I like to exercise. I really do! There’s not much complaining involved in my case when it comes around to getting my rear in gear, and I don’t need to0 much motivation – just a consistent schedule, a good night’s sleep and some fun tunes. Well, and some rad workout gear helps as well :D
A year and a half ago I took up running (you can check out How I Became a Runner Part 1 and Part 2 over at One Fun Mom), and I’ve really never looked back! My running shoes of choice were Vibram Five Fingers, but I’ve since learned that doing more than a 5K race or training in them is too much for my arches. Merrell Gloves are my go-to now, but they’re going to need to be replaced before next spring.
Aside from shoes, it’s important to have clothing that fits right when you’re working out, and is comfortable! Since I’ve been looking into giving my business to ethical companies that support fair trade, giving back and promoting building skills, knowledge and confidence into local communities, I have discovered that the area of workout wear is not immune to this resurgence. So I present to you today a few options for:
Workout Wear With a Purpose
Photo Credit: Edson Hong via Compfight cc
Stretchy Headbands from She Does Justice
We have made it our mission to support organizations who are working to reach those in need, near and far. It doesn’t matter how big or small the organization, if we believe in its mission then we want to help support it. Each month we will spotlight an organization. At the end of the month we will write a check to that organization taken from the overall sales in our shop that month. Each month we will donate at least 10% of our gross profit to an organization to help further their mission.
Workout socks – from Mitscoots (for every pair purchased, a pair is donated)
Love Needs No Translation tank from Ekubo Ministries
Ekubo Ministries exists to provide sustainable jobs to the men and women we serve so they can generate income to provide for their families. The worst thing you can do for someone trapped in poverty is something they can do for themselves. AID creates dependence while teaching and giving them a TRADE restores their dignity. We are inviting you to shop for gifts from us that GIVE. GIVE life. GIVE love. GIVE hope.
More from Compass in My Heart about this amazing ministry serving the Ekubo Childrens Home for orphaned and abandoned children in Uganda.
Rwanda Running shorts from Janji
JANJI MEANS “PROMISE” IN MALAY
Our promise is to use the power of running to fight the global water crisis. Through Janji’s high performance apparel, runners fund solutions and raise awareness for the global water crisis in a lasting and meaningful way. Rather than racing for a cause on just one day, Janji lets runners give back through their everyday training.
Sunglasses from Subsidy Shades
Boyfriend French Terry sweatshirt from Everlane
Committed to knowing the costs (just what did it cost to make that sweatshirt?), knowing the factories (integrity and requiring stringent workplace compliance paperwork) , and challenging the status quo.
Sole Rebels urbanRunner
If you’re not a hardcore exerciser but like comfy shoes for walking, check out these urbanRunners from Sole Rebels! They have loads of other shoes as well as a great mission:
From our inception we proudly employed and trained the highly marginalized or those thought unemployable. Together we set out to re-imagine the traditional Ethiopian “selate” and “barabasso” shoes (recycled car tire sole shoe pictured to the right) in dynamic + vibrant new fashions.
Evo Shoes from VivoBarefoot
I love barefoot running, and VivoBarefoot is a great company with quality footwear available for all walks of life ;) heh heh. Plus, they’re committed to being held accountable for their factories with all of them being independently audited by international Non-governmental organization (NGO), to the very highest international labour and environmental standards.
