In the past 9 years I've really gotten into fitness, not just for my health but also as just a fun activity. Some days are definitely more fun than other though. I started off running on the indoor track in school and worked my way up to running on treadmills, fitness classes, ballet, yoga and running outdoors. I realized one very important thing in all this: Exercise make me happier!
It's not the easiest thing to exercise when you're tired or feeling down but it definitely feels great afterwards! And I get less of those "down in the doldrums" feelings when things aren't going my way or on those "wake upon the wrong side of the bed" mornings.
One thing hasn't changed much though, that's my exercise wardrobe. Since I get all sweaty and gross in my fitness gear, the only thing I replace regularly are my running shoes when they get worn out. But the socks, pants, shorts, bras and tops get washed and worn and washed and worn until they get serious holes in the crotch or something else serious that causes me to think "OK, it's time to throw this one out!" Most of my current fitness gear I had gotten from Target years ago. They have great prices and a good variety. Since then I've picked up some things when they've gone on sale. I usually stick with black a lot and have a handful of colorful tops. At least I know it'll all coordinate, but when I see what other people wear to the gym it gets me thinking I could dress a bit cuter. While my singular goal is to get exercise, I think looking cute in your workout gear can be very motivating.
Here's what I wore only a few weeks back.
I case you can't make out the whole outfit, that's a gray tee and black shorts from Target. A white hoodie and running shoes. The tee was actually a regular wardrobe stable and made it's way into my fitness wardrobe after many uses.
And I always do my hair the same way in a high ponytail. I find that's the best way to keep it out of my face and out of the way!
Here's a close up of my running shoes. They're ASICS Gel Blur 33. Since I'm a neutral runner (meaning I am not an over or under pronator) I need a neutral shoe with some cushioning.
I've also held on to two pairs of my old running shoes in case I need them for any reason. You know, maybe take them to the office for when I have to walk a long distance. It happens more often than you think! With the earthquake last summer that swept through the area, the DC Metro system was even more of a mess trying to get home so I walked in a comfortable pair of flat sandals all the way home. Even though I live and work in DC, it still took about 2 hours! There was a lot of uphill walking in the last hour. So I made a note to myself: keep a pair of old sneakers at work!
Below are my other favorite running shoe brand, Brooks. These are the Brooks Glycerin 9.
And these are my other former pair of ASICS. The Gel Nimbus 12. They're great cushioned shoes for neutral runners!
And in case you were wondering, my white hoodie is, in fact, from Aeropostale! I've had this one since college (it was only $5! score!) and used to wear it all the time to class but since it's gotten older and more worn, its found a second life in my gym wardrobe. I mainly use it to cover up my sweaty stinky shirt after a hard workout! This, and a bottle of body spray save me from offending too many people on the Metro ride home!
While I still have plenty of workout clothes, in a perfect world I'd pick an amazing, great-fitting fitness wardrobe. Check out my picks below! It's nothing fancy but includes a pair of fitted capris, which I love! How about those sweatpants? Pretty cute! Those would be good to wear to a yoga class or over gym shorts when it's cooler outside. I also like a lot of bright pink when it comes to workout gear, hence, the fuchsia top. And those short shorts would be perfect for hot yoga workouts!
Are you inspired to workout or change up your normal routine and update your fitness gear yet? I might be looking for a new piece to add to my collection.
It's not the easiest thing to exercise when you're tired or feeling down but it definitely feels great afterwards! And I get less of those "down in the doldrums" feelings when things aren't going my way or on those "wake upon the wrong side of the bed" mornings.
One thing hasn't changed much though, that's my exercise wardrobe. Since I get all sweaty and gross in my fitness gear, the only thing I replace regularly are my running shoes when they get worn out. But the socks, pants, shorts, bras and tops get washed and worn and washed and worn until they get serious holes in the crotch or something else serious that causes me to think "OK, it's time to throw this one out!" Most of my current fitness gear I had gotten from Target years ago. They have great prices and a good variety. Since then I've picked up some things when they've gone on sale. I usually stick with black a lot and have a handful of colorful tops. At least I know it'll all coordinate, but when I see what other people wear to the gym it gets me thinking I could dress a bit cuter. While my singular goal is to get exercise, I think looking cute in your workout gear can be very motivating.
Here's what I wore only a few weeks back.
I case you can't make out the whole outfit, that's a gray tee and black shorts from Target. A white hoodie and running shoes. The tee was actually a regular wardrobe stable and made it's way into my fitness wardrobe after many uses.
And I always do my hair the same way in a high ponytail. I find that's the best way to keep it out of my face and out of the way!
Here's a close up of my running shoes. They're ASICS Gel Blur 33. Since I'm a neutral runner (meaning I am not an over or under pronator) I need a neutral shoe with some cushioning.
I've also held on to two pairs of my old running shoes in case I need them for any reason. You know, maybe take them to the office for when I have to walk a long distance. It happens more often than you think! With the earthquake last summer that swept through the area, the DC Metro system was even more of a mess trying to get home so I walked in a comfortable pair of flat sandals all the way home. Even though I live and work in DC, it still took about 2 hours! There was a lot of uphill walking in the last hour. So I made a note to myself: keep a pair of old sneakers at work!
Below are my other favorite running shoe brand, Brooks. These are the Brooks Glycerin 9.
And these are my other former pair of ASICS. The Gel Nimbus 12. They're great cushioned shoes for neutral runners!
And in case you were wondering, my white hoodie is, in fact, from Aeropostale! I've had this one since college (it was only $5! score!) and used to wear it all the time to class but since it's gotten older and more worn, its found a second life in my gym wardrobe. I mainly use it to cover up my sweaty stinky shirt after a hard workout! This, and a bottle of body spray save me from offending too many people on the Metro ride home!
While I still have plenty of workout clothes, in a perfect world I'd pick an amazing, great-fitting fitness wardrobe. Check out my picks below! It's nothing fancy but includes a pair of fitted capris, which I love! How about those sweatpants? Pretty cute! Those would be good to wear to a yoga class or over gym shorts when it's cooler outside. I also like a lot of bright pink when it comes to workout gear, hence, the fuchsia top. And those short shorts would be perfect for hot yoga workouts!
Are you inspired to workout or change up your normal routine and update your fitness gear yet? I might be looking for a new piece to add to my collection.
