John Lewis has all your workout essentials! Here’s how to look cool in the gym (from just £22)
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If you’ve ever wandered around trying to piece together a workout wardrobe from different shops, you’ll know the struggle. Finding leggings is one thing, but then you need trainers. Then headphones. Then a fitness tracker. Before you know it, you’ve spent an entire afternoon trekking across the high street.
That’s exactly what John Lewis is hoping to change with the relaunch of its sports category – and after popping into its Oxford Street flagship last week, I can confirm it’s much more than just a few rails of activewear.
The newly revamped space has been organised by activity rather than brand, so instead of hunting through endless displays, you’ll find dedicated zones for everything from running and training to yoga and hiking.
Alongside big names including Nike, Sweaty Betty, New Balance, Salomon and Under Armour sit the latest fitness gadgets from Garmin, Whoop and Oura, plus recovery tools like Therabody massage guns. It’s designed to make shopping for your chosen sport feel a whole lot easier – and, dare I say it, more inspiring.
John Lewis has revamped its in-store sports concept
The Oxford Street store has also introduced complimentary gait analysis, where you can have your running style assessed to help find the best trainers for your stride. It’s a clever addition that makes the experience feel much more specialist than your average department store, and a real bonus if you’re looking to upgrade your footwear.
What struck me most, though, was how stylish everything looked. Gone are the days of choosing between practical and fashionable. Think buttery-soft co-ords you’d happily wear for coffee afterwards, sleek monochrome gym outfits, trail-ready walking gear that wouldn’t look out of place on a city stroll, and swimwear that’s as chic as it is functional.
Whether you’re marathon training, embracing your Pilates era, getting back into swimming or simply trying to convince yourself to make it to that evening gym class, having kit you actually want to wear really does make a difference.
And with everything under one roof – from the outfit itself to the tech that tracks your progress – John Lewis has quietly become one of the easiest places to shop for fitness. Here are the pieces I’d add straight to basket…
Running
A lightweight layer that’s ideal for early morning miles, with sweat-wicking Dri-FIT fabric and UV protection to keep you comfortable whatever the forecast.
Built-in inner shorts offer support while the loose outer layer allows plenty of freedom to move – perfect for everything from Couch to 5K to long weekend runs.
Whether you’re building up to your first 10K or clocking up marathon training miles, these cushioned running shoes are designed to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride from start to finish.
Tracks pace, distance, heart rate and recovery, making it easy to monitor your progress and train smarter with every run.
The open-ear design lets you enjoy your playlist while staying aware of traffic and other runners around you – a safer option for outdoor training.
Pilates
This matching set is made from buttery-soft, sculpting fabric that moves effortlessly through every stretch, pulse and plank, while offering light support and all-day comfort both in and out of the studio.
The perfect throw-on layer for travelling to and from the studio, keeping muscles warm before class without sacrificing style.
Grippy soles provide extra stability on the reformer, helping you feel secure through lunges, bridges and balance work.
Not for the reformer itself, but ideal for getting to class in comfort – and stylish enough to wear long after your workout finishes.
Tracks sleep, readiness and recovery, helping you understand when your body is primed for another class or when it’s time to prioritise rest.
Walking
A cosy mid-layer that’s perfect for crisp morning walks or throwing on when the temperature drops.
Breathable and moisture-wicking, making it an easy base layer for everything from countryside rambles to brisk lunchtime walks.
Stretchy, weather-resistant and comfortable enough for longer hikes without restricting movement.
Grippy soles and waterproof Gore-Tex protection mean muddy paths and wet weather won’t spoil your walk.
The clever dual-sip lid makes staying hydrated on longer walks easy, while the leak-proof design means you can throw it straight into your backpack.
Training
A matching set that delivers support, sweat-wicking comfort and plenty of stretch for everything from strength sessions to HIIT.
A breathable seamless layer that’s perfect for lifting weights or powering through circuit training without distractions.
Built for gym sessions, offering the stability you need for squats and lunges while remaining flexible enough for cardio.
Small enough to throw in your gym bag, it’s ideal for easing tight muscles and speeding up recovery after tough sessions.
Tracks strain, recovery and sleep to help you know when to push harder in training – and when your body needs a well-earned rest.
Swimming
Designed for regular swimmers, it combines support with plenty of freedom through the shoulders for comfortable lengths.
Soft, flexible seals help keep water out while providing a clear view whether you’re swimming laps or perfecting your front crawl.
The cosy layer every outdoor swimmer (or anyone leaving an air-conditioned leisure centre) will appreciate after a chilly dip.
Lightweight, quick-drying and compact enough to stash in your swim bag without taking up precious space.
Keeps damp swimwear separate from the rest of your kit and shrugs off splashes thanks to its water-resistant finish.
