There's nothing like a bit of sunshine to boost the spirits - and turbo-charge those fitness motivation levels.

"Summer is a great time for exercising. The longer days allow you more time to spend outdoors, and the sunshine boosts your mood. Improved weather will remove the possibility of excuses that would otherwise keep you indoors," says Mollie Millington, the 'Happiness Personal Trainer' (www.ptmollie.com). "And outdoor fitness can be done on a budget and with friends - both of which can be encouraging, making you want to do it more."

Some stylish new togs can also help in the encouragement stakes, and ensure you're kitted out suitably for the season, while also feeling confident and comfortable.

REWARD SYSTEM

If you're just starting out with a fitness regime, or if budgets are tight, you don't need to splash out on the most expensive brands. There are plenty of decent-quality bargains to be found, and you can always reward yourself with some upgrades once you've proven you're going to be putting them to use. "Your summer fitness wardrobe can be fun and affordable too," says Millington. "Some runners collect £1 for every mile they run. This helps them save for new kit as the seasons change, or as the extra weight drops [if they're exercising to slim down]."

TECH SAVVY

It pays to ensure your kit is suitable for the conditions though, as this will affect your performance and comfort. Key things to think about are temperature control, sweat-wicking, soft seams and fabrics that won't irritate skin or rub when it gets humid, and sun protection (don't forget to slather on the SPF too!). "Technical fabric can be a bit more expensive, but it's worth every penny. Lighter colours will be a bit cooler to wear too," says Millington.

Jodi Kerschl, founder and designer at Bellum Active, suggests: "Invest in training kit that incorporates stylish breathable mesh panels. Not only will you look super cool, but you'll remain fresh throughout your workout. Add to that waterproof pockets, to keep valuables dry, and you're good to go."

There's good reason technically sophisticated fitness wear costs a bit more - because it can make a real difference, a top priority for brands like adidas.

"We're constantly working with athletes to understand how we can enable them to achieve their best. Our athletes push themselves to the limit, and to keep up with them, we also pursue our own PBs, making apparel that's more climate-resistant, stylish and effective than everything that came before," says Heike Leibl, VP horizontal concepts at adidas. "For summer ranges, we produce technologies that address overheating, through lightweight, sweat-wicking, cool materials that allow athletes to keep up their training and performance, regardless of the heat."

BRIGHT SPARKS

Summer is all about colour, freshness and vibrancy - and why can't that apply to your fitness kit too? "Treat yourself to a pair of print leggings with a fun pattern or summery colours. If they make you smile before you even put them on, even better. If you prefer shorts, make sure they are long enough to avoid chaffing and suit the activities you take part in," says Millington.

Kerschl agrees: "Stand out this summer - look for colours that bring your workout wardrobe to life! Colours and patterns that make you feel fab; you'll be amazed how this can power up your workout. Our new collection has been designed with the summer's hottest statement patterns and wildest colours so you can sweat in style."

VITAL EXTRAS

Consider what you're going to be carrying too. For outdoor summer workouts, good hydration is of utmost importance, so don't forget to factor in water bottles and storage for essentials you're going to be carrying with you.

"Think smart with your fitkit buys - look for hidden pockets to store that door key or even cash for that post workout coffee. Our TriMax Compression and Pursuit Bras have a small inner pocket just for that," says Kerschl.

Bum-bags can also be handy for outdoor jogs and hikes, notes Millington, who also adds: "Invest in a hat, visor, or sunglasses, to protect your eyes when the sun is out."

SHOP THE KIT

Does shopping for summer fitness kit make you feel like a kid in a sweetshop? Us too! Here are some of our faves for this season...

:: Bellum Active Venus Capri pants, currently reduced to £40 from £50 (www.bellumactive.co.uk)

:: Bellum Active Anja Active Luxe Top, currently reduced to £48 from £60 (www.bellumactive.co.uk)

:: Bellum Active Run Wild Active Run Tight, currently reduced to £44 from £55 (www.bellumactive.co.uk)

:: Women Running Cool Tee from adidas ClimaChill range, £22 (www.adidas.co.uk)

:: Women Training Ultimate Fit Asia Tights, £47 (www.adidas.co.uk)

:: Tribesports Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts, £28 (tribesports.com)

:: Musto Women's High Summer Vest Top, £49.99 (www.musto.com)

:: Musto Women's Quick Dry Training Top, £35 (www.musto.com)

:: Musto Women's Marathon Shorts, £49.99 (www.musto.com)

TRIED AND TESTED

3 of the best... summery sports bras

:: Anita Active Extreme Control Sports Bra in Rio, £49 (www.figleaves.com)

Adjustable and wide padded straps make this super-supportive sports bra pleasingly comfortable - and with the new Rio colourway, you'll be channelling those Olympic champs every time you wear it! Sizes go up to 38FF too.

:: Impact Free bra in Pink, £34 (www.royce-lingerie.co.uk)

Wire-free and made with super-soft Pima cotton, the high neck on this sports bra means you don't have to worry about unintentional cleavage flashes when you drop down for some press-ups or planking during that jog in the park, while the bright pink shade means you won't mind if it's visible under a vest. Bonus for busty gals: it's available up to a K cup!

:: Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra, £33 (www.figleaves.com)

One of THE best brands for those in need of hardcore bust support, this Shock Absorber number has 'powermesh' side panels for breathability, and the jazzy print and crop-top style make it especially great for summer.

FITNESS FLASH

:: Brits waste £5.8 billion a year on unused fitness equipment

Is that rowing machine you simply 'had' to buy now gathering dust in the attic, that fancy heart rate monitor buried away in a drawer? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone: the average Brit wastes £90 a year on unused fitness equipment, according to new research by British Military Fitness (BMF). Bikes came top of the list for most unused purchase, followed by fitness DVDs, with a quarter of women (25%) admitting they've bought one they don't use. Weights are the most common culprit for men, while 16-24-year-olds were most likely to waste money on protein shakes and supplements, and juicers scored highly too. Lack of motivation was cited as the main reason for buying things then not using them, and one in 10 also confess it's because they don't really know how to use them.

ends