Even outside competition, Simone Biles stays active through movement she genuinely enjoys. Her new Athleta collection—her fifth with the company but second designed for women and girls—fits perfectly. The line reflects the low-pressure hobbies she’s embraced to stay moving without intense training pressure. Released on November 21, the collection signals a new chapter in Biles’ relationship with fitness.
Biles’ new Athleta collection blends fashion and function with stylish athleisure pieces seamlessly. The designs prioritize easy layering and versatile wear for multiple settings. The line features everything from subtle zebra-print leggings to cozy fleece sweatpants. Paired with crop tops, hoodies, and zip-ups, the pieces work perfectly for winter workouts and year-round use.
Bold Collection Reflects Calmer Post-Competition Lifestyle
The collection reflects the calmer, more balanced lifestyle Biles has embraced recently. She stepped back from competitive gymnastics to focus on married life and personal wellness. Her new hobbies include horseback riding and ice skating—activities that keep her moving without pressure. This shift represents a softer approach to fitness after years of Olympic-level training intensity.
“It’s very different. It’s the boldest collection that we’ve had thus far,” Biles said about the new line. She admits being “obviously biased, but this is one of my favorite collections.” The designs follow current trends while maintaining versatility for various settings. Biles emphasizes that the pieces transition easily from athletic activities to everyday life.
Exploring Low-Pressure Hobbies That Feel Like Fun
“Now, I’ve started to explore other hobbies that still include working out, but it just looks a little bit different,” Biles told Refinery29 Unbothered. She’s not training in gymnastics facilities 24/7 anymore. Instead, she’s attending horseback riding lessons regularly. She’s also preparing to pick up ice skating lessons at a local rink soon.
“Right now, although I’m not in the gym 24/7, I’m in my horseback riding lessons,” she explained. Biles wants activities that provide similar joy to gymnastics without the competitive pressure. “I feel like gymnastics, although it was working out, it was just it was so much fun for me, and you don’t even realize you’re exercising,” she added. “So I wanted to feel that similar feeling.”
Most Decorated Gymnast Redefines What Fitness Means
After years of intense training to become the most decorated gymnast in history, Biles isn’t rushing back. She’s not pursuing any strict workout regimen or grueling training schedules. She now enjoys the simplicity of a Pilates class or horseback riding session. This gentler approach honors her body’s needs after decades of elite athletic demands.
“I took up horseback riding because going to a gym for me and doing pilates and all that stuff seems a little bit scary and daunting,” Biles explained. Framing movement as a hobby rather than training changes the psychological experience completely. “But if you put it as a hobby, and say ‘I’m working out for an hour or so,’ it feels a little bit easier,” she noted.
Ice Skating Lessons Next on Fitness Adventure List
Biles has already called her local ice rink multiple times about skating lessons. “I’m about to start doing my ice skating lessons. I’ve already called the ice rink,” she shared with a laugh. “I know they’re tired of hearing from me [laughs].” Her enthusiasm for trying new movement forms demonstrates continued athletic curiosity. Ice skating offers another activity where exercise feels like play rather than work.
This exploration of different sports and activities represents self-discovery beyond competitive gymnastics. Biles never lost her love of movement and physical challenges. However, she’s redefining what athletic expression looks like in this life chapter. Her choices inspire others to find joyful movement rather than punishing workout routines.
Pilates Sessions With NFL Husband Jonathan Owens
Biles shares Pilates sessions with her NFL star husband, Jonathan Owens. These couple workouts represent quality time together while maintaining fitness. She appreciates the versatility and style of her new Athleta collection for these activities. The pieces work perfectly for shared fitness experiences with her partner.
Though not her first Athleta collection, this one has already become her favorite. The designs accommodate the diverse movement practices she now enjoys. From horseback riding to Pilates to ice skating, the pieces adapt to various activities. This versatility makes the collection practical for women with multifaceted fitness interests.
From Mat to Meetings: Versatile Athleisure Design
“We have followed some of the trends but really, I always say, that you can take it from the mat to conferences or whatever it is,” Biles explained. The collection doesn’t limit itself to gym-only wear. Professional settings, travel, and casual outings all work with these pieces. “It doesn’t have to be just for the gym,” she emphasized about the design philosophy.
“It’s my go-to travel style, as well as if I’m taking a pilates class with my husband,” Biles added. Modern women need clothing that transitions seamlessly between life’s various demands. The collection addresses this reality with pieces that look polished while remaining functional. This versatility particularly serves Black women navigating professional and athletic spaces.
Subtle Zebra Prints and Cozy Fleece Options
The line features everything from subtle zebra-print leggings to cozy fleece sweatpants. These design choices balance fashion-forward aesthetics with comfort and functionality. The zebra print adds visual interest without overwhelming the overall look. Fleece sweatpants provide warmth and comfort for cold-weather activities and lounging.
Crop tops, hoodies, and zip-ups complete the collection’s offerings. These pieces layer easily for temperature regulation during various activities. The mix of fitted and relaxed silhouettes accommodates different body types and style preferences. Winter workouts and year-round use both factor into the design considerations.
Perfect Timing for Winter Fitness Activities
Released on November 21, the collection arrives perfectly timed for winter fitness needs. Cold-weather activities like ice skating require warm, flexible clothing. Indoor workouts during winter months benefit from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. The collection addresses both indoor and outdoor winter fitness requirements comprehensively.
The layering pieces allow for temperature adjustment as bodies warm up during activity. Starting cold and finishing warm requires thoughtful clothing design. Biles’ collection provides solutions for this common fitness challenge. The winter release timing demonstrates understanding of seasonal athletic needs.
Second Collection Designed Specifically for Women and Girls
This marks Biles’ fifth overall collaboration with Athleta but second designed specifically for women and girls. Previous collections included different target audiences or design approaches. Focusing on women and girls allows for more tailored fits and style preferences. The designs consider female bodies’ specific needs during athletic activities.
Creating activewear for women and girls represents an important market segment. Female athletes need clothing designed for their bodies rather than adapted from men’s designs. Biles’ involvement ensures authentic athlete input in the design process. Her experience informs practical decisions about functionality and style.
Boldest Collection Yet Pushes Design Boundaries
“It’s the boldest collection that we’ve had thus far,” Biles emphasized about this release. Previous collaborations took more conservative approaches to design and color. This collection embraces bolder patterns, colors, and style choices. The evolution reflects Biles’ growing confidence in her design voice and aesthetic preferences.
Bold doesn’t mean impractical in this context—it means confident style choices. The collection balances eye-catching elements with wearability and function. Biles pushes Athleta’s typical design envelope while maintaining the brand’s quality standards. This creative risk-taking results in distinctive pieces that stand out in crowded activewear markets.
Soft-Life Fitness Movement Gains Prominent Ambassador
Biles’ approach to post-competition fitness aligns with the growing “soft-life” movement. This philosophy prioritizes enjoyment, balance, and sustainability over extreme training regimens. Black women particularly embrace soft-life principles as counter-narratives to “strong Black woman” stereotypes. Biles’ public embrace of gentler fitness provides influential representation.
Her hobbies—horseback riding, ice skating, Pilates—all emphasize pleasure alongside physical benefits. This represents a radical shift for someone known for pushing human physical limits. Biles demonstrates that elite athletes can choose rest, play, and balance. Her example gives others permission to redefine their relationships with movement and fitness.
Collection Serves Multi-Dimensional Black Women’s Lives
Black women navigate professional spaces, athletic pursuits, and personal lives requiring wardrobe versatility. A single outfit that works for morning Pilates, afternoon meetings, and evening errands simplifies daily logistics. Biles’ collection specifically addresses these real-world needs of multi-dimensional Black women. The pieces honor both strength and style without compromise.
The designs avoid forcing choices between looking polished and feeling comfortable. Black women often face pressure to present certain images in different spaces. Versatile athleisure that looks intentional rather than sloppy solves this challenge. Biles understands these nuances from her own experiences navigating various professional and personal contexts.
