The Next Thing You Need | Work it Out
OK, we’re friends. So I can share a little secret with you, right?
I didn’t work out during the month of October. GASP!
For the first time in twelve years, I took a whole month off. I didn’t even do that when I was pregnant.
And you know what? The world didn’t come to an end.
Yes, I’m a bit squishier and lost a lot of muscle tone. But I spent most of the month battling bronchitis, which was the main reason for the work out hiatus. Hacking up a lung is not conducive to any kind of activity. Couple that with October being one of the busiest months of my life and there’s no bandwidth left for exercise.
Well, it’s November now. I’m (mostly) feeling better and the holidays are just around the corner. Overindulging time is on the horizon, woo hoo! Which means it’s time to step up the workouts so I can eat what I want.
So, there you have it. My main motivation for exercise is being able to eat what I want.
Some eat to live, I live to eat. 🙂
The treadmill and I got reacquainted this week and I even started back to my beloved butt-whooping yoga class. It feels good to be active again, even if I am so sore that I can’t walk. I’m already sleeping better and have more energy throughout the day. Hopefully muscle tone will soon return.
When I got my fall/winter clothes out of storage, I realized that my workout stuff could use a little refresh. Having cute, comfortable, functional workout gear is a great motivator. Here are some of the must haves on my list.
1. Running Shoes
I get compliments on these shoes every single time I wear them. Maybe it’s because you can’t miss them. At any rate, they’re super comfortable and a great all-purpose athletic shoe. If bright orange isn’t your thing, they come in more toned down shades too.
[Nike: Anodyne DS in Crimson]
2. Workout Capris
It is no longer shorts weather. Mama needs some new compression capris.
I’ve heard incredible things about Zella’s compression capris. Reviewers are crazy about the ‘Live In’ capri giving them a 4.6 out of 5 star rating. I love the shaping lines on the ‘Streamline Live In’ and have them in my shopping cart ready to buy!
[Zella: ‘Streamline Live In’ Leggings]
3. Padded Sports Bra
Light padding in my sports bras is a must have. I’m not a fan of “show through”, if you know what I mean. Sometimes it’s hard to find a good supportive sports bra with pads. I’m dying to try this cute one from Spanx Active.
[Spanx Active: Pretty Pop Bra]
4. Zip Up Jacket
Even though I get super sweaty in yoga class, I still need a light jacket to get to and from the studio. This one goes with everything and is cute enough to wear even on non-yoga days. It also matches the new compression capris that I’m getting.
[Zella: ‘Streamline’ Jacket]
5. Yoga Mat
My beloved Manduka yoga mat recently had a blow out. It had a good run though – five years of continuous use. I’ll be replacing it with an identical one. Why mess with what works?
[Manduka: PROlite Mat]
Bonus: Yoga Sandals
This fall, I received a pair of Juil sandals to try out. They are seriously the most comfortable pair of sandals I’ve ever owned. Every time I wear them to yoga, I get compliments on them. Juil footwear is unique because of the copper dots on the soles that allow for “grounding”. I have a pair just like those in the picture below. They’re stylish enough to wear outside of yoga too.
[Juil: ‘Hera’ Sandals]
It’s Your Turn: How do you keep your workout mojo this time of the year? Tell me in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Fashion Friday, What I’m Loving Friday and Friday’s Fab Favorites.