As a longtime health and fitness writer-slash-editor, part of my job is testing out workout pants. Over the years I have easily pulled on hundreds of leggings, ranging from $10 Amazon finds to $100-plus posture-improving styles. While I consider myself somewhat of an expert, there is nobody who knows more about the best workout leggings than a personal trainer, seeing as the workout essential is part of their daily uniform.
Earlier this year I started working out with Philadelphia-based trainer Kendra Gamble of HIT Fitness. After several butt-kicking and toning sessions, I noticed that she was 100 percent faithful to a single leggings brand, Aurola. Her pair is available on Amazon for $36 a pop (though you can snag them for 15 percent off with an on-site coupon right now), and of course I had to ask why she loved them so much. “I’ve tried lots of different workout leggings and these are by far my favorite,” Gamble told me. “I constantly have people stop me at the gym and ask about them.”
Amazon
One of the first things I noticed is that the leggings make her booty pop in a major way. The butt-lifting magic is partly due to the fact they have a seamless and form-fitting backside, without ruching in between the buns in that exaggerated way some of the TikTok viral styles do. It also features a gusseted crotch, minimizing chafing, and a high-waist to hold everything in. While the style is “extremely flattering on the body,” Gamble tells me, it is also “comfortable to wear” for hours on end. The silky nylon-polyester-spandex blend also offers just enough compression and coverage. “The material is also sweatproof,” she says, which is important for grueling workout sessions.
Shape / Kendra Gamble
One of the most important characteristics of workout leggings is performance, according to Gamble. “Aurola leggings are completely squat-proof,” she says. And by squat-proof, she isn’t just talking about transparency. “I’ve had leggings tear while working out,” she noted. I trust her, seeing as though she literally makes me do multiple types of squats during every session. (And FYI, she recommends always bringing a sweatshirt to the gym with you, “just in case” you experience a workout wardrobe malfunction.)
Another reason why she likes Aurola leggings over the competition? They are “super affordable” and available in “a bunch of cute colors” — over 40 in fact – and sizes XS to XL. Gamble has turned lots of people onto the leggings, which unsurprisingly, are a fan favorite on Amazon, with more than 9,870 perfect five-star ratings. “I’ve recommended them to so many clients, who are now converts just like me,” she says. If you want to order in multiples, you can save big: A three-pack of leggings averages to about $27 a pop.
Amazon
Shop the trainer- and shopper-favorite leggings at Amazon, and check out more styles from the brand, including workout shorts and a matching sports bra.
Amazon
Amazon
