my workout favorites
MOVING MY body in some way everyday isn’t negotiable for me. It’s absolutely essential for both my physical and mental health. It’s how I meditate and process my thoughts. It’s how I work through my challenges and find my creativity. It’s a huge component of keeping my cranky digestion a bit less cranky. And it’s super important to me to model an active lifestyle for my boys and to show them that mama can be just as strong [or stronger] as dad. Most often you’ll find me in the foothills HikeRunning the local trails [yes, I made that up, but I’m sure it’s a thing. I power hike the uphill and run the flats and downhill, so… HikeRun] solo or with a friend, bathing in all of the glorious sights and smells of the forest. Being in nature almost daily is def a huge part of what’s absolutely essential about the whole ritual for me. But, I also weight train a few times a week and have been a dedicated barre student for more than a decade. I do like to mix it up. And some days my ‘workout’ might be a nice chill, soul-filling walk with a friend. I’m for sure not hitting it super hard all of the time, but I’m always moving and that’s what matters to me.
BECAUSE I prioritize my workout over almost all other things in my day, I’m usually left racing around in my sweaty exercise clothes, rarely taking the time to change into something more stylish [or less stinky] before moving on with the rest of my day. So I prefer those workout clothes to be as cute and comfortable as possible. And you guys, I’m 50 and personally not interested in walking around with my midriff hanging out. Or all of my back. Or half of my side boob. And I’m def not sporting a bra as clothes. I’ll leave that to the cutie college kids. To that end, I’ve searched out and tried on a zillion different brands and styles and have found some favorites that both fit me best AND are made with fabrics that I like to sweat in [there’s nothing worse than ‘exercise’ clothes that feel super gross when you actually exercise in them]. The market is positively flooded with brands and styles of athleisure and more serious gear at this point and it’s obvs a super personal thing, unique to each individual’s body and preferences, but I’m sharing a few that I love with you in hopes it might at least narrow the field a bit. Many of these companies are also dedicated to boosting up women and protecting the planet, which makes supporting them that much sweeter. So go get moving, lovelies, in whatever way makes YOU feel good. I hope to see you out there. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
My workout favorites
> There’s sooo much to love LOVE about Vuori, starting with how insanely soft and comfortable it is; I LIVE in so many of their pieces. My top 4 favorites… the Daydream Crew [I have like 6 colors] is SO lightweight, soft and breathable, has UPF 30 built-in and is a perfect length for my shorter frame. The Studio Pocket Legging is my hands-down favorite tight, they’re comfy and flattering and I love the pocket. The Halo Essential Hoodie is another go-to for chillier days with its easy styling and cute hood [it’s cute with jeans, too] and the Restore Half-Zip Hoodie to get even snugglier. They also have awesome Hip Packs + Slings and Jackets. My husband LOVES his Vuori, too. You just really can’t go wrong. <
> I love Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Collection. It’s SUPER soft, has beautiful colors and comes in tons of different styles. It feels like you have nothing on, moves well and takes on the sweat with grace. My favorite tights from Beyond Yoga are the Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging and the Out of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging. Their leggings def have less compression than some, so keep that in mind if it’s a priority; they’re not gonna suck in and hide ALL of the bits like some fabrics do, but they’re insanely soft and comfortable and cute. I also LOVE the Featherweight Daydreamer Pullover, which is so aptly named. It’s the softest thing that feels like nothing. Their whole line comes in a full range of research-backed extended sizing and maternity, too. Plus I love supporting companies that are actively working to support women and the planet in a meaningful and authentic way. <
> Man, I wish I could do that. But… I can’t. I DO love some of Alo Yoga’s pieces though, like these High-Waist Airlift Leggings. They suck in EVERY little thing, but still move well and are super comfortable. They have just a tiny bit of sheen that’s super cute. And the 7/8 Legging is the perfect length for us shorter gals. I also love the High-Waist Airbrush Legging for colder weather walks + hikes. They’re really soft, but pretty thick, so perfect for keeping warm and super flattering. They also have super chic sweatshirts and tops and sweats for everyday. And teens love this stuff, too. <
> I don’t love everything that Lululemon makes [there’s something about their leggings that does nothing good to my butt], but when I find the right thing from them, it usually becomes a very solid favorite. The Speed Up High-Rise Shorts fit that mold; they’re super comfortable and that flat waistband is perfection [I HATE squeezie tight elastic around my waist]. They don’t ride up and the 4” length is great. I have 4 pairs and I rotate them literally everyday all summer long. I also LOVE LOVE their Love Tanks. I’m super fussy about my tanks and these are just simple perfection. Not too tight, no side boobs hanging out, no back exposed with a perfect racerback and reasonably priced. I wear them every darn day. >
> There are so many things to love about Athleta. I appreciate that they keep women of all sizes and shapes in mind when designing their line. I love their empowerment of women and girls and I love that they’re a Certified B Corp [plus Simone and Alicia, of course]. Now add these Mesh Racer Run Shorts to the list. They’re a perfect length [no cheeks hanging out] and move well and the elastic waistband isn’t all squeezie. I have also worn and loved so many Athleta Leggings and Bras and Sweatshirts over the years, they wash and wear extremely well, they don’t stretch out, don’t pill, don’t snag and are just super high quality all around. I haven’t been feeling any of their styles recently [I hate when they change up a classic], but will always keep checking in to see what’s new and hope for a gem. If you find something you love, snag a few. <
> I know it’s a bit old school, but I still love these Nike Tempo Running Shorts that you probs wore in like 1997. They’re a good length, have a good rise, the elastic isn’t too tight, they dry fast, they’re a good price point and they come in a bazillion colors. Sold. <$30
> I don’t set out without a hat when it’s sunny. I love this Clare V. Ciao Trucker Hat, the color is awesome. I also love to pick up hats when traveling and always opt for the brightest, sunniest one I can find. < $50
> You can’t set out for a hike, run or winter garage workout without some solid thin hand protection like these The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves. They’re lightweight, warm and have touch-screen compatibility. > $45
> Vermont-based Skida makes THE best hats for sweating outdoors. They’re lightweight but warm and they don’t get all stinky. Plus they’re just super cute with a zillion prints to choose from. I love both my Chateau Hat and Alpine Hat and wear them interchangeably all winter long. > from $38
> I got a Geometry Fitness Towel for my sweat and I love it. Yep, my sweat. It lives in my car all summer long, dedicated to mopping up the sweat on my brow after hot trail sessions and to put on my seat when my sweaty back and butt are dripping, too [don’t judge]. It’s super absorbent, quick-drying, odor-resistant, easy to clean and darn cute. It’s the little things, lovelies. < $20
> Oh how I love this li’l Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack. I use it when I’m on a chill walk with friends, a hike or on the beach. It’s a happy little spot for my phone, chapstick, keys and a snack if need be. It’s kind of perfect. I have dragged it so many places that the front pocket is now full of tiny shells and rocks and treasures that I’ve collected along the way and there’s almost no room for my stuff. But it makes me happy every time I hear them jingle around in there. It comes in a few set colors or opt to ‘be surprised’ by a bright, fun one-of-a-kind Del Dia style. < $35
> I go almost nowhere on a walk, hike, beach or neighborhood bike ride without a hip pack and I love this Topo Designs Dirt Belt Bag. It’s a nice cotton canvas and has a perfect little outside pocket for my phone. It comes in some cute colors, too. > $39
> This SPI Belt [stands for Small Personal Item] is the most brilliant use of a bit of elastic and some stretchy fabric. The Large Pocket is big enough to hold my phone and keys while I’m on the trails. It’s so low profile and comfortable that I often forget I have it on until I get undressed [oops] and it doesn’t move a single inch while I’m running. It’s awesome. < from $20
> I’m not very good at bringing water with me on my casual daily hikes + runs. I just don’t like having anything in my hands and for an hour or so, I don’t feel like I really need it. But come summertime, when I’m working out in near 100 degree heat, it’s just kind of stupid to go out with nothing. So I got this Nathan Trail Mix Plus Pack. It has 2x 10oz bottles and a pocket big enough for my essentials. And it really doesn’t move much while I’m running. It’s perfect for my everyday trail sessions. < $55
> There are few things more annoying while you’re running than your sunglasses bouncing off your nose with every stride. It makes me nuts. But Goodr OGs totally solve it, they’re perfection. They’re lightweight, stay in place, are polarized and somehow universally flattering, they come in a million colors and are super inexpensive. Plus they participate in 1% for the Planet. Win win win win win win win. < $25
> I have tried a bunch of different brands of socks because it just makes a difference and I love these Balega Ultraglide Friction-Free No Shows. They’re not too thick or too thin and I think their sizing is pretty spot on [my size 6.5/7 feet are often in between sock sizes and these smalls are perfect]. They’re super durable, too. And cute, so there. Balega makes a bunch of different styles depending on your preferences, so you’re sure to find something that you love. < from $17
> I’ve been taking barre classes for more than 10 years and these TAVI Grip Socks are my favorites. They come in a zillion different styles, prints and colors and they grip really well. I hang them to dry to prolong their stickiness. < $18
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