Alicia Keys Shares the Summer Workout Gear That Keeps Her Motivated

Alicia Keys is understood globally for empowering and dynamic hits like “Superwoman” and “Girl on Fire,” but when the singer-songwriter is trying to tap into her own confidence, she often turns to fitness.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic, Keys has transitioned nearly all of her workouts to her home—a change which, the singer-songwriter tells SELF, allows her to be “consistent and kill it.”

“I like not having to go anywhere to work out,” Keys says. “If I’m home, I’m capable of just jump right in. I like my Peloton.”

She supplements her cycling with occasional classes, including dance cardio (her favorite is hosted by Anna Kaiser), Pilates, and yoga, all of which mix for a varied exercise routine that also serves as self-care for the 15-time Grammy winner. But when the weather starts to warm up, the outside beckon a bit more, and he or she starts so as to add in running, climbing, and outdoor biking to the combination. 

“I do know that being outside in the weather is something our souls need,” Keys says. “I feel invigorated and inspired. If I’m carrying any extra baggage, I’ve often dropped it once I’m done.”

Now the R&B star wants women to channel their very own confidence boost with a brand new summer workout collection that she helped design with a firm goal in mind: to assist them tap into their power.

In April, Keys and Athleta announced the third collection in a partnership that began in January 2022, and pieces hit the location on April 27. The 13 recent pieces, touted as her “most conscious collection yet,” include swimwear, coverups, jumpsuits, accessories, and performance wear, all produced from lower-impact materials and fair-trade-certified fabrics.

Nevertheless it’s not only concerning the workout gear. For over a yr, Keys and Athleta have worked together on a collaboration that extends beyond clothing design. In 2022, Keys joined Athleta’s Power of She Fund as a mentor and advisor. This system partners with the Women’s Sport Foundation to support initiatives like Wellbeing for All, which helps make wellness and fitness more accessible to women of color, and the Child Care Grant, which supports female athletes with children. 

“I like how Athleta prioritizes helping women manifest their very own power and feel comfortable in their very own skin,” Keys says. “We’re each about body positivity and love how everyone can find themselves within the collections we collaborate on.”

Before she kicked off her latest tour in Rio De Janeiro, her first stop in a set of shows that span Latin America, Keys sat down with SELF to share her five favorite pieces from the brand new collection. 

1. Athleta Keys Elation 7/8 Tights

2. Athleta Keys Reversible Wrap Bra 

Athleta

Athleta Keys Reversible Wrap Bra

This moisture-wicking bra features Athleta’s lowest cut neckline and a fun wrap design, each of which make it perfect for light-impact workouts. “[The bra] holds every part in, but still focuses on my shape and my form,” she says.

3. Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Linen Bomber 

Athleta

Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Linen Bomber

This oversized bomber hits on the hip, is available in two summery colorways—sunbaked clay and magnolia white—and feels extra cozy. “It creates a search for me to throw on after I work out and head to brunch,” Keys says. “It takes you to each occasion.”

4. Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Flutter Short

Athleta

Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Flutter Short

These airy, relaxed-fit shorts have a lightweight stretch, are immune to wrinkles, and are perfect for lounging or exploring recent places. Keys pairs these shorts with the bomber above for straightforward post-workout plans.

5. Athleta Keys Daybreak Printed Coverup

Athleta

Athleta Keys Daybreak Printed Coverup

This abstract-print, gemstone-colored statement piece plays double-duty in your summer wardrobe and may be worn multiple ways, from skirt to scarf, and is “so lightweight and packable,” says Keys. “I like tying it on my head or around my waist. I even love tying it across the same patterned jumpsuit.”