Alicia Keys Shares the Summer Workout Gear That Keeps Her Motivated

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

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

“I love not having to go anywhere to work out,” Keys says. “If I’m home, I’m able to just jump right in. I love 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 combine 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 outdoors beckon a bit more, and she starts to add in running, hiking, and outdoor biking to the mix. 

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

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

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

But it’s not just about the workout gear. For over a year, 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. The program 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 love how Athleta prioritizes helping women manifest their own power and feel comfortable in their own skin,” Keys says. “We are both about body positivity and love how everyone can find themselves in 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 new collection. 

1. Athleta Keys Elation 7/8 Tights

Athleta

Athleta Keys Elation 7/8 Tight

These high-waisted tights, made of 75% recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles, are great for low-impact movement. “I love this particular legging because there’s a light compression, like a gentle hug,” Keys says. “It feels really good.” Its two colorways–emerald green and velvety purple—provide a pop of summer color.

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, both of which make it perfect for light-impact workouts. “[The bra] holds everything 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 at the hip, comes in two summery colorways—sunbaked clay and magnolia white—and feels extra comfy. “It creates a look for me to throw on after I work out and head to brunch,” Keys says. “It takes you to every occasion.”

4. Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Flutter Short

Athleta

Athleta Keys Enlighten Up Flutter Short

These airy, relaxed-fit shorts have a light stretch, are resistant to wrinkles, and are perfect for lounging or exploring new places. Keys pairs these shorts with the bomber above for easy 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 can be worn multiple ways, from skirt to scarf, and is “so lightweight and packable,” says Keys. “I love tying it on my head or around my waist. I even love tying it around the same patterned jumpsuit.”