Motivate yourself to work out with a new gym kit. Lisa Haynes reveals how to look fashionably fit.

By Lisa Haynes

Cava out, cardio in. It's that time on the calendar when we give our sports kits a serious workout.

No matter how temporary, a devotion to fitness is undoubtedly the heavyweight of the New Year resolution list. But despite the good intentions, it's estimated £37 million a year is wasted on unused gym memberships, according to accountants Crunch.co.uk.

If your resolve is slipping already, step up your motivation levels with a new fit kit and visions of Jessica Ennis's abs.

Following a golden Olympic year, sportswear was still at the forefront of designers' minds, with catwalks firmly clinging on to the athletic vibe for spring/summer 13.

So if the workouts come to a standstill, you can always recycle your kit for an on-trend 2013 sporty look.

Time to make the treadmill your style runway.

Fresh air fanatic A sports kit is a whole different ball game for those who get their fitness fix in the great outdoors.

Cotton is an absolute no-no as it absorbs heat and moisture and keeps it clinging to your body.

In the winter months, look to multiple layers of lightweight breathable clothing.

High-tech 'wicking' fabrics help cool your body more efficiently and expel moisture. Magic!

When you're pounding the pavements, stinky old trainers just won't do. See a footwear specialist to assess your running gait and seek a pair with soles equipped for the terrain you're running on. You'll be nicknamed Speedy Gonzales in no time.

Gym bunny Those baggy jogging bottoms you lived in during the Christmas holidays should be banished to the back of the wardrobe.

Think of your kit like a motivational cheerleader. Get off the starting blocks by investing in a sports bag so cool you'll want to have it swinging over your shoulder as much as possible.

Put yourself on the fast track to a lean body with go faster stripes, zingy brights and lashings of supportive lycra that will get you bounding out of the gym changing rooms.

Banish the bounce with a supportive sports bra. If you have a bigger bust, avoid the generic 'small', 'medium' or 'large' and look for a style that's made for your individual size for the ultimate workout partner.

Mat member Those who are right at home in a studio or, well, your own living room, can be a lean mean machine in the right togs.

Forget layers and poise in super-soft cottons and silk mixes.

Whether it's yoga, Pilates or yoga-lates, your workout routines are all about stretching and flexibility so comfort is key.

The term body-skimming might seem scary but baggy clothing can be revealing and obstructive when you're hovering in Downward Dog position. But go too tight and you'll restrict your full range of motion.

Get the balance just right with clean simple lines that gently hug the body so that you (or your instructor) can keep a check on your alignment.

Sidewalk super-jock If the only exercise that you're doing is strutting like a supermodel then high-tech sporty details probably aren't top of your priorities.

Win gold medals for your take on the sports luxe trend with catwalk-inspired detailing. Monochrome, as seen in abundance at Alexander Wang S/S13, is the athletic colour palette to jump through hoops for.

Look for traditional gym shapes like jogging bottoms or gym shorts in surprising fabrics, like leather. You might as well take advantage of the fact that you won't be breaking out in a sweat - unless you spot a 50% off sign.

Bridge the gap between trainers and heels with a pair of wedge trainers. They're comfortable and sporty - but definitely not made for sprinting.

Get the look It takes a brave woman to wear top-to-toe scarlet on the red carpet but actress Emma Stone triumphs. Work the lady in red look with LK Bennett's Florete point toe patent leather court shoes, £170 (www.lkbennett.com).

Buy it now 2013 looks bright for Myleene Klass as she models her new spring/summer collection for Littlewoods. Freshen up your wardrobe with the bold hues and prints, priced from £30-£145, available now (0844 822 8000/www.littlewoods.com).

Fashion flash :: Superstitious minds Some carry a four-leaf clover, but British men rely on their underpants for luck. More than two thirds (68%) believe in lucky items of clothing, according to the survey by shopping site ShopStyle.co.uk, with pants coming out on top. When asked on the type of luck their clothing had bought them, 34% said it had helped them win over the affections of someone they had their eye on. A further 14% agreed that it had improved their job prospects.

:: Recessionista alert Kick off the new university term in style. New Look are offering students a bumper 20% discount off all purchases just by presenting a valid NUS card. The nationwide offer is available in stores on January 23.