Pretty Work Out Wear
Until recently I believed, a good workout required a lot of sweat and total exhaustion. My workout fashion was fairly boring consisting mainly of plain separates with a heavy emphasis on black leggings.
But about a year ago, I developed Achilles Tendinitis and I had to give up running (really all workouts but….come on!) until it heals. So, my BFF and I decided to try a less jarring workout. Recently, a ClubPilates opened near our house and we decided to give it a try. I was hooked instantly. The Reformer session is low impact but still strenuous. After each class, I can feel all sorts of little muscle synapsis firing. I feel energized but definitely not super sweaty.
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What is Pilates?
Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates which focuses on concentration, small movements and breathing. The moves are designed to work specific areas of the body while keeping other areas relaxed. The goal is a strong core and flexibility. Pilates was designed to be a one on one workout but now are taught in gyms across the country. There are two types of Pilates classes: mat classes and Reformer classes.
Pilates mat classes are focused primarily on strengthening your core. Reformer classes allow you to work on your core and flexibility through range of motion movements. ClubPilates was started in San Diego in 2007, and brings the concepts of Pilates Reformer sessions to a group class. They offer varying levels of classes from the beginner to the advanced.
Pilates Style
Pilates works a whole group of muscles, I didn’t know I had and has me craving some of the fabulous outfits I see in class. The women who do Pilates have such great style! They have inspired me to up my flexibility and up my workout fashion. Honestly, the workout wear is so cute you can wear it all day. Of course, athleisure is a huge industry and now, long standing fashion trend which shows no signs of slowing down. Until recently, I saved my favorite athleisure pieces for running around town and travel. Now, I wear them for Pilates!
My Go To Brands
Alo Yoga – I love their leggings. They are one of the first companies to make black leggings in motto style (or as my husband calls them my Mad Max leggings). I buy most of my Alo Yoga from Bloomingdales. They also make fabulous jackets and sweatshirts. Unfortunately, many of them are cropped which is definitely not my thing. They also make a great pair of leather-look leggings which rivals the Spanx version. I would never wear the Spanx leggings for a workout but I definitely will wear the Alo Yoga version to a winter workout.
Athleta
Athleta has the best prints in work out wear. Athleta was on the cutting edge of the athleisure trend building on Lululemon’s popularity but bringing more colors and patterns. They have branched out from workout wear to all sorts of comfortable clothing now including jeans. The Gap owns Athleta so they have stores across the United States. They have phenomenal sales and they make many of their products in Tall which I often need in pants.
Zella
Lululemon
Lulu will always be one of my go to work out wear brands. They make all the basics I love to wear including the Align Crop and the Cool Racerback Top II which are my favorite Lulu products of all time. I purchase them in every color. I just wish Lulu branch out from its muted color scheme to more bright colors. They also have amazing travel bags. My husband has forbidden me from buying even one more bag. I am a bit bag obsessed. How cute is this On My Level Rucksack? Seriously. I would buy it if I could.
StyleDahlia Style
At StyleDahlia, we believe if you look good, you feel good. It isn’t just about the clothes but about your external appearance reflecting what is inside. It is a whole body focus on aging with grace which includes beauty, exercise, spirituality and wellness. Your appearance is just a reflection of your spirit. We celebrate in our unique individual style and promote a strong and healthy body image. Pilates is part of my focus on improving my flexibility and core strength. Both are things which are needed as we age and both are things I am sorely lacking.
Join Me
I hope you will join me on this crazy new journey. Fashion has been my passion for years and my hope is I can help others bring joy to their wardrobes. Let me do the heavy lifting ~ shopping, trying on and reviewing the latest trends, brands and styles. Please let me know if you have any topics you want me to cover. I would love to hear from you. Drop me a line below or follow me on Instagram for my daily outfit updates or on Pinterest for all my inspiration including workouts, fashion, and food.
