The Best (Real Life) Workout Wear!

The Best Workout Wear + My Playlist!

Whoop Whoop already to hump day! Thankfully this week has been less painful than originally anticipated and I am liking being back in a routine. Part of that routine for me is exercise. It’s 100% my alternative to therapy and I try to workout at least 3 times a week…strictly to give myself an hour of alone time to clear my mind, put my phone down and dive in to my favorite playlist. I don’t workout to be extra thin (let’s just be honest…my thighs will always be best friends, there’s no separating those two), but more or less to curb the jiggle…truly (IMO) strong is so much sexier than skinny. All of that being said, these last two months have made working out so hard with me being sick, Landry so sick, traveling and the Holidays. I have been itching to get back into the gym and that’s just what I’ve done this week and already feel better. Running is my cardio of choice and there’s not much else in the world that feels better to me than a long run where I can just get lost in the music. Since it’s so cold, I’ve been going to our local gym and either doing a combination of elliptical and weight training or one of their strength classes….which I typically get burnt out on mid-winter. My goal is to find a group class that I LOVE that focuses on high intensity cardio…I’ve tried Carolina Sweat (local) and Orange Theory and really liked both, just can’t make myself pull the trigger on either yet. What are your favorites, I’d LOVE to hear because I definitely need to diversify!

I thought that since we are all making New Year’s Resolutions and quite a few of them involve getting into shape (or just getting back in to the gym after the Holidays) that I would share my favorite workout wear…some new and some are oldies but goodies. I’m also sharing what’s on my playlist for January and thought that this might also give you guys some insight on me. Don’t judge. I like all music, but I especially like Rap and R&B, with country as a close second. I am a mixed bag of nuts when it comes to music and, in reality (and aside from heavy metal), there’s pretty much something from every genre on my i-pod. I’m sharing my favorite get motivated songs + some current favs in general. Hope that you like 🙂

Nike “Free” Shoes | Beats by Dre Wireless Headphones

My hubs surprised me with these Nike Free running shoes and OMG he did good! He insisted I try them and they literally feel like you’re wearing slippers. So light-weight and overall REALLY comfortable! Full disclaimer that my arches require more support when I run (I wear these running shoes), but I wanted a good neutral pair of tennis shoes for “athleisure” wear…running errands, school drop off, etc. I love the clean black and white of these, but they come in a rainbow of colors. I gifted him the Beats Wireless Headphones and totally steal them to workout during the day when he’s not home. I’m always annoyed by the headphone cord bouncing around when I’m running and these solve that! I didn’t get it before, but now I do….wireless headphones for the win.

Mesh Back Top ($12!)| Nike Dri-Fit Crops | Nike Free Running Shoe

So, here’s the deal…workout wear can be expensive! And in all honesty, it’s not something that I LOVE spending money on. I mean I like to look cute and all, but $150 for a sports bra is outrageous. Here’s my strategy…I’m not fussy about tops and save the splurge for the pants. My problem areas are below the waist, so I like to workout in compression tights so that no one has to witness any sort of jiggling that they never wanted to see. The ones I’m sharing are a little bit of a splurge (between $50-110/each) but totally worth it in my case. I also wear most of them for “athleisure” wear (read: when I’m too lazy to get dressed and really just want to wear yoga pants), so they really serve double duty.

The ones above are also a Christmas prezzy from the hubs. I love that they have mesh back around the knees making them breathable, but I also love that the mesh is contained to the lower leg. Mesh on my thighs is simply unflattering. They are a great fit and awesome for low or high impact workouts.

Northface Puffer Jacket | Nike Dri-Fit Crops | Nike Free Running Shoe

My parents got my this Northface puffer jacket for Christmas and boy did I desperately need it. Waking up to catch an early workout makes for an extra cold morning and this jacket is awesome to throw on over my gym clothes. It’s also great for weekend wear and errand running. I got a Medium, but if you are between sizes, size up.

Mesh Back Top | Zella Live-In Leggings | Nike Free Running Shoe

I link to these Zella leggings all of the time (because I’m ALWAYS wearing them!), but honestly I can’t tell you how much I love them. They are so flattering and so comfy with the perfect mix of compression and comfort. I wear them in real life (outside of the gym) at least twice a week, too, as they are great under a tunic sweater paired with boots. I tried to do the same pose in each photo and it’s obvious that these are the most slimming as well. If you don’t have these, buy them. If you are between sizes, size down. I’m wearing the full length, but they also come in a CROP. Postpartum? They also make a high-waisted version for an instant tummy tuck!

Similar Funnel Neck Hoodie | Zella Live-In Leggings | Nike Dunk Shoes

Here’s how the Zella leggings I just talked about above look for casual wear. I love them with this tunic sweatshirt and my dunks.

Mesh Back Tank | Printed Prism Leggings | Nike Free Running Shoe

Have we talked about my top yet? I’m low maintenance when it comes to tops. All that strappy jazz that’s in style, just isn’t for me. I normally get stuck in the straps trying to put it on and literally give up. I like a simple compression sports bra (favorite one + less expensive one that I also really like) and a plain jane racer-back tank. This mesh back tank was on sale for $6 (!!!) during Black Friday and I bought 6 of them. I love the higher neckline too, so that the girls aren’t visibly falling all over the place.

These cheetah print full length tights are from Prism and we need to have a little chat about them. Okay I’m getting a hot flash just talking about this…but it’s relevant information…Prism designs their tights to work in favor of the lady parts so that you can avoid the dreaded term that sounds like Tamel Coe. They have a flat front panel instead of a seam down the middle and it really does change the fit. If you haven’t tried them out yet and love a good print, these might be the perfect fit for you!

Mesh Back Tank | Printed Prism Crop Leggings | Nike Free Running Shoe

Also Prism leggings in a crop. Love this print too!

…and here’s the playlist that I promised!

Okay two things: would love workout suggestions and also would love to hear your favorite play list songs so that I can add them to my own! Cheers to a healthy 2016!

Want to see how I styled some amazing workout gear 3 ways? See THIS POST!