Work Out Wear

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workoutwear

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In the past few weeks I’ve tried going to the gym with my own agenda, a Barre class, a Cardio Kickboxing class, and then a Bootcamp program at a separate gym.

I’m making great efforts in adding fitness/working out into my weekly schedule.

Of all that I tried, the Bootcamp program has been, hands down, my favorite workout. Part of it is accountability and the feeling of “we are all in this together!” and another part is how quickly it feels like the class goes by. It’s a 45 minute boot camp and it usually involves some kind of circuit that the entire group cycles through.

I’ve only been to the 5:30a classes, as that is really the best time for me to go and get it done for the day!

I’ve had seasons of my life when I was working out regularly, and then seasons when I wasn’t, and through that time I’ve learned what kind of work out wear I like AND what works for my body.

 The only pair of shorts I wear are from Lululemon. I have one other top from that brand that my mom bought for my last year, but otherwise I haven’t really tried much else. I bought a tank top that I eventually returned because it didn’t wow me for the price. Anyway, the shorts. If you have the opposite of a small butt, you’ll love these shorts.

My feet go numb quite easily during a lot of jumping exercises, but these Asics offer a ton of support and shock absorption.

I found some great workout tanks at Old Navy for cheap so that was exciting. And another brand that I usually browse is Lucy.

I used to buy a lot of my workout clothes at Marshalls or TJ Maxx but I’m finding the fit to be less than ideal compared to some of these other items I’ve found recently! Since these clothes get the most wear out of pretty much anything else in my closet (well, except this shirt), I want to make sure I feel totally comfortable in them.

For more clothes I’m loving recently, check out my roundup of summer dresses and my favorite spring wardrobe additions!

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Ali vizzo says · 05.19.16

Haha I too fall into “the opposite of a small butt” category. Hilarious way of putting it! Can’t wait to check out some of these pieces.

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Alyssa says · 05.19.16

I love the tanks from Old Navy and shorts from Target! And I always love Champion socks with a heel shield so they don’t slide around or fall down inside my shoe. So comfy!

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Kacie M. says · 05.19.16

I love workout tops from Old Navy; that’s about all I own. They’re super comfy and fit great – and a great price! I usually don’t leave the store without purchasing one. I hate working out with sleeves, so tanks are my go to! I also love Asics, as they are my go-to running shoe. I just invested in a pair of Nimbus, as I needed extra support for the ball of my foot, otherwise I get ball of foot pain (even with wearing inserts made to help avoid that). I also have wide feet and these were great to get in a wide. My feet still go numb after awhile in them, but they’re still comfy with the shock absorption. The Kayano’s may be my next pair!

Do you have any suggestions on workout wear during pregnancy? I am approaching the end of my 1st trimester, and know I will need some new compression pants very soon!

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Kacie M. says · 05.19.16

Found your old posts by searching pregnancy… it was early before some coffee! 🙂

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Melissa G says · 05.19.16

Tshirts and sweats in your drawer work just fine! I have never understood why people invest so much money in work out clothes!! Is it to impress others? I don’t get it. I typically wear my husbands tshirts….which he has a ton of…and either sweats or yoga pants. Good shoes? Yes, I totally understand that. But the rest is a waste of money!

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KC says · 05.19.16

One word, chaffing. Sweat-wet cotton shirts are evil chaffing machines.

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Sabrina says · 05.19.16

I used to wear t-shirts to run/work out in. Once you wear dri-fit, you will understand the difference. A wet t-shirt is awful and will cause chaffing. And chaffing is awful. On top of it all, a dri-fit shirt helps keep the sweat away from your body–which equals a less-suffocating feeling while you’re running in 90 degree heat in the summer. As far as sweats/yoga pants: no way I’m wearing pants to workout in. Ever. Even in the freezing temperatures. My body gets too hot. I’ll wear compression capris..but mostly running skirts or shorts. I prefer the skirts with compression shorts under them because I don’t like the feeling of shorts riding up while I run–plus that causes chaffing as well. Not to mention-shorts riding up your leg isn’t the most attractive thing ever either. So, I guess it really all comes down to chaffing. It’s awful.

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Melissa G says · 05.19.16

I don’t run. And have never had chafing, so its all good!

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Kate says · 05.19.16

I hate the feeling of wet cotton and just prefer clothes that are intended for working out! Depends on how much you sweat, I guess?

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Karly says · 05.24.16

totally agree on that!!

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Erin says · 05.19.16

Also, some people (moms especially) don’t have time to change right after a workout. Gross, but fact. So, having “cute” workout clothes allows us to somewhat put together when we have to run to grocery store or do the whole pick/up drop off thing in our exercise getup.

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Erin says · 05.19.16

Eh, don’t mind the typos, please!

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Kelly says · 05.19.16

Yep…changing clothes is pretty time consuming! A minute? Maybe 2? I can see the chafing issue for runners, but this one cracks me up!

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Erin Ens says · 05.19.16

I work out with a group of moms at the park with my two youngest in tow. I have to run from there straight to my oldest’s school to pick her up. There truly isn’t the time or place for me to change. You are obviously an expert in this field though and apparently everyone’s situation is exactly the same so i guess I’m wasting my breath here.

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Katie says · 05.19.16

I mean, why do people invest money in any type of clothes? As long as your body is covered, you could just wear a potato sack right? Or just wear your husband’s cast offs to work? Personally, I feel better and more confident when I am wearing an outfit that I feel like I look good in, and that includes when I am at the gym, so I choose to buy nice workout clothes. Everyone has different spending priorities!

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Kelly says · 05.19.16

Actually no, i can’t wear a potato sack to work. There are dress codes to follow!

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Katie says · 05.19.16

Lol ok. Good chat!

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Isla says · 05.19.16

I work out at home (no one to impress), and I just prefer real workout clothes. They wick away sweat, and quite frankly, I am more motivated to work out when I put them on. Also, if I wore my husband’s old t-shirts, I would have them flopping on my face every time I did a yoga move. It just wouldn’t work.

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Heidi says · 05.19.16

Which shorts from Lululemon? The links take us to all of the shorts. Thanks!!

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Kate says · 05.19.16

Sorry! Run times short!

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Alisha says · 05.25.16

Thanks! I came over to ask that same question…

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Sarah says · 05.19.16

If I’m doing an easier workout where I don’t need a wick-away fabric, my favorite top is a Liz Lange washed maternity tank. They are so comfy and LONG! I discovered them during one of my pregnancies and I still wear them now, very much not pregnant. I love, love, love them!

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Melissa M. says · 05.19.16

Hi Kate,
I have opposite of a small butt too and thighs to match. I clicked the link and it didn’t bring up a specific short, just all the running shorts. Do you know the name of the ones you wear?

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Kate says · 05.19.16

Sorry about that–it’s the run time short!

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Melissa M. says · 05.19.16

Thank you!

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Jen says · 05.19.16

I’m with you on the lulu short! 4 WAY stretch is awesome!

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Elle says · 05.19.16

Do they ride up though? I find that a lot of athletic shorts that I’ve tried tend to ride up at the waste (not necessarily giving me a wedgie) but I hate having to constantly pull them down!

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Kate says · 05.19.16

Nope, not at all!

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Laura says · 05.19.16

Love Old Navy for fitness clothes! I’d love to see some tips on going from morning workouts to work appropriate with hair!! I don’t want to have to wash and restyle my hair every morning after I’m done!

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Gen says · 05.19.16

Yes, workout to work hair tips would be amazing!

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Alisha says · 05.25.16

YES!! I work out in the morning and then just have a few minutes to get home, dressed, kids dressed and everyone off to school/work. Hair tips would be great!!

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Kelly @ Turned UP To Eleven says · 05.19.16

I have the same issue with my feet, mostly my left foot – thank you for mentioning that I may have to check out those sneakers when mine have worn down!

I love that you are working out and sharing the journey! I work out at 5:30 every morning in my home – I have always been curious about a bootcamp, maybe one day I’ll buck up and do it!!!

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Olivia says · 05.19.16

I am struggling with this too– I just bought the Asics Gel Cumulus and thought maybe it was the shoe. I feel a tingle in my 2nd toes, like a numbness after a while. Is that typical? I don’t recall that feeling before… any suggestions welcome.

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Haylee Garland says · 05.19.16

If possible, could you post occasionally on Insta or Snapchat how you style your New Balance sneakers, with jeans, shorts, dresses, etc? I just bought a pair and I am STRUGGLING. 🙂 But I love the Athleisure trend!

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Andrea G says · 05.19.16

Recommendations for workout pants capris that don’t fall down on this apple shaped girl?

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Hannah says · 05.19.16

Lululemon had high waisted capris that don’t move when you put them on. They are a pricey, but once I got one pair, I had to have more. They are perfect for working out, running and everyday wear. I never have to worry about pulling them up mid-run like most other capris I have bought.

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Katie says · 05.19.16

It sounds random, but Carrie Underwood has a line of exercise clothes at Dicks (not sure if it’s also sold other places) and the pants are GREAT. I have a pair of the capris and a pair of the leggings and I am constantly washing them because they are my favorite. The material is nice and thick so it stays up and makes me feel a little more “covered.”

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Kim says · 05.19.16

Love your picks! I need to try lululemon wear sometime!

Kim
http://bit.ly/27DKRaz … May Birchbox!

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Nicole K. says · 05.19.16

Hey!

Not related to this post, but wanted a pro opinion on if you think Jennifer Lawrence’s short haircut (above shoulders) would be easy maintenance vs long hair?

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Jessica says · 05.19.16

I love hearing that you have “seasons of working out and seasons of not”. I am the same way! It’s all about the weather for me. I love running outside and I even do my 21 day fix workout outside. Have you tried fabletics yet? I am in love. I don’t buy Lulu but have bought Lucy. I love the feel of fabletics…their pants are soooo soft! and the fit is great! Good luck!

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Brandi says · 05.19.16

As a 2x-3x person, I’d love to wear decent workout clothes, but I can’t seem to find any that fit my body. Bras are the worst, I can’t find my size in most brands, and when I do find one that says it’s my size, yeah it’s really not. lol. I’m stuck with t shirts and cotton capri’s for now.

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Lindsay says · 05.19.16

Athleta carries up to 2X. I love their capris and tanks!

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Lindsay says · 05.19.16

Oh and old navy’s tops are pretty good too, and they also carry extended sizes

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Kelly says · 05.22.16

Lane Bryant and Torrid has cute exercise clothes, although I wouldn’t use one of their sports bras-Ive never used them, but they look like they offer NO support. Check out Title Nine.

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Lauren says · 05.19.16

Kate, You featured a product on SnapChat a few months back about a product you use to keep your curls/ waves smooth. Mine clump together and get stringy and frizzy. I use moroccan oil, and it will hold, but after a few hours, its back to frizzy and stringy. Any Suggestions!

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Jessica says · 05.19.16

I struggle with wanting to wash my hair after working out. I recently got in the habit of working out everyday and noticed washing that often is drying out my hair, but it feels gross if I don’t wash it after a work out. What are your solutions/suggestions to this problem?

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Kristin S says · 05.19.16

Oh, did you go to OTF!?!??! I’ve been once for Molly’s blogger meet up last year and it was THE BEST workout I’ve ever done. Ever. I loved it. I wish two things: a studio were closer and it was cheaper.

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Andy says · 05.19.16

I jog 3-4 days per week, year round. By far my favorite workout togs have been from Old Navy. They hold up well to many washings. They are cute and comfy. I really enjoy the high-waisted running tights that come in capri and long lengths. My new favorite top is their Go-Dry Seamless tops. Cute colors, long enough, and comfy.

I’m reading a book called “The Runner’s Brain” and I think that the mental part of working out is just as important as the physical. For me, if I dress the part and feel cute and sporty then I have a better workout attitude. 🙂

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Astha says · 05.20.16

I prefer wearing cotton for workout. That synthetic workout clothes material kind of irritates my skin. Plus cotton lets my skin breathe.

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Sarah says · 05.20.16

I mentioned this on your Instagram too, but I want to say it again because it has been a life-saver for me and so maybe it will be for another new mom out there too – Fit4Mom Stroller Strides is an amazing boot-camp style workout that you get to take your kids with you! Google the name plus your city to see if one is in your area. The workout is legit, no need to worry about childcare, and you get to know other moms in the same season of life. I personally didn’t know many moms even though I have lived in my city for many years, but there are a lot of military wives who are able to establish friendships quickly through this class. It’s wonderful and usually the first class is free!

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Erin Ens says · 05.20.16

I do baby boot camp/stroller strides here in California. I love it! And it is not a “fluff” workout whatsoever- it’s tough in the best way!

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Glenda says · 05.22.16

These are all awesome!
My hubby just introduce me to Lucy they sell it at REI and their leggings are amazing! Great sale this weekend:) glad you are making some time for yourself I love doing Barre class and slowly getting into yoga.

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Karly says · 05.22.16

I’m a huge fitness addict, so I love the fact that your starting to talk about fitness! Esp on snapchat. Lol. When your big into fitness quality workout clothes is a must. I must admit I don’t spend a lot of money of clothes but when it comes to workout shorts I do. I own just about every color of Lululemons run times shorts. They are my favorite and the only shorts I wear! Defiantly worth every penny! So glad to hear they are also your favorite!!

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A.G. says · 05.24.16

Maybe I am too sensitive, but I don’t get the judgy judgementalism about the workout clothes? Why comment? Everyone is different. For me, I like to put on something I feel somewhat good in to go run, even though by the time I am done, I am a sweaty mess. And, it has already been said, but if you work out (or in my case, run) on a regular basis, you really need decent quality gear or it can lead to chafing issues or even injuries (from poorly fitting shoes.) So if you don’t like Kate’s choices, why be condescending? Just sayin.

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Kelly says · 05.24.16

I don’t understand why is considered judgmental to disagree. Kate doesn’t run…according to this post. So why compare it? I’ve done many classes of different things…zumba esp…and never chafed. I don’t care what the person beside me thinks of the way i look, so that argument is out as well. And i do have 5 min after working out to change my clothes, so that argument is out too. Some of us like cotton…and it’s cheaper.

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A.G. says · 05.25.16

What I am saying is why comment at all? Wear whatever you want, but why does it matter what others wear or choose to wear? And I am not sure why you get to decide whether an “argument is out” or not.

I can’t stand when i read blogs I enjoy and the author takes the time to post photos, links, and explanations about things they enjoy or has worked for them, and then the comments are filled with negative comments about cost, etc. Yes, we all come from different socioeconomic situations, we all have different body types, and we all have different preferences, but why is it necessary to criticize others’ choices as if “you” are the expert. Ok, you have never chafed in your classes, but others have, you have never cared what you look like, but others do. All I am saying is, if you think it’s stupid to care what you look like when you work out, keep it to yourself. Can’t we build each other up instead of tearing each other down?

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A,G. says · 05.25.16

Target has some great shorts similar to the Lululemon Run times shorts, btw.
http://www.target.com/p/c9-champion-women-s-premium-run-shorts/-/A-50309205

I can attest to the comfort and non-chafing. Also flattering on my not-so-small backside and chubby thighs. (I can run miles and miles and I will never lose what I call my “marathon gas tank.”)

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Mel says · 06.05.16

I love this!! I’ll be stopping by Old Navy! The sports bra is my fave!!

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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Ansul says · 04.16.17

Hey guys,
Have a look at http://regularlifestyle.com
Best Running Shoe you can buy for 500 bucks!

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