Finn is three months old and I recently signed back up to the gym. I feel like I’m ready to get back into some sort of a fitness routine and to be honest… To just regularly get out of the house without the kids. I wanted to find somewhere I’d be happy to spend time in, even if it’s only twice a week at the moment. I took my time trying out the gyms in my area and eventually found the perfect place a short drive away. And whilst the membership is a good bit more than my local council gyms, I’m seeing it as an investment in not just my physical health, but my mental health, as its currently the only place I get to be without very small people tagging along. That sauna is like a little pine box sanctuary for me now. And my yoga teacher is walking sunshine (and hilarious)… Which is how I feel all yoga teachers should be.
Onto the workout clothes dirty enabling…
Of Course, I Need New Workout Clothes
After I signed that dotted line, I whipped out my old workout gear in blind hope it would still fit. And while most of it (kinda) does… Albeit with a bit of more of a doughy silhouette… It’s all a little worn and doesn’t make me feel my best. So I’ve got to shopping. And I thought I’d share some of my finds with you beautiful bunch.
The Sports Bra
In my eyes the most important piece of gym kit there is. Give me a good sports bra and I feel like I can channel my inner Serena – minus tantrum. I’ve focused on high impact bras for larger busts, although these would work equally as well for smaller chests (although you lucky ladies can also sport (ha!) any thin strapped, fancy numbers you like)
Spend – When I think sports bras, I usually think sports brands. This Nike bra gives both shape and support but looks pretty much like a regular t-shirt bra.
Save – Word around the campfire is that this H&M sports bra is far more supportive than the price point would lead you to believe. I haven’t tried it personally, but it’s in my cart as we speak.
Splurge – One bra I have tried and I am almost evangelical about is the Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer. This perfectly named piece has been through my wash umpteen times and still keeps my E cup girls nicely locked down, holds it shape and is wonderfully comfortable. I’m currently contemplating the super smooth, seam-free Enlite bra, with its supportive straps and criss-cross back. It will definitely be my next investment.
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The Workout Top
Spend – The gym is probably the only place in my life where I am comfortable wearing a splash of neon. I really like the loose fit and back detail of this bright peach New Balance t-shirt.
Save – To be honest, I tend not to spend loads of money on workout tops. Typically there are some rather lovely bargain ones, like this grey seamless Only Play tank. And although my pale skin and blonde hair would have me too washed out in this gorgeous lilac 4505 long sleeve, if you have beautiful dark skin or hair, buy it, wear it and think of me.
Splurge – I will now eat my own words and tell you about the most beautiful and spendy gym top I’m on the verge of buying. This Sweaty Betty workout t-shirt has the most figure flattering mesh seams and back detail. I think it’s the kind of purchase that I would wash and wear to death. So I’m thinking cost per wear will be pennies.
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Workout Leggings
Spend – While I quite like a plain/block-colour top… I am all about channelling my Mr Motivator in some patterned leggings. I love the colourway of these lilac and peach Reebok leggings and also love that they are now stocking a vast majority of their styles in plus sizes.
Save – For my budget finds, I couldn’t quite decide between these all out pink print H&M leggings or these more subtle, yet flattering ASDA bargains. I suppose I could have both!
Splurge – Sweaty Betty leggings are pretty luxe and legendary, but I’m thinking that since these gorgeous tiny star leggings are reversible… That’s like getting two for the price of one. So technically it makes them affordable, right?
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Workout Jumpers/Jackets
Spend – I love the hue of this 4505 light grey waterproof jacket. It’s the perfect gym cover up for the wet weather. Although I’m also quite taken by this semi-casual Only Play grey hooded jacket, it’s the kind of put-together coat you’d wear if you had a lunch date or a school run after the gym.
Save – While I couldn’t find any bargain gym jackets that I liked, I did find this Nike colour block crew neck jumper that I love.
Splurge – Ok, so I’m clearly old because apparently this 1996 style North Face jacket is now considered ‘retro’. Regardless, it’s the perfect black/pink colour combo and looks incredibly toasty warm for those gruelling winter gym days.
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Anyone else returning to the gym after a break? Or have any workout gear recommendations for me?
Also, congratulations if you managed to get through this entire blog post without chanting this song in your head.
You must try Lidl Sportswear!! It’s so cheap and really really good. My running group alert each other every time it’s in!
Oh I’d always eyed the range up in the wee weekly catalogues Bec. Must go grab some when they release them again.
I currently have a couple of “shock Absorber” sports bras, these are in bra sizes and are a great fit. slightly more expensive than my last ones but I easily spent more on worse cheaper options that didn’t do the job.
Leggings, by careful of light coloured leggings, I cannot wear my grey ones where I sweat a lot! it is very unsightly.
I tend to avoid light grey anything because of the sweat patches. I mean I get it that we all sweat, but I don’t think anyone wants to sport a crotch sweat patch. What brand is the shock absorber bra? Sounds great!
shock abosorber is the brand, I brought them at DW sports but they are in a couple of mixed brand sports shops. I had to google it to make sure.
The last time I tried an Adidas bra sized sports bra, I don’t think anyone in the product team needed a larger cup size, the band didn’t separate so in my enthusiasm to try it on and finally get a petty bra I found myself stood in a changing room with my arms stuck over my head wondering how I was going un-wedge it from my armpits.
Sympathise. I’ve been in this situation myself. How did you get out?
Perfect timing as always – 14 weeks post baby #2 and can’t wait to get back to the gym. I’m actually trading my more expensive health club membership for a local council gym (I totally agree that it’s sometimes more about the ‘me’ time than anything else), so I figure I can spend the difference on some fancy Lycra gear?!
I like your thinking Hayley 😂
Lululemon wunderunders are life. Fact! Lol.
To balance the spend I have a lot of workout vests from Decathlon and also buy their pants as I can’t be having a wedgie in the gym. Big pants 100% and they are seamless.
Holy crap Nikki, those price points are insane! I’d never heard of Decathlon before. Also I ALWAYS get a wedgie at the gym so I need these big seamless pants you speak of #sexy 😂
Well, i did get through the whole post, then I clicked to see which song you meant – and have now got my earworm for the day! Thanks… 😂😂😂
Great enabling, though – thanks for this. I think that, as I’ve just started new Pilates and kettlebells classes, I need some new kit? Asda might be as far as I can go for now, but they look fab!
Gap have excellent leggings but not cheap. Tu at Sainsbury’s are surprisingly good (but get a size smaller). My main gripe is the lack of petite sizes. Leg lengths are ok but waists usually far too high for me.
I would love to just be able to wear any (attractive) sports bra. But I have H cup boobs and a tiny rib cage so that’s not going to happen. Bravissimo are always really good ( but really pricey).
For reasonable priced sportswear, I really rate Next’s own range. I’ve had a few things especially leggings. They wash well, keep their shape and most importantly don’t ride down when running!
Think I need a trip to Decathlon now though!