Workout wear for the mom that wants to be fit but isn't yet?

[bisous]

I've been around here long enough to know that wearing yoga pants in public is contentious topic, lol. But let me just say straight out that I'm all for it! It is just part of the "culture" here in So Cal that moms can wear workout clothes at any time during the day and I really think it is fine.

I think I've figured out that I want to be one of those moms. Here's why: I have almost no time to "exercise" because I'm busy with my kids from about 6 am to 9 pm. Yes, I could exercise afterward but I'm generally too exhausted. I think this will change when school starts in a few weeks!

I'm thinking that if I can wear comfy clothes that in those "downtime" moments where I'm building a Thomas track, I can squeeze in some transverse abs workouts or a plank or two. I think in my life right now, I need to be able to grab a minute or two to exercise and that's the best it is going to get. I think it is hard to be spontaneous when wearing a maxi dress or a pair of jeans which is my usual uniform. Additionally, most days my big exciting event is doing something like visiting the park or going to the library. If I were to go on a day long excursion I would wear regular clothes.

SO, how bad is it to look at a mama who has about 20 pounds to lose? Should I just go for it? Would you?

What kind of workout wear is ultra flattering? When I'm think I wear target's c9 pants and shirts when I am exercising. I'm most self-conscious of my tummy right now. My legs, arms, shoulders and even waist are looking okay. Any brands/styles?

[mikala]

If you did a poll I think you'd find a lot of us with 20 lbs to lose, myself included. Give yourself a break, please. The number of pounds doesn't have to sound like a dirty word. I wear workout gear while exercising and am fairly certain I'm not offending people with well-fitting (not painted on!) spandex. DH insists its kinda hot.

I'd try something like the Kirkland workout capris from Costco. You might also like an old navy fold over skirt with bike shorts underneath. Cheap, easy fit, easy to wear for the types of exercise you mentioned. The Zella Capri might also work but it's more $$ and I had to size up. http://m.nordstrom.com/s/3351664/?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=bottoms:women:pant&cm_ite=zella_%27move_it%27_capris:588063&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&origin=pla&mr:referralID=b071829e-1d9a-11e4-8303-001b2166c2c0

For shirts I'd go with something with a banded bottom similar to this style: http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2014/03/casual-day-3-magical-top.html?m=1

A cross front shirt could also be cute.
http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op968216052&dv=1&kwid=1&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2FcommonDoma inFrame.do%3FtargetURL%3D%252Fbrowse%252Fproduct.d o%253Fpid%253D968216052%2526vid%253D1%2526locale%2 53Den_US%2526kwid%253D1%2526sem%253Dfalse%2526sdRe ferer%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.google.com %25252F%26sem%3Dtrue&locale=en_US&sdReferer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&pid=968216052&sem=false&vid=1

Do you wear camis under your shirts? They smooth everything and IMO make the outer shirt more flattering. I wore a stretchy Kirkland one over a nursing bra with ds2 when I wasn't wearing a nursing tank. I'm sure other brands sell similar ones.

[lizzywednesday]

Meh, I wear what's comfortable and to heck with judgy people!

That said, I'm due to restock my workout wardrobe anyway because most of it is literally falling apart. (I've worn the same 4 pairs of C9 yoga pants for 5 years.)

I like capris with longer tees these days.

[smiles33]

I like the Costco Kirkland capri pants--much cheaper than the Prana or Lucy stuff I've purchased before and they're good enough. On top, I usually layer a long tank over a sports bra, but if you're not doing cardio (and thus don't need the support), keep in mind that a regular bra will peek out if it's a racer back tank. I like UnderArmour tanks when they're on sale for around $15 (again, cheaper than some of the Lucy/Athleta/Prana stuff I've seen). They aren't super tight (so I don't feel like my belly protrudes) but are slim cut enough to still be flattering and show off arms and shoulders that are more toned.

P.S. Just found the model I have (Victory Tank) but it's weird how it makes this model look like she has a tummy:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d4.scene7.com/is/image/Underarmour/V5-1243112-563_HTF?fmt=jpg&qlt=85,1&bgc=efefef&wid=1051&hei=990&fit=fit,1&extendN=0,0.02,0,0.02&rect=233,0,584,550

HTH!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I have am extra 20lbs too and still wear fitted pants and tanks. I just aim to have my crotch covered when I'm running errands.

I still think you should join a gym with babysitting. They play, just as they would at home, you workout. :)

[oneplustwo]

I was going to say the Kirkland yoga pants and capris are very forgiving and would be great for you to try. They don't scream exercise gear to me the way others do. I prefer to wear a top that covers the crotch and the butt when I'm wearing them for occasions other than exercising. And another vote for the ON fold over skirt!

[mikala]

I just saw this in the Garnet Hill catalog and thought it was cute. It looks like it should be flattering to the midsection. http://m.garnethill.com/products/363233?path=~mika-top-by-prana~

[DualvansMommy]

OP, I'm in the same boat as you. Only I'm carrying 40 pounds more on me, and not letting it stop me. I picked up the Costco Kirkland capris which worked really well for my purposes. I still fit in my old yoga pants and jogging shirts and plan on wearing that until I hit my target goal before revamping my workout wardroom.

[LBW]

If you are on a budget, or even if you are not, the Old Navy compression capris are great. I like them almost as much as my higher end capri pants. They seem to run small. I also like ON tanks, and you can't beat the price. These are especially nice (and forgiving!).
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1017029&vid=1&pid=977868022

For higher end, I love my Zella capris from Nordstrom.

[nfowife]

I workout 4x/week most weeks and am still about 20-30lbs. over my ideal weight. I often wear the workout clothes out after the gym because I have things to do, oh well. My standard uniform for the gym are black capri leggings- I have kirkland, old navy, and a zella pair and like them all about the same. I exlusively wear these target tanks (I have like 6 of them, they come out with different prints every few months in a variety of colors) because I feel like they are flattering and don't move around on me. I wear a sports bra under them and they also have a built in shelf bra:
http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-women-s-rib-tank-assorted-colors/-/A-15129004#prodSlot=medium_1_13&term=c9