We have all been there. The alarm goes off at 6 AM. It’s dark outside. Your bed is warm. Suddenly, that morning run seems like a terrible idea.
Letting your gym schedule slip is easy. Getting back on track? That is the hard part.
But here is a little psychological hack: Enclothed Cognition. It’s a fancy term for a simple truth—what you wear affects how you think and perform. Putting on an old, stained t-shirt makes you feel sluggish. Slipping into high-performance, sleek gym gear? You feel like an athlete before you’ve even lifted a weight.
If your workout wardrobe is looking tired, MP (the activewear arm of the nutrition giant) might be the refresh you need. They have carved out a space in the crowded fitness market by balancing technical specs with prices that don’t make your wallet weep.
Let’s break down their latest drops, from seamless shorts to squat-proof leggings.
The Velocity Collection: Speed Meets Style
High-intensity training requires gear that doesn’t move. There is nothing worse than hiking up your waistband in the middle of a burpee.
The MP Women’s Velocity Seamless Cycling Shorts are designed exactly for this problem.
Seamless technology isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about reducing friction. Traditional seams can chafe when you are forty minutes into a spin class. MP’s design eliminates that irritation. These shorts feature a high waist—crucial for core support—and a streamlined silhouette.
Key Highlight: The “Deep Pink” colorway mentioned in recent drops is a standout. It’s bold without being neon. Plus, the inclusion of a back zip pocket is a game-changer. Most seamless shorts lack storage, leaving you holding your locker key in your teeth. MP fixed that.
Pairing Tip: Combine these with the Velocity Seamless Crop Top. The coordination looks professional, and the sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry when the intensity spikes.
The Curve Range: For Every Body
If cycling shorts aren’t your vibe, or if you are training in a colder gym, leggings are the default.
The MP Women’s Curve Leggings are arguably their flagship product. Why? Because finding leggings that are both figure-hugging and comfortable is harder than it sounds.
The “Curve” name comes from the two-tone seamless design that visually contours the body. It’s flattering, sure, but the real benefit is the fit. They don’t dig in.
Inclusivity Check: MP scores points here. The range runs from XXS to XXL. Whether you are petite or powerlifting heavy, the sizing holds up.
- Color Options: Grey, Danger Red, Deep Lilac, Deep Pink, Galaxy Blue.
- The Look: Pair it with the Curve Crop Short Sleeve T-Shirt. It offers a bit more coverage than a bra top while still showing off the high waistband of the leggings.
Prefer a Looser Fit?
Not everyone wants skin-tight compression gear for every session. Sometimes, you just want to move.
For lifting days or recovery flows, the MP Women’s Repeat Mark Graphic Training Shorts offer a breezy alternative. Available in shades like Bluebell and Petrol Blue, these utilize a high elasticated waist for comfort but hang looser around the thigh.
These are perfect for “ugly” lifting days where function trumps fashion, or for lounging post-workout. Pair them with the Tempo Seamless Crop Top to balance the silhouette—loose on the bottom, fitted on top.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
You can have the best outfit in the world, but if you show up with no socks and your gear in a plastic grocery bag, the vibe is killed.
MP has expanded heavily into accessories. We are talking technical trainer socks (which prevent blisters), microfiber towels, and ergonomic backpacks. Upgrading these small items makes the logistics of going to the gym smoother. If your bag is packed and organized, you have one less excuse to skip leg day.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
Is MP Activewear perfect? No brand is. Here is what you need to know before you add to cart.
The Pros
- The Price-to-Quality Ratio: You are often getting 90% of the quality of premium brands for 50% of the price.
- Squat Proof: The Curve and Velocity lines are generally opaque. No embarrassing transparency issues during deadlifts.
- Durability: The seamless knit fabric holds up well against barbell abrasion and repeated washing.
- Aesthetic: The branding is minimal and the color palettes are on-trend.
The Cons
- Sizing Consistency: Like many online retailers, sizing can vary slightly between collections. The Velocity range tends to run tighter due to compression, while the Graphic shorts fit truer to size.
- Stock Levels: Popular colorways (like Deep Pink) sell out fast during sales.
- Synthetic Feel: If you prefer natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, these are not for you. This is pure performance synthetic.
Expert Tips for Care
To make your gear last longer than a few months, follow these rules:
- Cold Wash Only: Heat destroys elastane (the stuff that makes leggings stretchy). Never wash above 30°C.
- Skip the Softener: Fabric softener clogs the fibers of moisture-wicking fabric, trapping sweat and smells.
- Air Dry: Never put seamless leggings in the dryer. They will shrink and lose their shape.
Maximizing Your Budget: Sales and Codes
One of the best things about MP is that you should rarely pay full price. They operate on a high-frequency sales model.
When to shop:
- Payday Sales: Almost every month end.
- Impact Week: Their branded sales event, usually offering up to 50-60% off.
- Voucher Codes: Always check for third-party discount codes before checking out. You can often stack a “new customer” code or an “influencer” code on top of sale prices.
Final Verdict
MP Activewear sits in a sweet spot. It’s accessible enough for beginners who don’t want to drop £100 on leggings, but technical enough for seasoned gym-goers who need gear that performs.
If your motivation is waning, a new “Deep Pink” set might not lift the weights for you, but it will definitely help you get through the gym door. And sometimes, that is half the battle.
So, browse the latest codes, grab a matching set, and go crush that session. You’ll thank yourself later.