If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you probably know two key things about me. One, I see myself as quite the injury-prone runner. And two, I love leggings. Happily I’ve been able to complement these two things into a very productive outcome. Just hear me out…
I’m a big fan of going to the gym. Yes I love running, of course, but I do really enjoy going to the gym as well. It hasn’t always been this way. I saw the gym as the enemy. A place of bewilderment and boredom. I would drag myself there when I was no longer able to run because I was suffering from a sore knee, hip, painful IT band or something along those lines. So I’d go to a Spinning class or use the elliptical machine, grudgingly. But never sort the actual issue out – the root cause.
After numerous of physio appointments it finally got through to me that I needed to actually make strength training part of my weekly routine. Sadly I’m not one of those seemingly superhuman people who can just run and do nothing else.
It was tough though. It took a lot of research, YouTube videos, physio help and guidance to become stronger, confident and actually happy to go to the gym.Where do leggings come into it though? Well, one of the reasons I love the gym is that I can be a bit more exciting with my fitness clothing. I don’t wear leggings when I run because I just prefer to wear shorts… but at the gym, leggings are my staple. What you look like at the gym really doesn’t matter of course, but for me it really helps to be wearing something I feel comfortable and, yes, look good. It helps make me feel good.
I’m quite a boring person with what I wear normally so it’s nice to be a bit more “jazzy” at the gym where anything goes in terms of colours and patterns. One of the sites I love is The Sports Edit. They have a fantastic range of very stylish gym wear – and items that will last, not fast fashion that you will chuck away after a few months.I was sent a pair of leggings and a top from the site to review and I can happily say I’m in love. Now you know I know my leggings. I know what makes a decent pair, what’s flattering and, most importantly what actually works at the gym in terms of comfort and actually exercising. These leggings are GORGEOUS. I’m not really a huge pattern fan but these are subtly different. I love how sparkly they are (they don’t actually feel sparkly and don’t drop glitter everywhere – something I was a bit worried about).
They’re the Alloy Ombre High Waisted Leggings from the brand Beyond Yoga and when I wore them at the gym I got quite a few compliments. One person asked if they were they my “disco leggings” for Christmas. I mean, I guess he’s right, they’re perfect for the Christmas season! But I will be wearing them all year round 🙂 They have a lovely high-waisted fit, are thick enough to be squat proof but not too thick to not be breathable.
The top is the Under Armour Accelerate Tank White 2.0. I love how simple it is but also that the back is open to give a bit of air and also so you can show off your sports bra at the back (I have some quite nice sports bra with some funky strapping which is always a shame to cover up under a t-shirt). I’ll be wearing this top for both the gym and running.In terms of my gym routine, currently I’m at the gym three-four times a week. I tend to do circuit classes which work the entire body, but in a more weights-focused way. Think less cardio, more strength. I also ensure I do at least one legs and glutes focused day. We’re talking squats, lunges, hip thrusts, single leg work and resistance band routines. I’ll do heavy barbel squats and hip thrusts to really target increasing my strength and then higher rep, lighter weight exercises to focus more on the endurance of my muscles. I can happily say I’ve remained uninjured for a good while now and I’m almost certain it’s because of my stronger body.
What keeps you motivated at the gym?
Do you have different clothes for running compared to what you were at the gym?
Do you look for gymwear that will last a long time or whatever is cheapest? For me it’s generally long lasting and quality – but this does tend to be more expensive, but in the long run it works out better!
**Full Disclaimer: I was sent the leggings and top for free in exchange for a review on my blog. As always these are my own honest opinions!**
I love the look of those leggings, but I often find glitter fabric to feel really itchy?
I agree, I have wasted money before on cheap leggings which don’t last long at all, I’d much rather spend a bit more on something which will last.
I honestly try to match my gym attire to the workout Im doing that day. Is that weird? Some days I feel like I need a spunkier, sassier outfit and other days I want to blend in more. And then of course there’s the days I feel like an utter badass and need an outfit to match 😉
Wonderful, what a weblog it is! This website presents
helpful facts to us, keep it up.
Good grief the price of those leggings! It’s so hard for me finding decent leggings that fit. I’m hoping as I continue to slim this will get easier! I have leggings just for the gym too and ones just for running. I prefer crops for running as I overheat!
Oh no! That really looks good!!!! I love wearing cute leggings in Gym!!!!! Where did you get this?
Kyra Rodriguez recently posted…How to Find the Best Gym for You
You really have to be well motivated in going to gym so that you can see your progress. Thanks for sharing this and oh, your leggings looks sooooo fashionable!
Like you I also started doing weight training to help with running. I remember it was hard for me to get the leg training right, sometimes I would feel like my legs would just never fully recover. However, I eventually stopped running and now enjoy weight training and yoga.
I believe my wife shares your love for leggings. Sometimes I wonder if she is spending more time looking at leggins for the gym than in the gym haha!
Marcus@strengthery recently posted…Best Posture Correcting Shirt
look like a good nd awsome tips for fitness thanks so much…
ITS VERY HELP FUL AND VERY INFORMATIVE POST.THANK YOU.
Now a days life is so busy and in this life we have to give our sometime in daily routine for exercise as it keeps us healthy and fine. To Motivated myself for going to gym and make strength training is one of the best way to gain healthy muscles. Thank you for sharing this wonderful thoughts and spreading knowledge.