clothing or equipment from the pro-shop. Check with the shop first, though.
Golf
We’ve always liked the Pink Crab’s upbeat selection of Lilly Pulitzer sportswear—no need to be a pro when you look this cute on the course. Lilly has dropped her tennis line in favor a golf line—better to show off her signature bright colors. Birdie skorts, Bermuda shorts—with a small knee pocket for tees—and miniskirts patterned in flashy flamingos ($125) work for the green. Her polo shirts with palm tree logo ($60) are built for play. Taking a day off: Lilly jeans with plaid cotton quilting ($298) make a show from the sidelines. 7701 Bellona Ave., (410) 823-1245. J. McLaughlin also dresses golfers for greatness. Crisp colorful oxfords with patterned reversible gingham cuffs ($105), V-neck sweaters in cashmere ($195), light cotton sweaters ($110), and an array of Bermuda shorts in seersucker and light corduroy ($85/$95) in winter white, aqua, and cranberry are just right for cool morning club-swinging. Add loud argyle socks to your purchase for traditional fun. 7623 Bellona Ave., (410) 825-5485.
Bargain Buzz: The Under Armour warehouse outlet sells sportswear at 30% off regular prices. Availability varies but good deals abound. 1010 Swan Creek Dr., Curtis Bay, MD, (410) 317-4220.