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 many years. I do like to mix it up. And some days my ‘workout’ might be a nice chill, soul-filling walk with a friend or to school to pick up my little. 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 48 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. xo
My workout favorites
> I love Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Collection. It’s SUPER soft, has beautiful colors and comes in tons of different styles. I have several pieces, from Leggings to Joggers to this Hoodie and I truly love them all. It feels like you have nothing on, moves well and takes on the sweat with grace. The 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 it’s insanely soft and comfortable and cute. Their whole line comes in a full range of research-backed extended sizing and maternity, too. It’s a fantastic option for travel as well if you’re looking to be both comfortable and put together on your journey. Plus I love supporting companies that are actively working to support women and the planet in a really meaningful and authentic way and Beyond Yoga def checks that box. < from $56
> Why is it sooo dang hard to find good ‘basics’ anymore? Thankfully Athleta kept us ‘basic’ women in mind when they designed this Ultimate Scoop Tank. It replaces an old favorite style that they discontinues [just why?] and after ordering one, I immediately bought another because it’s just ‘simply’ awesome. It’s not too long to wear with running shorts, but covers all the parts. It’s not too tight and not too loose. It’s also super lightweight, which is essential in the warmer months. < $49
> There’s lots to love LOVE about Vuori, starting with how insanely soft and comfortable it is. I live in so many of their pieces, like the Daydream Crew. It’s SO lightweight, soft and breathable, has UPF 30 built-in and is a perfect length for my shorter frame. I also love the Halo Crew for walks and layering, but not as much for serious work outs [it’s a bit thick and sweaty for my taste]. The Studio Pocket Legging is a new favorite and I also adore lots of their Jackets. My husband LOVES his Vuori, too. You just really can’t go wrong. < $58
> You guys already know that I love my Nomadix Original Towel for rafting, camping, the beach and the pool. So I got a Mini Towel for my sweat. 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. < $27.95
> 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. Now add these Mesh Racer Run Shorts to the list. They are def a favorite. They’re a perfect length [no cheeks hanging out] and move well and the elastic waistband isn’t all tight + squeezie. I have several pairs in both solids and prints and pretty much just rotate them each day all summer long. < $49
> I wanted a second pair of shoes for stuff like weight training and more gravel walking + running because my bomber trail runners are a bit stiff and heavy for everyday. These Asics Gel Trabuco 9s fit me really well and are super comfortable, stable and supportive for my pesky pronation. I also kinda like the super wild color combo. < $129.95
> This Arc’teryx Atom LT is the single greatest layer I own. It’s a true 4-season jacket for Colorado, keeping me warm enough for cold-weather workouts, but lightweight enough for warmer months’ adventures, too. It’s moves well, is super breathable and wicks beautifully. I have both a hooded and regular style and absolutely love them both. < $259
> You guys already know how much I love my Aloha Mini Hip Pack. I use it when I’m on a chill walk with friends or wandering to get my kiddo from school. It works perfectly for hikes, too. It’s a happy little spot for my phone, chapstick, keys and a lil’ snack if need be. It’s kind of perfect. < $44
> 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
> Man, I wish I could do that. But… I can’t. I DO love these Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Leggings though. 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 have the black and am totally eyeing the True Navy and Anthracite Stone colors next, they’re so pretty. < $118
> Ok I know I’m super behind [ha, no pun intended], but I just got my first [and second and third] pair of Lululemon Speed Up High-Rise Shorts and I really love them. They’re super comfortable and that flat waistband is perfection [I HATE elastic around my waist]. They don’t ride up and the 4” length is great. I haven't found many Lululemon bottoms that I love in the past, but I know I’m going to wear these things like everyday. > $68
> I’m not very good at bringing water with me on my casual daily hikes + runs. I just personally 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 somehow doesn’t move one bit while I’m running. It’s like oddly stealthy and perfect for my everyday trail sessions. < $49.95
> I have been wearing some version of Athleta leggings for many years now. I’ve moved through lots of various iterations and styles and have loved each one. My current favorites are the Elation Tight and the Salutation Stash Pocket II. The Elations are super simple with no seams or pockets. They have slightly less compression than the Salutations. In my experience, Athleta’s tights and leggings wash and wear extremely well, they don’t stretch out, don’t pill, don’t snag and are just super high quality all around. As long as they keep making good tights, I’ll keep buying them. < $89
> 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. I also love these Brooks ones for a no-fuss, more budget-friendly option. < from $17
> I think I’m on like my 5th or 6th pair of these La Sportiva Bushidos. I pronate pretty badly, so I need a good supportive trail runner. I also have narrow heels, so I step out of lots of shoes I try. These Bushidos are perfect for my feet and feel super stable, comfortable and bomber. < $130
> 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
> There are few things more annoying while you’re runing 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 don’t set out without some kind of hat, either a beanie in the cold or a baseball hat when it’s warmer + sunny. I love my old Kerri Rosenthal Smily Trucker Hat so much, it’s fun to watch people’s reactions when they see me coming. Sadly it’s no longer available, so I might need one of these cute Smile Trucker Hat ones instead. I love to pick up hats when traveling and always opt for the brightest one. < $24
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