Dress to work out…and work out, you will

My blonde-haired sister-in-law Danielle pulled up in our driveway in her Nissan Xterra. Climbing out of the car, I noticed her stylish oversized sunglasses and perfectly coiffed ponytail. She was dressed in running clothes – striped shorts, a white t-shirt layered over a tank top, and silver running shoes. Ever the height of fashion, she looked like a celebrity just on her way to or from a workout at some posh club. She pulled her adorable, blue-eyed baby out of the car and smiled my way.

I smiled back, “Did you just come from working out?

She laughed, a warm and glittery laugh with a tinge of nervousness in it, “No. I just thought I’d wear this in case I get a chance to exercise.”

The sheer brilliance of that statement has stuck with me over the past few months.

Sometimes just getting dressed for exercising seems so exhausting…so, if you’re “ready to run,” you’re much more likely to do it.

I think I might start dressing in sportswear too. And not just ugly, torn yoga pants with a saggy bottom, mind you. I mean real workout clothes. Cute workout clothes. Something I would feel great about running around in the neighborhood in.

Like…

304c34db8b5888613ee445d175270928 150x150 Dress to work out...and work out, you willViva Flare Pants ($68) from Brooks Running

These stretchy, supple pants have an extra-comfortable waistband and a flattering fit. They gently snug your hips and thighs, and then flare out at the bottom of the leg. Available in black or shadow, these pants will match with just about anything.

 

x2 0f6ab95e3817e2f056fac4596360c01d 152909 159974 150x150 Dress to work out...and work out, you willDash T ($42) from Brooks Running

If you’re still exercising in plain, old cotton t-shirts, you should consider buying a breathable, moisture-wicking tee. They really are less sweaty and icky. This shirt comes with an “invisible” pocket for your house key, your debit card, or a few extra dollars. I would like this shirt even better if it were available in a bright, vibrant orange or a striking navy…and the tummy could be a bit more roomy for postpartum mamas. But, overall, it’s a great option. V-necks are the best.

32 147x150 Dress to work out...and work out, you willLite V-Neck Comfort Tee ($36) from Enell

If you’re a busty babe, you will likely appreciate Enell’s tee – designed specifically for curvy women. The silky, lightweight material has just a little extra room where you need it most, yet it glides over your body effortlessly. The shirt is only available in black, but I don’t mind that. Black is so basic, so classic, and…great for a “minimizing” effect.

YOUR TURN: What are your favorite workout pieces? Who is your fitness fashion inspiration?

WIN IT! One winner will receive each of the item’s listed above in the sizes/colors of her choice: Viva Flare Pants from Brooks Running, Dash T from Brooks Running, and Lite V-Neck Comfort Tee from Enell.  To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Wednesday, June 3 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #7 Jen Mc. Congratulations!

Fit Couture – the name says it all

We know quite a few people in our neighborhood so I have to look at least presentable when I’m out walking or running. No, I don’t put on mascara or anything like that. But I do try to wear flattering clothes and to pull my hair back in a decent ponytail before hitting the sidewalks. 

picture 2 114x150 Fit Couture   the name says it allThis afternoon, I wore my Rio pants ($49.99) by Fit Couture, along with a t-shirt and hoodie. These pants are made of a fantastic stretchy combination of materials that flatter in all the right places. Fitted through the waist and thighs, the pants flare into a nice bootcut below the knee. You can choose between four different lengths to get the one that is just right for you. And these pants are nice for pregnancy too! I’m 18 weeks now and I haven’t hung them out of reach yet…still lovin’ them.

picture 11 113x150 Fit Couture   the name says it allI also have the Miami II top ($41.00), which has a snazzy and stand-out design…but I’ve only worn it once because I have found that it gaps uncomfortably and that it isn’t the best option for “well-endowed” women (like me) because my sports bra straps are much wider and bulkier than those on the Miami II. That said, the top did receive 4.5 (out of 5) stars from 37 customer reviews. 

In sum, Fit Couture offers fashionable fitness apparel that you can wear without embarrassment…no matter who you happen to bump into where you workout!

2nd 5K – We beat our 1st 5K time by 4+ minutes!

img 12011 2nd 5K   We beat our 1st 5K time by 4+ minutes!This morning at 8:00 my husband and I ran in our 2nd 5K, benefitting the special needs program at a local high school. We took our daughter in the jogging stroller and pushed ourselves to run faster this time. And guess what? We beat our 1st 5K time by almost 4 1/2 minutes. We ran it in 28:34.

My daughter wore her “Mommy’s Running Partner” tee from Ava’s Closet and tons of people commented on it.

I wore: