Fitness Chat – And a Few of My Favorite Pieces for Working Out
Guys next month will mark my one year anniversary of consistent exercise since before I had kids. I haven’t given up on this new journey to be the best version of my self that I began last year shortly after I turned 39. I joined a local Barre Boutique and although it was pretty rough going in the beginning I stuck with it and I am feeling SO STRONG. This is probably the strongest I have felt in years and for me that is saying a lot especially after having my three kids.
I am surprised that this is something I’ve stuck with for so long. Barre classes are not easy. I leave there some days with my legs shaking and waking up sore for days. But, I keep going back and I love the way I feel once class is over. I am definitely an exercise first thing in the morning kind of person. It is a struggle, but I love walking out of the class knowing my exercise is done for the day and I have the rest of the day not to feel like I let myself down if I don’t go. I never thought I’d be leaving my house on a Saturday morning in the dark just after 7am in the dead of winter to go to a Barre class. But, I do it!
December I hit a goal. This is why I really love my Apple Watch for helping to keep me motivated. December was my record month of exercise. I had sixteen workouts. That is a minimum of three to four days a week of an hour or more. I went out with a bang too and went to Barre four days in a row right before the new year. I took two days off after that. I was beat. HA!
This month I have challenged myself to beat December. So far I have had three workouts which isn’t much for nine days into the month. Last week I took it easy and only went once because I was just starting out in my January Whole 30 and didn’t want to burn myself out too bad with how strictly I had changed my diet. This week though my body has totally detoxed the sugar and I am feeling great for workouts.
My motto for this year is HEALTH IS WEALTH.
Since I exercise so regularly in a small group setting I have really had to invest in items that are going to work for me and last. I have learned that buying some of the less expensive exercise clothing has no benefit if you are going to exercise regularly. Those clothes are taking some tough wear and tear and they need to hold up. You might be saving initially but having to replace your items more frequently ends up costing more. Yoga type pants are not a place you want to go cheap on fabrics. You want to be comfortable and feel held in in all the right places. I have found some great basics on Amazon for tops. Tops I feel you can let the quality slide a bit. So, here are my favorite pieces that I’ve been wearing for the last year that have held up. I’m talking a lot of sweat especially through those hot dog days of summer. Now, I wash my activewear in cold water in a separate wash from the everyday laundry. And, NEVER EVER put your activewear into the dryer. The heat will kill the elastic in the fabric and after purchasing investment items to last you don’t want to ruin them in the dryer. This is why I was separate! No chance of a slip into the dryer! Because the whole load gets air dried on a rack in my laundry room.
Sports Racerback Tank Tops – run true to size. I even like to side knot the end of the top where the slit is on the side. These are great. And, since they have an exaggerated arm hole you can wear a cute sports bra that peeks from you side. Comes in a three pack for less than $25! I like to layer these under everything. Very comfortable. 
Women Racerback Sports Bra – A good sports bra is key for so many reasons. I like to be comfortable and not have to be fussing with a bra while I’m in a plank or doing pushups. This one is a great value for less than $25 and it is easy on and off. No hooks or buttons. It even has removable pads so you have options with the kind of support you are comfortable with.
AERIE PLAY REAL ME HIGH WAISTED 7/8 LEGGING – I found these through another Instagramer and I definitely had some reservations. First, when is the last time I shopped at American Eagle? Probably when I was in college! I won’t tell you the number of years. Anyway, I do prefer a high waisted legging for exercise. I like to feel like I’m all tucked and not exposed. Anyway, these are great especially if you are petite like me. They are a 7/8 length so I’m not having to tug them up at my thighs or fold them at my ankle. They are SO SOFT and a light support legging. I don’t always like to feel so sucked into my pants. I do have a few compression leggings but I don’t always want that. These are a great value at $23. I’m considering grabbing a few more.
ZELLA leggings are really my favorite right now. They are more of an investment item since they run around $50 a pair, but I often see them on Nordstrom’s Rack for less than $30. Again, I love the cropped length for me since I’m petite. These really suck everything in, but are so soft and wear really well. The original Live In legging supports muscles, smoothes curves and optimizes range of motion. This version wicks away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable during intense workouts, while a hidden waistband pocket stashes small necessities you may need.
Well, these are my go-to items for my base. I usually have a nice cozy hoodie or something for a layer. Sometimes I layer a loose long-sleeve T over my tanks too. I like my tops to be a bit flow-y and my bottoms snug. It is great motivation for me when I grab a new item for my exercise! What are your favorite brands for activewear? I’ve heard ALO is great too but that is really spend-y. Similar pricing to LuLuLemon. Oh, and did you know?? You can trade in your old LuLuLemon items for a gift card or full refund if they show wear or have given out in a spot. I had no idea, but this is too good not to share!
