Last Updated on September 27, 2019 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
(Sponsored post…who can pass up Target? Not me.)
Perks of my dream job: “office attire” and “gym attire” are one in the same.
No one can accuse me of being lazy and lounging in yoga pants all day; these pants go to work. In theory, this would afford me the opportunity to splurge on all of the latest, greatest, most fashionable workout gear. But here’s a reality check: pursuing your dream career doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with pursuing a profitable career. I am not a personal trainer to A-list celebrities (obviously only because no one wants to travel to Brattleboro), but I absolutely love what I do none the less. I sacrifice wealth for happiness, and as a result, money is often really tight. But a girl’s still gotta look good, right?
(that may be the girliest thing I’ve ever said on this blog…)
The other day I was asked if I would be interested in posting about Target’s C9 by Champion line, and I said, out loud, “Hell. Yes.” (I talk to my computer, as well as my cats. The lasting affects of working from home for the last year).
It boggles my mind how so many of you can take awesome selfies. Mine always come out horribly awkward, so I prefer to just cut to the awkward chase. Anyway, rocking a C9 by Champion pullover and ear warmer on my way to the gym.
I have been a fan of the C9 line for YEARS. Why?
a) A fit girl can never have enough sports bras (even if she probably technically doesn’t need them…ahem).
b) The line is affordable AND fashionable…something incredibly hard to find.
c) The clothes fit and work as they are intended to.
d) Did I mention…affordable?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked if a C9 pullover I own is from that lemon company (you know, the one designed only for skinny thighs). I’m not one who cares about labels, all I care about is that my clothes fit and are comfortable, but there is a certain amount of smugness satisfaction that comes with knowing your $24 pullover looks exactly like the $124 version from another brand. Thrifty shopper for the win!
(fun fact: it is also the same pullover I’m wearing in that picture on the header at the top of my blog where I clearly ate dirt on a trail run. Good memories…)
Small sampling of my C9 collection over the years…
I’ve also put the C9 line to every fitness test possible: teaching group exercise, brutal workouts of my own, even hours upon hours on a Super Spartan course. They fit, they last, they are durable. “No nonsense” is how I like my workouts…and my workout apparel.
Those tanks? C9 by Champion. Puffy paint “Who’s Your Spartan” artwork not included.
SO WHAT IS C9? C9 by Champion is Target’s exclusive athletic apparel collection and offers quality apparel priced under $50. C9 by Champion also has variety of accessories including gym bags, weights, jump ropes and more. In addition to the stylish pieces, C9 by Champion incorporates technical features similar to those found in the high-end fitness brands, such as moisture wicking, ventilation, antimicrobial, and Duo-Dry™ technology, but without the high-end price tag.
Cute, right? It’s only $18
If you are interested in trying out the C9 line, you are in luck:
Three cheers for smartphones!
Target is offering a One-Day Only Sale: January 19 (that’s Sunday, folks)
Get 40% off C9 by Champion Apparel, Shoes and Accessories instore and online on Sunday, January 19 (not valid on sporting goods)
- -Save in-store using the Cartwheel, Target’s first-of-its-kind digital savings program
- – Save online at Target.com using the promo code GETFIT
- 40% offer will post to Cartwheel on 1/19
- Smartphone Target shoppers, sign up for Cartwheel via desktop at cartwheel.com or by downloading the Cartwheel app in iTunes using a mobile device.
Can’t make it Sunday? Well you might still be in luck…Target was kind enough to offer one $200 Target GiftCard to one of my readers!
There are a ton of ways to enter…from a simple blog comment (required), all the way up to 10 bonus entries for tweeting and instagramming a photo of yourself in your C9 gear (hey, this is a killer giveaway, you’ve got to work for it!! 😉 ) Use the rafflecopter below to enter.
Contest open to U.S. residents only. Entries will be accepted from now until Friday January 24th; winner announced Saturday January 25th. Good luck!
*disclaimer: While this giveaway is sponsored by Target, all opinions stated are my own. Further, everything you see pictured in this post was previously purchased on my own. I love C9.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Caitlin
I love pink workout apparel! Feeling girly at the gym is fun.
Heather
Agreed Caitlin! The funny thing is I hardly ever dress up “girly”…EXCEPT in workout gear. Give me pink, skirts, you name it! haha!
Rebecca
Comfort.
Marissa at Style Cusp
I look for comfort and fit!
Debbie Finnigan
FIt comfort and affordability (I have 3 kids under 10)!
Al Cogbill
Thanks, Heather! You’re always a help when it comes to gear and such! I do like C9 stuff and have used it in multiple OCRs. It works great and is affordable.
marissa
I love C9 by Target! It’s so durable and very affordable!
Rosie
Comfort! After that, appearance and durability and how affordable it is.
Katrina Elle
I need SUPPORT in lots of areas haha!
Nicole
Love this line!
Libby Vermeulen
Excellent giveaway! I absolutely love the Premium C9 (little bit more expensive than the regular) line at Target, but all of it is amazing!
Shelley
I would always prefer something flattering over a “fashionable” label. I don’t have time to pull on my clothes during a workout.
Ashley
I love me some affordable workout clothes. In fact that is the first thing I look for when buy running clothes. Who needs labels? I need it to hold up and withstand hours of torture and lots of mud. I have a few C9 products, but my fav are their compression shorts. I have run so many OCRs in them bad boys and they are still holding up. Not a fan of their sports bras as they don’t really support the girls too well.
Erin
I love C9 apparel!
Lindsay M.
The most important thing for me is the fit, it is hard to run and workout if clothes are too small or too large and falling off.
Kerry
Love C9 workout clothes! Comfort and fit are a must for me!
Dana Sterling
Functional & affordable!!
Kelly
Comfort!
Patrice Chen
comfort
Dara Bentley
My gear has to fit. Spending an entire marathon pulling up your shorts or adjusting your bra gets old reeeeeal fast!
Amy
I look at price! Fit and style are important, but I don’t care how cute/cool/sexy it is, if it’s not affordable, I’m not buying it! I absolutely LOVE the C9 stuff!
meaghan
Comfort and for my arse not to look too big!
Kirsten Nickelsen
Comfort and fit. Being petite sometimes I struggle to find things that fit properly
Erica McGoey Marion
Comfort, affordability, durability, and cute!
Tonia
All of my favorite bras are C9. Stylish and comfortable!
[email protected]
Most important quality I look for is fit! What a fabulous giveaway Heather!
Lauren
I love for comfort, fit and durability!
Cindy Neat Six
I want it to fit right and make me look good
Tammy burch
C9 is comfy!
lizmendoza
I look for pants that don’t sag when I squat….TMI?
Kylie Van Lanen
I love C9 gear at Target and especially the fit and price .
Heather Hayes Panjon
I Look For Comfort!
Holly
Love C9 clothes!
Hannah Hawley
Totally want! I look for something to keep my girls supported, fun and funky, super comfortable!
Melissa
I love C9 clothes too. I miss working at Target because I don’t get to see all the new stuff coming in or the stuff when it finally goes to clearance. And I am so glad they make it in XXL, it’s hard to find workout clothes that size
Kristen M
I look for comfort and good fit. I need to feel good wearing it!
Tami
Fit and comfort!
Kishna Woo-Hare
comfort and durability!
Brenna Kate
I look for comfort and affordability!
Geoff
As the fella that washes most of this gear, it may also be noted that it dries quickly and folds quite easily :).
Tess
Sunday Jauary 19 is mine and my husband’s 23yr. Anniversary. This would be a FANTASTIC present. I’m not one for the fancy presents and Target is my go-to place for fitness. My boys always try to get me to go to another “sporting goods” store with a well known name but I’m in love with my Target chic!!!
Kristen L
I look for quality materials when I am buying workout apparel! Helps to prevent chafing!
Mary Happymommy
I look for comfort.
I shared on FB–https://www.facebook.com/mary.happymommy/posts/694457763917923?stream_ref=1
Rebecca
I am a HUGE fan of Target athletic line and Champion! The best capris and most comfortable for running! I ran my first full marathon in 10/2013 in no other than Champion capries! wore them on my long runs and figured why change things up. The prices are great too!
Rea Liz
I look for comfort and style!
Teresa M.
Fit is most important me to, and looking good never hurt.
Amanda Sakovitz
I look for fit and durability
Elena
I look for comfort
Lea @ Running with Ollie
I love C9 – I definitely look for style, comfort, fit, and affordability! What can I say? I want it all! LOL
bendiful
I’m a huge fan of C-9 from Target and am always shocked by the people who think it’s from other places. I look for colors and function. I want to be BRIGHT and Fierce!
Caitlin
Love C9
Julie Silverman Peasley
The most important thing is fit!
kristie shelton
bright colors, and comfort are definitely a must for me!
Sheenaena
Depending on the piece, but the overall feel should be comfortable, fitting (not binding) and breathable!
Caroline
I look for fit, sturdiness and comfort.
Carrie
I love C9 stuff…it’s adorable and holds up really well!
kally00
Fit is the most important thing to me and the C9 line has excellent fitting tights for cooler weather and a great array of sport bras and tops 🙂
Lisa Decker
Comfort and price!!!
armytbonegirl
The most important thing for me is comfort. Nothing worse than being rubbed in weird places during a workout because you’re wearing uncomfortable clothes.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
Love C9!! I look for affordability and quality!
The Demure Life
I look for something that fits me well and moves with me
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Amy H.
It has to be comfortable and affordable!
Brandy Z (Bayb Heart on Fb)
Comfort is most important to me. I don’t want to be pulling and tugging and adjusting, or distracted because I’m chafing or pinching due to ill fitting clothes. I want to focus on performance and not what I’m wearing.
AB
I look for quality and comfort
paula peterson
I really want something that looks great but also feels comfortable.
Jessica To
I like something that allows me to move comfortably.
Jennifer Marie
I look for workout gear that will keep me from sweating too much.
Lisa Jones
First, how it looks on me bc if it doesn’t look good it’s not worth buying. Price and wicking also key.
Jovan B.
That it is loose and comfortable.
Brooke
My workout clothes to be cute but stay put. I hate needing to pull up pants or adjust straps when I’m trying to run.
Hanna
I always look for a style/comfort mix!
Susan Christy
Lightweight – I sweat too much!
myfoxypup(at)gmail(dot)com
Maryleigh @ The Broken Runner
The most important thing I look for, is what doesn’t make me look like a busted can of biscuits. What doesn’t ride. What doesn’t leave nasty sweat marks showing through. And what doesn’t leave a major gap in the crotch requiring me to constantly pull up my pants. (so annoying) oh and how dark it is (black) and how NEON it is! 😉
Heather
Maryleigh, you had me laughing out loud with “busted can of biscuits”. Best comment yet!
Danielle F.
Fit and function – I want something that’s going to be comfortable and fit me well (so I’m not constantly re-adjusting) and that’s going to be ideal for my activity.
J Marie Thompson
comfort is #1!
Haley @ Climb Run Lift Mom
I look for something that fits well is comfortable and durable!
amanda hoffman
comfort and price
Mandy
Comfort, fit, and affordability! Love C9 and Target!
Thomas Murphy
I look for comfort.
Cathy Rottman
I love C9!!!
jalapenomamamn
I look for fit and comfort first – thank you;
jalapenomamamn
Rafflecopter name Barbara Montag
jalapenomamamn
Shared on FB https://www.facebook.com/barbara.montag.7/posts/10202451990837336?stream_ref=1
beach3519
The only thing I care about is fit. And it’s gotta be comfortable. If it’s not, what’s the point?
linda swartzen
Comfort! Comfort! Comfort! <3
Crystal W
I’m all about comfort! (And easy to clean!)
April
I’ll kind give two answers…the most important thing is comfort. And right now? In winter, comfort = warmth.
lynn
Sweat wicking! Gotta stay dry!
Gabrielle
Comfort and support in a sports bra!
Lori
I’ve been wearing C9 from Target since they started carrying it because when you run and have 4 kids you’re always on a budget! Fast forward many years and my kids are grown and some moved off and I’m still buying C9 because it’s great!
Jamie Theriault
comfort comfort comfort!
Becca W.
Comfortable and stylish gear is cool!
Gina H.
Comfort
Kelly D
I look for stretch and comfort so that I can exercise without having to think about my clothing bothering me.
pat
I look for comfort and $
Jessie C.
Comfort and fit are the most important features to me.
runningmoose50
I like something that I don’t really notice while I’m running
Jennifer Boudreau
Comfort!
Melissa A. Brown
Comfort is the most important thing!
Rod Jackson
I look for comfort https://www.facebook.com/rod.jackson.7315/posts/10201922057865314?stream_ref=1
Erin
Adorable! I’m checking out the sale today!!!
DESIREE H
Comfort and durability are the most important things. You want to be comfortable, but you also want the apparel to last! I just started working out again and really could use the awesome fitness apparel from the C9 Champion collection!!
Thank you!!
Lisa Brown
i look for the right fit, since I am petite.
Steve Zitur
Comfort and sweat wicking
Realia M
i love looser work out shirts, not skin tight!
Stephanie Jones
I look for comfort
Stephanie Jones
shared: https://www.facebook.com/stephjones008/posts/538632539577655?stream_ref=1
channynn
DURABILITY. I don’t want piling after the first wash.
Vera K
I like fabric that wicks away sweat.
Katie | FashionFrugality.com
Comfortable – it must stay put! I hate when I constantly have to readjust something – it gets in the way of a good workout!
Rachel T.
Comfort and cuteness, the two C’s.
Cindy McCloskey
Love C9! Comfy, great bras, fun choices. Great stuff!
Mo Collings
Awesome! Headed over now since I need new sports bras and more long sleeved shirts!
erica
support
latanya
dry wicking an style
Colleen Lerro
Fit, Function and Quality!
alaine
Comfort & affordability
Shelley
The most important things I look for are comfort and quality!
heather
The most important feature I look for in workout clothes is comfort and flexability.
Tabathia B
Comfort and how I look in it (tummy control, butt lifting 🙂
Rebekah Mitchell
Comfort and fit are most important to me. Cute is an added bonus and C( stuff is usually all three!!
Leidy
Comfort is the most important for me.
Leah
Definitely wicking material to absorb sweat!
Kenya F
I look for comfort!
Terry
Comfort for movement is great and is what is most important to me.
Nataly Carbonell
Safety and comfort
rachel
It should have a looser fit and wick away sweat nicely!
Sonya Morris
Something that looks flattering on my aging had four kids body! I tend to go for something fitted but not tight.
Wild Orchid
Durability! I need something that will hold up.
Entered the rafflecopter as “Wild orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Diana Stanhope
The most important to me is comfort.
capeislandrunners
i deplore shopping…unless it is for running clothes! Then I can’t get enough. I would love to win this card and try some C9 gear. I mostly get discounted stuff from Marshall’s -it’s a win-win because it is quality but so cheap – like I care if I am wearing last year’s colors?! But I do admit to every so often splurge on fancier stuff 🙂
Tammy S
The most important thing to me is comfort.
amy pugmire
comfort!! for sure!
Cassandra Eastman
The most important feature for me is definitely comfort, as well as good quality!
Kristine H.
Love Target! They always have the best of everything!
courtney b
i like to make sure i dont sweat through it! lol AND i like something thats going to last a while..
mermont84
I look for comfort 1st
Kenny F
Comfort.
Phillip
I sweat a lot so I like clothes that wick away perspiration.
Sarah L
Love the C9. Comfort is key, and its great when its affordable also.
Heidi
Comfort is most important to me, then price.
Angela Y
The most important thing is for the apparel to be comfortable, not tight or ride up, and looks good.
Ellie W
Comfort is always the most important thing I look for in any clothes.
laurajacobson
The moisture wicking is really important for me, and also they have to be comfortable!
Katie M (@carrotrunr)
It has to fit and stay in place (and fun colors are a bonus!).
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's
comfort and breathability
Ashley Tucker
Comfort and moisture wicking!
Mary Cloud
Something that isn’t so loose that it gets in my way
annabella @ centurytel dot net
Julie
comfort is very impt to me thanks for the giveaway
ellen beck
I look for comfort and durability.
ellen beck
https://www.facebook.com/ellen.beck.39/posts/812155702135091?stream_ref=10
fb share
Jenn Kasch
Comfort and Sweat wicking. I sweat like a beast…lol
Kristen J
Comfort is definitely important, but I also want it to fit well. You know what I mean? 😉
Tian A.
Comfortable and dry technology
Ann
Comfort and style
Tamra H
Definitely fit, it can’t be too loose or snug!
Tara
I like my tops to be long enough and stay put! I hate it when my shirt rides up.
Holly B
It has to be comfy…but bonus points if it’s flattering 🙂
Leah Baird
I look for comfort.
Amy H.
I love C9 as well! Fit AND function, and is reasonably priced? Hello!
Jean
I look for great fit, but also durability and cuteness!
Judy S
I want something that looks cute.
Claudia
The most important feature in workout clothing is Comfort, thank you!
Johnna Sebben
New to your blog…looking forward to reading more. I love Target – great prices, cute stylish workout gear and easy access for Target locations.
Craig Borduin
I like to see if it fits first before I look at the colors they have.
ashleyh
I look for comfort first.
Harmony B
Comfort and support
Stefanie Gladden
I always look for comfortability!!
Stefanie Gladden
fb stephanie ann
rayraycartucci
For me the most important thing in exercise clothes is how well it catches sweat. I am a runner….and I can not stand to have sweat dripping all over me….sigh. Thanks
Kellie Rose Wilson
a flattering design that does not cling to areas you would like to conceal
Paul
I like the C9 stuff. Pretty cool. New to this blog. I’ll check back soon.
Paul
Oops, forgot to mention what i look for in apparel. I look for comfort and how snappy the gear looks.
Rebecca Parsons
I look for total comfort in workout clothes.
Jean
I shared on FB – https://www.facebook.com/jean.brinkley.3/posts/10201125010159464?stream_ref=1
Maria (@LiftLoveLife)
Quality!
sportymomme
Durability, quality & affordability…
Run To Munch
I look for soft/wicking fabric!
Cecil @ Dreadmill Drummer
Comfort is the primary thing. Then durability and whether or not it lives up to promises (i.e. moisture wicking and such) would follow.
Lea kramer
There is no such thing as too many sports bras!!!!!!!
Julia Rohs
C9 is my favorite sporting apparel brand!
Angela Cash
The most important feature I look for in athletic apparel is comfort. I want clothing that moves with me.
terry maigi
The most important things to me are comfort and lightweight! I don’t like feeling like I’m being restricted, I like it to move with me
Taylor Dibble
I love C9 stuff!
Taylor Dibble
I love stuff that wicks away sweat and C9 def does that! And it’s affordable!
Kim Sardo
If Heather recommends C9 then I know it’s good.
David
Comfort and something that keeps me cool.
Cass
The MoST important things are fit and fashion! I have chunky thighs and need something that fits but with cute prints. 🙂
Pam
comfort and affordability 🙂 <3 me so C9
Diana
Comfort and cuteness! I <3 FREE stuff!
Kymberly Swope
I look for Durability and value first. After that has to be looks.
Megan @mnmspecial
Most important to me is comfort.
outrunningthefork
Comfort. Quality. Soft. Comfort.
Shannon @ Girl's Got Sole
Comfort first. If it’s not comfortable, it doesn’t matter how cute it is. But, style comes next. 🙂
Theresa
Definitely color. It must be NEON…for obvious reasons.
Christina Wessling
Most important thing is COMFORT.. if it’s awkward or annoying I won’t wear it!
Laura Galler
Fit and durability are important to me
Cora Kirkpatrick
I LOVE C9!!! Also LOVE Target! It’s pretty much across the street from where I live. We go there so often that when my daughter was born, my son who was 3 at the time told people that his sister was born at Target! Lol.
Kayla Wells
I run outside so it has to be warm. I think that they make some of the best warm gear out there. The same goes for when I run in the summer I like clothes that wick away moisture and keep me cool!
Amy A
Affordability – almost all my workout clothes are C9!
Heather @ Operation Determination
I love C9! I look for functionality and price.
Trish Payne
Comfort, fit and moisture wicking
Kristina
Between comfort and the price.
Comfort is obviously the MOST important thing, especially for shoes.
I hate getting blisters with new running shoes
Jennifer
I need something comfortable and nothing too warm in the summertime.
Jackie Conn
This sounds awesome and I need more workout clothes of all kinds. I would totally wear this!
melissa
I love Champions line at target. I look for stuff that fits well
Kymberly Swope
Didn’t know if I had to post a photo of me WEARING the C9 so I posted another instagram photo of me wearing some of it http://instagram.com/p/jlA33IEMpK/
Stephanie @Cat Lady Runs
Comfort is 100% the most important thing!
Betrina Stitt
Comfy and fit well!