RFK Jr. works out in jeans. We tried it. It didn't go well.
But RFK Jr. seems to also love wearing jeans to ... exercise? The Health and Human Services Secretary has been spotted donning jeans at the gym. Most recently, on a hike in blistering heat. Many on social media were quick to question the behavior: "It's really weird to me that this guy seems to always be exercising in jeans." Others were less skeptical: "RFK Jr is single-handedly showing the nation that 'activewear' is a myth. You can train, hike, run, cycle in normal clothing."
OK, let's play along here. Some experts tout the benefits of hot yoga. Many people lead active lifestyles outdoors in jeans every day. Maybe working out in jeans is no different? Here at USA TODAY, we couldn't help but wonder: Would we be happy breaking a denim-soaked sweat?
With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning. pic.twitter.com/ANl7OKnBiR
So we tried it out ourselves, to mixed results.
Wearing jeans on a run
The second I stepped outside in my light-wash, baby blue jeans to go for a run a July morning in Washington, D.C., I regretted the choice. The humidity seeped into my pores, and beads of sweat pooled all across my body. Including my denim-covered legs.
I typically run in shorts, a running tank top and a sweatband. That day, I channeled RFK Jr. and ran like the wind, or something like that. The breezy rush of air that usually whispers at my legs never materialized. The denim laced heat onto them instead. I wanted to shout at each runner and dog-walker I ran by: "This is for work! I promise! I don't like this!"
One mile passed, then two and then a third. I took my usual route, though nothing about the run felt particularly usual. I felt constricted. Contained. Confounded. How could anyone enjoy this?
But then it clicked. Just because this didn't work for me didn't mean it couldn't work for others. Maybe some are self-conscious about their legs, and find jeans a comfortable solution for their exercise routines over athleisure. Maybe some like the heat the denim brings. Maybe others just like breaking the status quo.
Will I be running in jeans again? No. But I'm glad I tried it – even if a friend saw me and won't let me live it down. –– David Oliver, Deputy Wellness Editor
In case you need: Running is great exercise, but many struggle with how to get started. Here are some tips.
Wearing jeans during Solidcore
Even in sweat-wicking fabric, Solidcore is no walk in the park. The pilates-inspired reformer workout has a cult following among New York City 20-somethings for packing a core and oblique focused challenge into 50 EDM-filled minutes.
Each station on the studio floor is marked with a motivational phrase. Mine read 'Make someday today.' I don't think they meant the 'someday' you attend a workout class in jeans, I thought as I lunged and crunched to the chorus of 'Harlem Shake.'
Even with the lights dimmed, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in a sea of matching Alo yoga sets and Lululemon leggings. When I dropped into the first Bulgarian split squat of class, flashbacks of the time I split my pants during a high school PE class raced through my mind.
But truth be told, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I got a few confused looks, but once I realized everyone in the room was more concerned with surviving the plank section than with my choice of attire, the class moved on as normal, albeit with more sweat.
If you forget your workout clothes, jeans can work in a pinch. (It likely helps if they're 94% cotton and bootcut like mine were). Still, I wouldn't test the limits by trying it out in a more sweat-inducing class like SoulCycle or CorePower. –– Rachel Hale, Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow
More details: RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat – while wearing jeans
Wearing jeans during a gym session
My dark-wash denims were made to move – well, really more to suck it up and keep it tight. They pack "tighter tummy technology," with 77% cotton, 21% polyester and the hardworking 2% Spandex.
So when I set my position to bang out 15 squats at the start of my workout, I expected them to feel like a second skin. And, to a degree, they did. Not too long into my second set, it was like a skin I was desperate to shed – now, now, NOW!
While I didn't tap out of my workout, I did have to abandon my jeans. It was not my favorite experience knowing exactly where sweat was gathering and soaking into my pants that grew just a little heavier. That might seem like a perk in a workout, but I assure you it was not. That said, if I did feel like spontaneously smacking the battle ropes in the backyard, being in jeans wouldn't deter me. –– Michelle Maltais, Executive Editor for Lifestyles & Financial Wellbeing
The bottom line?
We are glad we tried RFK Jr.'s jeans workout (hey, it makes for a good conversation starter) but none of us can say we'd readily repeat it. Maybe the Make America Health Again guru knows something we don't. We can't be sure – he didn't return our request for comment on the subject. Feel free to send us your "hot" takes on working out in jeans by emailing David at doliver@usatoday.com. And for anyone wanting to jump on the trend, please keep in mind jeans may not be safe to work out in, depending on the activity and your individual health needs; please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns about it and remember to follow the rules of your gym. Some institutions don't allow working out in jeans (and we now understand why).
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USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
RFK Jr. works out in jeans. We tried it. It didn't go well.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to really love wearing jeans. Who doesn't, really? Whether they're skinny or baggy, dark- or light-wash, denim jeans are a fashion staple. But RFK Jr. seems to also love wearing jeans to ... exercise? The Health and Human Services Secretary has been spotted donning jeans at the gym. Most recently, on a hike in blistering heat. Many on social media were quick to question the behavior: "It's really weird to me that this guy seems to always be exercising in jeans." Others were less skeptical: "RFK Jr is single-handedly showing the nation that 'activewear' is a myth. You can train, hike, run, cycle in normal clothing." OK, let's play along here. Some experts tout the benefits of hot yoga. Many people lead active lifestyles outdoors in jeans every day. Maybe working out in jeans is no different? Here at USA TODAY, we couldn't help but wonder: Would we be happy breaking a denim-soaked sweat? With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning. So we tried it out ourselves, to mixed results. Wearing jeans on a run The second I stepped outside in my light-wash, baby blue jeans to go for a run a July morning in Washington, D.C., I regretted the choice. The humidity seeped into my pores, and beads of sweat pooled all across my body. Including my denim-covered legs. I typically run in shorts, a running tank top and a sweatband. That day, I channeled RFK Jr. and ran like the wind, or something like that. The breezy rush of air that usually whispers at my legs never materialized. The denim laced heat onto them instead. I wanted to shout at each runner and dog-walker I ran by: "This is for work! I promise! I don't like this!" One mile passed, then two and then a third. I took my usual route, though nothing about the run felt particularly usual. I felt constricted. Contained. Confounded. How could anyone enjoy this? But then it clicked. Just because this didn't work for me didn't mean it couldn't work for others. Maybe some are self-conscious about their legs, and find jeans a comfortable solution for their exercise routines over athleisure. Maybe some like the heat the denim brings. Maybe others just like breaking the status quo. Will I be running in jeans again? No. But I'm glad I tried it – even if a friend saw me and won't let me live it down. –– David Oliver, Deputy Wellness Editor In case you need: Running is great exercise, but many struggle with how to get started. Here are some tips. Wearing jeans during Solidcore Even in sweat-wicking fabric, Solidcore is no walk in the park. The pilates-inspired reformer workout has a cult following among New York City 20-somethings for packing a core and oblique focused challenge into 50 EDM-filled minutes. Each station on the studio floor is marked with a motivational phrase. Mine read 'Make someday today.' I don't think they meant the 'someday' you attend a workout class in jeans, I thought as I lunged and crunched to the chorus of 'Harlem Shake.' Even with the lights dimmed, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in a sea of matching Alo yoga sets and Lululemon leggings. When I dropped into the first Bulgarian split squat of class, flashbacks of the time I split my pants during a high school PE class raced through my mind. But truth be told, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I got a few confused looks, but once I realized everyone in the room was more concerned with surviving the plank section than with my choice of attire, the class moved on as normal, albeit with more sweat. If you forget your workout clothes, jeans can work in a pinch. (It likely helps if they're 94% cotton and bootcut like mine were). Still, I wouldn't test the limits by trying it out in a more sweat-inducing class like SoulCycle or CorePower. –– Rachel Hale, Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow More details: RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat – while wearing jeans Wearing jeans during a gym session My dark-wash denims were made to move – well, really more to suck it up and keep it tight. They pack "tighter tummy technology," with 77% cotton, 21% polyester and the hardworking 2% Spandex. So when I set my position to bang out 15 squats at the start of my workout, I expected them to feel like a second skin. And, to a degree, they did. Not too long into my second set, it was like a skin I was desperate to shed – now, now, NOW! While I didn't tap out of my workout, I did have to abandon my jeans. It was not my favorite experience knowing exactly where sweat was gathering and soaking into my pants that grew just a little heavier. That might seem like a perk in a workout, but I assure you it was not. That said, if I did feel like spontaneously smacking the battle ropes in the backyard, being in jeans wouldn't deter me. –– Michelle Maltais, Executive Editor for Lifestyles & Financial Wellbeing The bottom line? We are glad we tried RFK Jr.'s jeans workout (hey, it makes for a good conversation starter) but none of us can say we'd readily repeat it. Maybe the Make America Health Again guru knows something we don't. We can't be sure – he didn't return our request for comment on the subject. Feel free to send us your "hot" takes on working out in jeans by emailing David at doliver@ And for anyone wanting to jump on the trend, please keep in mind jeans may not be safe to work out in, depending on the activity and your individual health needs; please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns about it and remember to follow the rules of your gym. Some institutions don't allow working out in jeans (and we now understand why).
USA Today
7 days ago
- USA Today
WNBA All-Star fashion: Paige Bueckers, players share their ultimate faux pas
INDIANAPOLIS --- Fashion and culture collided with basketball on Friday during the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend. USA TODAY's Studio IX was on site with Wasserman Basketball and Ally for The Collective's WNBA All-Star VIP party. Throughout the night, several of the biggest names in women's basketball stopped by to walk the red carpet, take photos and mix and mingle. While in attendance, USA TODAY asked players questions that many people want to know the answers to, such as, "What is something you would never be caught dead wearing?" "Bootcut leggings," Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers said, smiling. "Sorry. No offense." Indiana Fever guard and All-Star 3-point contest participant Lexie Hull also offered her thoughts. "Low-rise jeans," Hull revealed, shaking her head and also smiling through clear disdain. "I hate them." Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo joined USA TODAY on the red carpet to share her fashion ick, and the answer did not disappoint. "The shark boots," Hidalgo explained, chuckling. When prompted for clarity on why shark boots made the list of things to never wear, Hidalgo eventually quipped, "Just not my cup of tea." Sending thoughts and condolences to lovers of bootcut leggings, low-rise jeans and shark boots everywhere.
USA Today
19-07-2025
- USA Today
What is No Buy July? We explain the trend that can save you money.
Recently, some friends invited Maggie Miller to bring her kids to a trampoline park for a play date. Another friend invited her and her husband out for dinner. Miller wanted to go to both events, but said no. She's trying to save money. Her family is participating in No Buy July, a growing trend on social media that encourages consumers to only buy the necessities and refrain from buying what is not needed. Those who are participating say it is a good challenge and a way to save. Financial experts say the exercise of purposefully controlling your spending is a good one with several benefits. What is No Buy July? No Buy July may have varying rules based on who is doing it, but essentially the challenge allows you to continue to spend on the items you need: food, gas, bills that need to be paid, home and unexpected medical expenses. But the discretionary items or trips to the store, or extra online shopping are off-limits, as are spending money on eating out. Or at least that's the goal. Some people say they have been successful at not buying extras and others say they've had "slip ups." No Buy July offers a pause on purchases Miller, who lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two young kids, has done no-spend weeks before. But No Buy July came at the right time, she said. "I was like 'Oh, that's catchy. I like it. And we had just a really spendy June," said Miller, explaining that her husband had been invited on a once-in-a-lifetime, last-minute trip and she had a baby shower that required travel. Their daughter's birthday – and birthday party – was also in June. Participating in No Buy July is a way to "force yourself to just press pause on purchases and ask 'Do we really need this?'" Miller told USA TODAY. "It really helps at the end of the month to look back or as you're going through the month to see 'Where are my spending habits? Where am I triggered to spend?' " Miller has been sharing her No Buy July experience on her Instagram account, MoneySavingMotherhood. She started the account about a year ago and said as a working mom with a family, she shares real-life tips for budgeting and saving money. Frugal mom has wins and losses Miller said because she is frugal and is not "constantly spending all the time," the No Buy July experience has not been too painful. But there have been moments, like when her girlfriend texted to ask if Miller and the kids wanted to go to a trampoline park, that it got a bit difficult. It was 115 degrees in Arizona and Miller said the thought of a fun activity in air conditioning was tempting. It was also hard to turn down a dinner invitation, she said. "It's hard to say no, but I think it's a good exercise to practice," she said. On her Instagram post for her second week of the challenge, Miller outlined her expenses: Be kind to yourself; "mess ups" are OK Miller said though she considers the thrift trip and purchase a "mess up," she won't give up on No Buy July, and encourages others to do the same if they encounter a setback. Miller said it should still be OK to forgive yourself and continue on. Even though she has an Instagram page about frugal living and budgeting, "I'm just as susceptible to treating myself to something," she said, adding that she tells herself, " 'Yeah, it was unnecessary but I did it and we're going to move on.' " Miller is vowing not to tempt herself by going near any thrift stores for the remainder of the challenge. "I know that's my pitfall," she said. Financial planners like No Buy July concept Kelly Renner, a certified financial planner in Augusta, Georgia, had not heard of No Buy July, but loves the concept and has encouraged clients to do similar exercises once in a while. "When you pay attention to your spending, you spend less. Even those who followed a budget and maybe just fell off, it is a good reset to do a challenge," Renner told USA TODAY. She'll also have spouses challenge each other to see who can save the most during a challenge. The con of a spending challenge, she said, "is if they have a life event happen out of their control, it can be more defeating mentally. But as long as they can overcome and try again it is still more of a win than a fail." Cash diet: We stopped using credit cards and saved money. An illustrated story of our cash stuffing Bill Shafransky, a certified financial planner in New Canaan, Connecticut, challenges people "to take this concept a step further and make this a permanent trend. You'd be surprised at how much extra money you'll have leftover at the end of the month." And Shafransky told USA TODAY that if people are going to follow a No Buy July concept, "you'll need to keep disciplined when August hits and you feel the urge to go buy everything you held off on. It's kind of like going on a super strict food diet. The cravings get so bad that when the diet is over, you indulge yet again. Don't let that happen." Encouraging others to do No Buy July Naomi Serviss of North Kingstown, Rhode Island already considers herself frugal. So she said she fully embraced No Buy July when she heard about it. "I hate shopping in stores and I just try to rein everything back and not buy things online," Serviss said. "It's a really great concept and I hope more people adopt it." Serviss regularly uses a local No Buy Facebook group to give away and get items. She's gotten such items as a bookshelf and a guitar holder. In July, Serviss is going to skip her once a month thrift store trip, timed for the 50% off discount "for a certain age group. I even put off looking for my mother-of-the bride's dress because I have time," she said, of her daughter's wedding in October. Serviss said she's been telling her friends and family to participate in No Buy July and they have been. Retailers are hit with consumer wariness Consumers are increasingly holding back on spending as they worry about inflation and tariffs and retailers are taking a hit, said Craig Rowley, senior client partner retail at Korn Ferry, a global human resources consulting firm. Rowley, who leads the firm's consulting retail practice for the U.S., said as he talks to retail executives, they don't know how to plan for business right now with so many uncertainties. Retailers are also completing their buying for the spring 2026 season and don't know how this Christmas season will go with tariff and inflation pressures, he said. "Retail is very much a function of consumer confidence. When people are happy and doing well, they're going to spend money. They're going to get their credit card out," Rowley told USA TODAY. "They're going to buy not only the things they need, but they're going to buy the things they want. When they're nervous and uncomfortable, then they're going to watch and see what happens. They're going to sit on their wallet." Rowley said there are other similar concepts to No Buy July like Frugal February, when consumers tighten their budgets after holiday spending. Any social movement, including shoppers who have been boycotting certain retailers for their rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, hurt retail sales, Rowley said. He hasn't heard his clients talk specifically about No Buy July, but "they're all more worried about the fact that it's been a slow year." Rowley thinks July will be a tough month for retailers since consumers are spending less and struggling financially, but retailers are expecting August to pick up with Back to School sales and purchases. Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
