Oh joy, oh bliss, it's fall here in MN (insert sarcasm here). Time to put the self tanner away and pull out the tights.
In the past, I would put on my 'cheapo' tights for the first time in the fall, and they would make 'that' sound. You know, the sound of elastic stretching one last time. And then would come the internal question, "Will they stay up through this one class, so I have time to go purchase more cheapo tights?
Years ago, I would motor to Target, Marshalls or TJ Maxx for three or four new pair tights for the season. And that's all they would last- a season.
But last year, I splurged and ventured to Lucy and Lululemon for my indoor tights. Lucy offers 20% off in store and Lululemon 15% off in store to instructors. Guys- Lulu has a great men's line. I used our ICI/PRO discount program at Pearl Izumi for my outdoor riding tights (40% off for ICI/PRO members!) Everything went on like a dream this season. No moments experiencing 'that' sound and no wondering if my tights would stay up through class. The added expense last season was completely worth it, as I don't need to replenish anything this season.
However, there is a big difference between need and want. Athleta has opened two stores in the Minneapolis area and offers a 30% in store discount to instructors- bettering Lulu by double and Lucy by 10%.
My newest wardrobe addition this season is the Athleta's Odyssey Chaturanga Tight. They made today's chill a little less chilly. I was at the Mall of American with two dear friends (instructors as well). We all bought these tights. At $64, they come to $44.80 with our 30% instructor discount! Well worth it in my humble opinion, not only because I know they will be good to go next fall, but also because they are, by far, the most comfortable, flattering tights ever. I wear them almost everyday- under dresses, long shirts and to teach in. The waist band is perfect for preventing the dreaded muffin top experience (not that we would ever have a muffin top) and something about the fabric is j-u-s-t the right amount of leg hug.
I checked with Athleta, and so far, the instructor 30% discount program is in store only (as is Lucy's and Lululemon's). It's a manual process at each store. (They actually do a manual look up in a file folder), so it's not available on-line. They do have future plans to take it on line, something like the old Nike/ Reebok / Avia instructor discount programs if you remember those.
Here's a current listing of stores near you:
Do you have a favorite workout wardrobe piece? Please let us know! We'd like to know about it, so we can add it to our wardrobe as well.
Want to talk about something here at PRO/STYLE? Contact me: amyjo@groupfitnessradio.com
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
*I receive no compensation for writing PRO/STYLE. I'd love a free pair of tights from someone. I'll let you know if some mysteriously appear from UPS and report on them.
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Amy, I work at Athleta in NJ and have to say, not because I work there, they make great quality performance gear. Besides the Chats, the Revelations and the Bare-to-Runs are great tights. The customer service is way beyond Lulu and the tights are NOT see through! The discount for professionals is super generous. Just bring your certification in the store to register.
Thanks for giving us a shout out and if you ever have questions on the gear just email me!
Hi Sandra,
You’re so right about the customer service at Athleta as well. I will have to try the Revelations and Bare-to-Runs too.
Do you ever bring home a pay check? 🙂
The wife will verify the great Athletica line. They’re hanging all over the house drying after her increased number of workouts as she tightens up for our trip to Cancun November 1.
And here I thought just putting them on slimmed one down.
Hi Chuck,
Tell Marianne hello and she’s wearing great training clothes! Nothing like an upcoming beach trip to get us training extra hard. John and I are heading to Jamaica Dec 8 so we’re on the same training regimen.
I’ll be interviewing Jennifer Brunet next Friday. Jenn is Athleta’s Sponsored Athlete for 2013. She’s an ultra marathon runner and cycle coach. I’m excited to hear all about what she does and what it’s like to be a sponsored athlete.
Hi. I teach yoga, spin and spin/boot classes in Vancouver, bc. I love Athleta! Is there any way for me to get my instructors discount from up here?
I know Vancouver is the birthplace of Lulu, but I’d love to have some other linesin my teaching wardrobe!
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
That’s a great question. It sure would make sense and we’ll pass it along to Athleta and see where it goes.
I know what you mean about wanting other lines in your wardrobe. Athleta has so many options!
Thanks for commenting.
Amy
As far as I know the Athleta discount for professionals is an in store discount only. I know thats not going to help people who don’t have a store near them.
There is a $1000.00 a year cap on the discount and it is meant to be used strictly for the trainer and cannot be combined with other store promotions. I don’t know if those rules are the reason for not being able to order online with a discount, but I do know that Athleta listens to its customer feedback. So let them know!
Thanks Sandra. We will send some feedback regarding on-line purchases by instructors from around the world and see where it goes.
We appreciate your comments and input and help!