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What I Wear to the Gym

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

I know the title of this post is ironic since all of these pictures were taken at the park, but the park is so much prettier than the gym!

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

Plus, I actually work out in the basement of my trainer’s house, so it’s not even really a gym. Well, I guess it is… it’s just our own private gym. Which is AWESOME, by the way. I love it because there are no sweaty men grunting as they heave-ho their gargantuan weights, there is no wait for the machine I want to use, and best of all, there is no audience. Because trust me, no one wants to see me working out. It isn’t pretty.

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

Today I’m teaming up with Nordstrom to share what I wear to the gym. I love it when a brand wants to work together on an activewear post because it gives me an excuse to buy new workout clothes! Ha!

Because I do work out in the basement of my trainer’s house, I really have no need for a large workout wardrobe, but I still enjoy shopping for new pieces every once in a while, and I think it does help keep me motivated.

Today’s outfit is pretty much my go-to gym workout outfit all year round. In the dead of winter, I may wear long pants, but I get hot when I’m working out, so I usually wear capri length pants or the ones that come right below the knee.

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

These are the Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings, and I’m obsessed. You may remember me posting about the Zella High Rise Shorts back in the spring (find that post here.) Well, these are the capri version. WOOT!!!

I am so excited to have found these because I’m short waisted, and I have a hard time finding workout pants that don’t cut right across the flabbiest part of my belly. I’m not being coy, just honest. I’m 44 years old and I’ve had three children, so there’s definitely some extra stuffing in my midsection. I’m okay with it, but that doesn’t mean I want the waistband of my pants cutting right across that region, creating lumps and bumps and drawing the eye to my least favorite body part.

These pants come up nice and high, and they actually hold you in and make your stomach look flatter than it really is. Hallelujah!!!

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

The mesh panels on the back are supposed to help with ventilation, but I’m not quite sure who sweats in the calf area. Still, it looks cool. Ha!

When I bought these pants, they were fully stocked in the charcoal grey that I’m wearing, and of course now that I’m getting around to posting, the grey is gone. They do, however, have them in black in all sizes, and honestly, I think I like the black better because I find the seams on the grey pants to be a little distracting in certain areas, ahem. They also have them in two groovy prints, and they come in plus size as well.

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

As for my sneakers, I don’t usually wear these sneakers to workouts, although I sometimes do. I generally prefer a little more support, but these are cushiony and soft and great for walking around. (I run and usually prefer to work out in the Saucony Guide.)

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

Now let’s discuss this top. This isn’t a game changer like the pants are, but it is pretty much what I wear to every indoor workout — a version of this, anyway. This is the Nike Contour Dri-FIT Tee, and I love it because it has some shape to it without being skin tight. (See above re: extra stuffing.) It is lightweight and breathable and it’s made of moisture-wicking fabric so you don’t get all icky and sticky when you sweat. Not that I sweat… (Just kidding. I am gross by the time my workout is over.)

Moisture wicking fabric is the only way to go, but not all moisture-wicking fabric is created equal. I’ve learned this over the years. I’d rather have a few good quality workout tops that do the job than a bunch of cheap ones that feel icky when I get sweaty. I could also run in this top, but I usually run in a tank top until it’s necessary to wear a jacket because once I get hot, I want as little material sticking to me as possible.

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

When the weather changes and it’s cool in the mornings, I’ll throw on a sweatshirt to go to and from the gym. I didn’t think to photograph this outfit with one. It might have something to do with the fact that it was about 95 degrees the day we shot this look.

I still love and adore my Alo Zip-Up Hoodie from last spring, but it is long gone from the Nordstrom website. I’ve been drooling over this Nike Modern Cotton Blend Hoodie, but I really don’t need it so I’m practicing self control. Believe it or not, I do that sometimes. Ha! I love the asymmetrical front zip and relaxed fit and the way it hangs longer in the back and covers your bum.

nike cotton hoodie

The nice thing about that sweatshirt is you can wear it with jeans and Converse and it’s the perfect casual cool look for hanging out at your kid’s soccer game, or in my case, his marching band performance. Okay, I really need to stop talking about this sweatshirt or I’m going to end up ordering one.

I do want to state for the record that leggings are not pants… unless you are working out. Therefore, if you plan to run to the grocery store afterwards, consider throwing on a longer top to cover the, um, essentials. I have no problem wearing leggings with short tops to the gym or when I run, but otherwise I prefer to keep certain areas covered.

Sharing what I wear to the gym to work out and my newest activewear obsession: Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings from Nordstrom.

Whenever I do an activewear post, I always get asked about what sports bra I like. I swear by this Chantelle Underwire Sports Bra. I can get away with other styles for working out, but for running, this is the only one that holds everything in place. I also like that it lifts and separates and avoids the dreaded uniboob, which seems to be so common with sports bras. Plus, it’s actually kind of pretty. I have the grey with pink stitching. Not that anyone sees it, but still.

The best part about this bra is that it has a J-hook that converts the straps to racerback. I always hook the J-hook when I run because it gives me more support. If you run or do other high impact activities, I cannot recommend this bra highly enough.

chantelle sports bra

So there you have it, my go-to gym workout uniform!

Writing this post is making me want to get out there and run! The weather is absolute perfection here in PA this morning. It’s in the upper 50s, the humidity is low, the birds are chirping, and there’s a nip of fall in the air. I hope it’s just as beautiful where you are! Make it a great one!

workout-1a

shop the post

 

Nike Contour Dri-FIT Tee // Zella Hatha High Waist Crop Leggings // Nike Zoom Pegasus Sneakers // Kate Spade Laurie Sunglasses

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Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! All text, opinions, images, and editorial decisions are my own and presented without prejudice. Thank you for supporting the retailers that support this site. 

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19 Responses

  1. I am not a runner but I do try to walk on my treadmill everyday and I am looking for a new sneaker, would you recommend these sneakers for walking/training? Or the running shoes you use?

    1. Hey Kim. Sneakers are such a personal decision, it is hard to say, but if you don’t have any foot troubles, then I would think these are fine for walking. They are actually designed for running, so it’s not like there’s no support, they just don’t have quite as much support as some. I used to wear minimalist shoes until all of my foot troubles, and then I moved into a more supportive sneaker, so it’s more about your personal needs than the activity. I find these very comfortable for walking. That’s what I bought them for, back when I thought I’d never run again.

  2. I need some new workout pieces so thanks so much for sharing, JoLynne. The news that your daughter will be home for school is exciting, and probably a little scary. My youngest of 4 spent 3 years home with me and it was absolutely the right thing to do. And we had no cyber school available. I was working full time at home and preparing and presenting the curriculum each day. It was a wonderful experience for both of us.

  3. Our Grandson is going to a Private Christian school with a hand full of kids in his class. It is the best thing ever!! You have made the right decision. Keep her active in church activities and such for Good socialization. Blessings

  4. Do you ever partner with stores other than Nordstrom? I’m 100 miles away from closest Nordstrom Rack & double that for an actual Nordstrom. I’m also, ahem, between sizes so online ordering is cumbersome.
    Thanks! Love the posts.

    1. I do! 🙂 Just this month, I’ve partnered with Kate Spade, Payless, QVC, and Kohl’s. I also feature other brands that aren’t partners. I try to feature a variety of brands, whether they are interested in a partnership or not, but Nordstrom has definitely been front and center lately b/c I bought so much at the #Nsale, and they have been offering me a lot of partnerships. It’s a natural fit because I was a Nordstrom fan long before I started working with them.

      I hear ya on the online ordering being cumbersome, but returns at Nordstrom are free, AND they give you like six months to return things, so I often order 2 sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. I know it’s still something to keep track of and it’s a bit of a pain, but I keep a file on my desk where I put all my receipts and pre-paid return address labels as soon as I open a new package, and then I have a box in my bedroom where I put things I’m not going to keep. Once a week (usually Saturdays) I box ’em up and take them to Staples. They’re pre-paid, but I do like to get a receipt in case they get lost. So far that has never happened.

      Sorry for writing a book in response, lol, but I think once you have a system, the returning of things isn’t so daunting. 🙂

  5. Thanks for the post. I’ve just gotten back into working out and hate my sports bra. I decided to try your recommendation.

  6. I’ve homeschooled all 5 of my kids for varying lengths of time. The time with them is precious! Being able to meet their needs (academically and emotionally) with a more flexible time frame is such a blessing! I hope you and your daughter are equally blessed as you make this adjustment.

  7. I hope this isn’t too personal of a question but I’ve recently bought some Zella leggings which I love but am having trouble finding good no show underwear that doesn’t leave lines and is also comfortable! Any recommendations? Thanks!

  8. Love all thanks for info
    I workout every morning with a friend!
    I may have to order black hoodie
    So cute!
    I am also exercising restraint paying
    Last college payment!
    Excited for your daughter sounds
    Wonderful!

  9. I have the same workout bra. I love it! I have a large chest , size 36 F, it holds everything in place and is extremely comfortable to wear. It washes well also. True that you get what you pay for with moisture wick shirts, they are not all alike. I also have some non-Zella leggings that shrunk after cold water wash and line dry,as I said, you get what you pay for!

  10. I’m obsessed with mesh compression leggings but really have no idea why some of the mesh is placed in areas where you don’t sweat. Inner thighs, sure, but I bet that wouldn’t hold up well. Love the simplicity and functionality of your outfit Oh, and how your water bottle coordinates!

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