WIW Workout Gear

Hi all! I haven't been around as much here lately because I started exercising two months ago. I've been living in comfy cardigans and workout wear and don't really have the time or effort to post outfits. But I thought you would like to see what I've been up to, even if it's just "gear".

I never really had to watch what I ate or exercise in the past (I was so busy with work and the kids and was pretty much nonstop nursing for the past eight years, so that was my "diet/exercise program"!). But I gained 15 lb over the last year after I stopped nursing and the 40's metabolism finally caught up with me. I was already an apple but my belly got even bigger. Five of my patients asked me if I was pregnant. That was the last straw! I resolved to get in shape. I signed up for a trial of The Dailey Method, which is a barre class, and went nearly every day for a month. The first few times were so tough--my thighs were shaking trying to do all those squats and leg lifts! But I slowly got stronger and now can do plank walks and full pushups! This past month I joined a gym called OrangeTheory Fitness, where you run on a treadmill, row and do other weight exercises and your heart rate is displayed on a monitor the whole time so you can see how hard you're working. You have to go in cycles from base pace to push pace and then run "all out" for 30 sec to 1 min. I'm going from 5 miles to 6.5 miles to 8 miles per hour and am dying at that point...I'm sure the others are looking at me because I'm breathing so hard! I really have to plan ahead to fit the exercise into my day, and rely on my husband and nanny to help out with the kids while I'm exercising. But I think it's worth it. OTF is a great cardio workout and Dailey Method is a great core/toning workout so I think I'll stick with a combination of both. I still go to Dailey Method with some other mom friends on Saturdays whenever we can--the kids get to play together at childcare at the studio and then we go to the park nearby afterward. A mommy exercise playdate!

I'm still working on the diet...trying to curb my candy/sweet tooth and cut carbs. It's tough though! I have lost about half of the weight I gained and hoping to continue to make progress. I am also starting to notice some taming of the "food baby". Still an apple for sure, but hoping not to be a puff pastry anymore!

I haven't bought much in the way of real clothes lately, but instead have amped up my workout wardrobe with some cool new gear. #1/2 is my fave because it looks like a real outfit with the zippered houndstooth leggings, but take off the cardigan and boots and I'm totally ready to work out! I also got an Apple Watch for Christmas and am having fun with the Activity Tracker function.

Thanks for looking and for your encouragement! This is hard but I'm trying to get healthier, both for me and for my family!

1-2. Zella leggings, Vince cardigan
3-4. Nike
5. Spyder
6. American Giant hoodie, Gama Go Ninja Kitty T, Zella leggings.
7-9. Dailey Method. Love the grippy socks that give you pep talks. I also like that they have childcare during some of the classes. 
10-11. OrangeTheory Fitness. 
12-14. Some progress pics.

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28 Comments

  • anne replied 8 years ago

    Well done GP. What a great new selection of workout gear!

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    You are doing a great job and looking fab in your workout wear. I can see a lot of progress but the best part must be that you feel stronger and healthier.
    Congrats on a job well done!
    I also love your "be strong" socks.
    Your kids look like they are having a lot of fun at the gym.

  • jenanded replied 8 years ago

    Well done! You are so inspiring...

  • abc replied 8 years ago

    I love your determination! Your workout capsule is great and I love your positive attitude, mixing play dates and working out. Awesome. I just got a couple new motg/workout outfits myself with the goal of increasing my physical activity too. You're an inspiration.

  • Staysfit replied 8 years ago

    Congratulations on all your efforts! It's hard to establish a new habit of regular exercise but you are doing it the right way. You are an excellent role model for everyone, especially your children!

  • Style Fan replied 8 years ago

    Love your workout capsule.  Congratulations on your exercise regime.  I am in awe of your ability to work, be a mother and workout.  Wow is all I can say. 

  • LaPed replied 8 years ago

    Glad to see you back! You look great and your Gear is super cute.

  • Helen11 replied 8 years ago

    Looking good! I will be inspired by you. My life situation is very similar, and with Christmas and holidays my clothes are a bit tight, and I know I need proper exercise for my general health. Love that you have the motivator of time with friends after a Saturday workout. I think cool gear makes it just that bit easier to get out to the gym, too.

  • retailgirl replied 8 years ago

    Looks like you're making great progress, Natalie. And getting healthier, too! It figures that you would have perfectly coordinated workout wear. I've missed your posts! Good luck, keep it up.

  • Helena replied 8 years ago

    I LOVE this post. Congratulations on your success so far and long may it continue. This is a perfect example of making your clothes support you (even if fashion takes a back seat for bit) - you look terrific in your gear and look fit and fab to me! Your babies are gorgeous and I'm sure very inspired by their fit mama.

  • replied 8 years ago

    What fantastic progress you've made! Well done. Your work out gear is all so fab and colourful. You have a great selection. Love the photo of your two kids climbing the bars :)

  • replied 8 years ago

    So nice to see some workout gear modelled on a regular person!  I love your collection of pieces, and enjoyed reading about the new programs you are involved with .  You sound properly motivated and positive! Keep up the hard work - it is ALWAYS worth it.

  • JAileen replied 8 years ago

    Even your workout wear is stylish. You definitely have made progress - congratulations!

    Up until I was 37 I never had any weight issues. Then suddenly I started gaining weight. I have been thinking about joining a gym, yet again. The last one I quit because the guys at the pool were very creepy. I'd like to do yoga again, and rowing machine at least. I'm not sure what all I can do as my arm still hurts from my fall on the ice a week ago.

  • deb replied 8 years ago

    Go, Natalie!!!

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    Fantastic! Inspiring indeed and I definitely need a kick in the pants.

    This is also a great reminder to "exercise" balance in how the wardrobe is apportioned for various roles & goals. I think it fits in my French noodling post. Sure, work is a huge chunk of my time, but in reality I dont' need 40 outfits per season. Yet, exercise is a goal and a need and a good thing to do instead of shopping for work clothes. So a great gear capsule, even if not very big, is useful and motivating.

  • SandyG replied 8 years ago

    I love your detailed post and the progress photos are so inspiring. Congratulations on a healthy habit! Love your workout gear too! I must get a little more variety with mine.

  • Colette replied 8 years ago

    You look wonderful, your efforts are paying off! Thanks for describing your fitness routine. We have both near me and I've considered trying the barre classes. I really like your fun and fab workout wear. Keep up the good work!

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    This is so inspiring! You look fantastic and I see a difference - hope you can feel it. I wish my schedule weren't so erratic because I can't do anything regularly any more.. It is hard to be good at all the roles we have as a working wife and mom and still make time for ourselves. Keep up the good work!

  • replied 8 years ago

    Your post is inspiring!  And you workout gear is fab. 

  • Jules replied 8 years ago

    I see no apple or 40-something here... You look great! What a difference. Since you are gaining muscle, you probably won't need to get down to the same number on the scale as before to find your clothes fit the same and you look and feel your best, maybe even better than before :)

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    Well done! Your exercise capsule is great, I love patterned tights! You look terrific.

    It is making it a habit that helps-I have learnt that the hard way. I now love my exercise sessions - in the gym, the park, walking with friends, biking with my sons- but I did need to form them as solid habits.

  • replied 8 years ago

    GP - You are awesome! I love how you set a goal and are achieving it.
    Congratulations on the 7 lbs weight loss, and I'm cheering you on for the next 7. 

    You rock the exercise gear. I know exercising isn't supposed to be about the clothes, but it does feel good to look good while working out, doesn't it?

    I see a flat stomach in 12 :-) Food baby is gone, so if that was your goal (as opposed to losing 15 lbs), I think there's no need to lose any further weight.

  • Alassë replied 8 years ago

    Congratulations!

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

    Great work, Natalie. Thanks for the inspiring post. I think creating the habit of exercise is key. But it also doesn't hurt to have your watch tapping you as a reminder!

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    You look great in your workout capsule, Natalie! You have certainly started to lose weight and the belly looks quite toned in the last pic. All your hard work paying off!

    But yes, consistency is the key. It's great that you enjoy your workouts and look forward to them, and that you're using a fitness tracker to stay motivated. That really helps, I believe.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Excellent work! You have an iron will. You look fantastic, truly.

  • Nebraskim replied 8 years ago

    Your progress is so evident. I love your workout gear and your workouts sound fun. It's important to enjoy the workouts because you'll keep going. In some ways, the maintenance is harder than getting started and then hitting your goals, because you'll be tempted to cheat. Good job. I know this has bugged you for a while, so your decision to wrest control was great. 

  • Jjsloane replied 8 years ago

    Good for you - keep up the good work. No reason not to look stylish while breaking a sweat.

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