Workout Wear

 Happy Monday gals! I exercise nearly every single day, therefore I wear workout clothes a lot and yet I rarely share about these necessities in my wardrobe. 

I focus primarily on function when it comes to these pieces as I do a lot of high intensity movements and I want lots of support and a very good snug fit that keeps me cool and moving easy. But I do still want them to look good too. 

Bathroom selfie b/c I felt silly taking a pic in the gym weight room

I don't have a big variety when it comes to my workout wear. I wear the same tops in many colors/prints, leggings, shorts and tennis skirts. Sports bras is where I do have a big mix. I buy them when I find one that can do the job and that's often at random retailers. 

Note: I ONLY wear workout clothing while actually exercising. Never ever outside the gym or running/walking. Never. 

Note: These pieces are an investment and one I value due to function and frequency of wear. I wash them on delicate and air dry!

Here are the pieces I workout in ...

Tank Top

I have this is so many colors! 

Very light & cool

I wear a size 0 or 2

Training Tank

This one is cropped so I size up to a 4 for length.

It's modern, cool and super easy to move in

High Rise Tight

these are the ONLY ones I wear

I wear a size 2 and can run, jump and do all the moves easily

Shorts

I wear these mostly in the summer for running & outdoor exercise

I size up to a 4 or 6

Skirt

I absolutely love wearing these in the warmer months

A very feminine look when being athletic

I like the longer length and size up to a 6

I wear this classic skirt too

High Impact Bra

I like this one for support & sizing

Socks

These are an investment but the only socks I wear

I have painful arthritic feet so these are necessary 

Running Shoe

I've been running in this shoe for 20 years!

It is the BEST

Exercise Shoe

I wear these at the gym and outside.

I do all forms of exercise in these.

Mat

I just upgraded my very very old mat to this one and love it.

I use a mat daily.

Dress Beautifully While You Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Workout Wear

 TGIF! Gals, we are  currently at the beach with my sister & niece for our first mother-daughter vacation! Squeal! I'm so excited for our little girls and to spend time away with my sissy. We realized we haven't traveled together since we were kids living at home.  The little cousins are having the time of their lives for their first hotel stay and playing on the beach together.

It's going to be the BEST 4 days!!!

Earlier this week I was asked by some of my gym friends about my workout wear.  I don't share too much about fitness or what I wear which is interesting because I workout and wear them every. single. day.! Fitness is one of the biggest priorities in my life and has been for decades.

I guess I don't share often because I ONLY wear these pieces while exercising (so they're a matter of function) and I don't wear a huge variety. I find pieces that fit and perform and buy in multiples. 

I also invest in high quality because of the frequent wear, intense activity and the need for them to last for years. I always line dry them and wash on delicate with like pieces.

Here are my favorite pieces to work out in ...

Tank Top

Sleeveless Top

Sports Bra

Legging

Shorts

Running Shoes

I've been wearing this shoe since I was 19 for all my running.

I've even run a few half marathons!

Socks

I've been wearing these for over 10 years

Pricey but amazing especially since I have horrible feet!

Running Shoes

I just started wearing these a couple weeks ago and completely understand the hype!

They're amazing!!!

I encourage you to make exercising a priority in your life. Out of gratitude for our bodies and lives it's important to take care of them. It gives you the ability to conquer each day with extra energy.

Though I do not look the way I'd want to, I have earned my body.

It is strong, fast and capable regardless of the size or number on the scale!

Dress Beautifully When You Workout

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Workout Wear

TGIF! Gals, I've had such a good week, now that I mention it I feel like I share that sentiment with you every Friday. The truth is, Life is so Good and I'm grateful for it! #amen

Grandma came to visit, we learned at the library, played at the park, the splash pad and outside at home.  To top it all off, Mr and I celebrated 9 years of marriage yesterday, WAHOOOO!!! Not a day or even a few hours goes by that I don't give gratitude to God for such a loving and hardworking husband.  It's not perfect, but life together is the BEST!

Also, Vivian Louise is 18 months old today!!! How is that even possible, that my teeny tiny baby is a year and a half??! #babiesdon'tkeep

Now to the point of this post ...

It seems as though every major retailer/designer has a athletic wear line.  While I'm trying to accept that everyone wants to be comfortable, I still don't believe in ever wearing workout wear outside of actually working out! (I'll try not to preach on that too much but UGH leggings are NOT pants!)

I do believe in exercising! And I believe there is both form and function when it comes to workout wear.  Yes, I do want to feel pretty and coordinated while I sweat.  I also need these pieces to hold me in, allow my skin/sweat to breathe and to not slide around/bunch as I move.

When you do find pieces that are constructed well (strong stretch), fit your body and cute they tend to be pricey.  So, I buy a piece every now and then to spread out the cost and always shop sales.

TIP: Don't forget about Nordstrom Rack & Marshalls/TJ Maxx to find pieces at great prices.

Given that your workout wear is its own wardrobe investment, you need to take care of them.
I wash all of my pieces on the delicate cycle together with NO cotton garments, only synthetic.  I also  NEVER dry them in the dryer.  My guest bathroom turns into a drying room once a week.

I have go-to styles that I will buy multiples of because I know they do the job....

Here they are ...

The Sculpt Tank II is my all time favorite top and I have several!

The Speed Up Short 4" is my favorite for running, again I have several!

This sports bra is heavy duty but you can't compromise on support! I love that it comes in bra sizes for a great fit.

These leggings have the best waist band and don't slide down
(yanking a pair of leggings up because they don't hold their shape/poor stretch is the WORST)

These socks are a splurge but completely worth it.  For running and high impact exercises taking care of your feet is very important.

Dress Beautifully in Workout Wear

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Strong as a Mother

Hey Mammas! Confession, I've had epic writers block when it comes to these Mamma Monday posts, so please send me some suggestions of what you'd like to read, learn or need suggestions for.
I had a dear Mamma friend message me yesterday asking me what my secret was to being fit.

So thanks to Christina I have something to write to you about :)

Here are some guidelines to which I live a healthy and fit mom life:

1. Earthly Eating
This means I don't eat things that are prepackaged or processed. If it comes from the earth I eat it.  ALL fruits, vegetables and yes I eat meat with lunch and dinner.  I bake or grill everything. Nothing fried. I also don't eat dairy not that I necessary think it's bad (well sorta) but luckily I just don't like it.
Tip: Salads are great but dressings can ruin their nutrition so choose wisely.

2. Balance Your Intake
If you indulge on date night or at an event you must do damage control.  There's only so many calories, sugars and fats allowed per week. #balance

3. One and done
I manage portions by using smaller plates and never going back for more.

4. Homebody
I rarely eat out! I reserve it for date nights and social events. And when I am out I refrain from eating chips, bread and other tempting items.

5. Sweat ALL 7
I exercise daily! I LOVE to move. I don't have a set routine but when the weather's nice you'll find me running pushing my sidekick.  I make sure to have at minimum 3 intense cardio sessions a week. I run and take group classes.
I do wear a Fitbit so I can monitor my activity.
Side note: I'm seriously thinking of moving over to the Apple Watch for it's unique features but the fear of additional 'plugged in connections' has me hesitating.

Tip: choose exercises that you like. I'm not a fan of cycling or rowing so I don't do them very often but I will push myself to take a class to give my body variety. Don't do something because you think you should or because everyone else is doing it.  Sweat sessions should be enjoyed! 

6. Lift
Weight lifting is epically important when it comes to being fit.  I pump iron just as much if not more than I do cardio.  Weight bearing exercise is extremely vital for women to strengthen us as we are vulnerable to osteoporosis. I also think muscles are soooo HOT! I feel empowered when I finish lifting weights.  And then the next day I feel like a feeble old woman with my sore limbs. haha
Body weight exercises are fantastic too! Think burpees, jump squats, push ups, pull ups etc ....

I don't believe in striving for perfection!  In fact I was reminded yesterday when trying to take a picture with baby Vivian Louise of our Sunday best and she was a complete wiggle worm, that the best is in the laughter and happiness of life. That IS perfect. (This is now one of my favorite pictures) Aim for healthy and strong not a dress size!

Tip: Work days make it challenging to fit in exercising so focus on just 2 week days and hitting it hard Saturday and Sunday.

I encourage you to take care of your body by feeding it healthy fuel and to strengthen it with regular sweat sessions.

Dress Beautifully with Healthy Eating and Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Sweat Session

This edition of my Friday 5 is all about styling for your sweat sessions!  Because this weekend I’m headed to Atlanta with two of my best gal pals to run a half marathon!!!

Just looking at the weather report has me breaking a sweat! It’s going to be a scorching hot weekend.  13.1 miles in Hotlanta has a whole new meaning!!!

“WHAT?!!!”  ‘Are you crazy?!!’ That’s been the reaction I get when I tell people our race is this weekend.  Genuine concern and fear, stricken their faces in sympathy of the torturous run we are going to have in such high temps.

I have to confess, I had a moment of panic this week thinking about how taxing it’s going to be running in that heat.  But I can’t focus on that.  We have trained so hard and have enjoyed the challenge of pushing our bodies.  This isn’t a first for any of us when it comes to half marathons but life is different than it has been in our younger years, as we are all busier in our careers and those 2 gal each have a little. So our sense of accomplishment bears more weight as we balance increasing responsibilities.  Say a prayer for us!

Gals, I believe strongly in sweating almost every day!  Exercise is a passion of mine and something I thoroughly enjoy.  I can’t stress enough just how important it is to take care of your body. And let’s be real, the aesthetic benefits are great too!  Being in good health is a blessing, one you should never take for granted. I love challenging my muscles and strengthening my heart.  There’s an amazing satisfaction that comes with pushing your body beyond what you think you can do. 

Exercise is a personal thing.  I enjoy more weight lifting and plyometrics than I do cardio activities but I make sure I have a balance.  The key is to find what you like and do it!  There’s no magic routine or guidelines.  I will say, you have to do what works for you and what works for your body.  Maybe it’s running, spinning, playing a sport, weight lifting, swimming or yoga (man have I tried to like it but I just can’t embrace the calm!).  Maybe you like classes at the gym or maybe working out to dvd’s in your living room fits best.  Whatever you decide to do, make it a challenge! And do it several times a week – there is always time you just have to make it a priority.

Nobody ever regrets a work out! 

So in styling for your sweat sessions, it’s all about function … ok I’m not going to lie, it’s about looking good too.  Athletic apparel is the fastest and largest growing segment in the retail world.  I see people strutting around in their gym clothes every day and everywhere.  It’s not for me – I believe they are for exercising exclusively and only appropriate outside of those parameters if running quick errands directly after.  Wear real clothes ladies!

Mr picks on me for wanting specific colors and designs, but I see it this way.  If price is the same why not opt for the prettier one?! Right?!!  It makes me feel good to look good, even when sweating!

Always try on and pick pieces that are comfortable, functional and cool.

This is what I’ll be wearing to run the half marathon on Sunday…. 

Top  -  Sports Bra  -  Running Short  -  Running Shoes   -  Earphones

Zipper Sports Bra: 

It’s high impact and full coverage (containment is necessary!).  Lock & Load! I prefer the zippered bras as they are easier to remove when you’re sweaty and sore.

Mesh Tank: 

Because the bra is supportive on its own, I like my tanks loose and light.  The mesh does just that and in a cool design.

Shorts: 

These are new to me as I’ve worn these Nike shorts for 15 years.  I highly recommend them!  The waist band is so comfortable, no rubbing what so ever and they have a zipper pocket in the back and two mesh ones on the side.

Shoes:

 I’ve been wearing these for 15 years also.  I’ve taken the treadmill fit tests several times and still these are the best for my feet when it comes to running.  Wear quality and what’s best for your feet and stride.

Earphones: 
These are amazing!  Upbeat tunes are the key to distract from the pain as well as keep your spirits up, distracting you from being bored.  I catch myself singing and rocking a little when a good jam comes on.

Dress Beautifully for Your Sweat Sessions

XOXO Sarah Louise