Whether you have a 2-month-old or graduating senior, buying for a post-baby body is a bit different.
I’ve finally come to terms with my post-baby body. kind of… 
As part of my ongoing New Years Resolution to better love myself, thought faults and love handles, I continue to persevere through the driest work out spell since I started the couch to 5k in November. Part of that is I’m working again and I’m trying to re-define priories and make working out happen because I’m happier full of endorphins than chocolate…
I digress.
So, to make working out more “fun”, fashion has to make an entrance. I’ve bought work out clothes for years and have found though trial and error what minimizes my 2- babied, c-sectioned belly and muffin-top and also what hides stretch marked legs. and if those things aren’t issues for you… then pop over to my inspiration today – Paige. Her picks were so ADORABLE and perhaps in my after body I can wear tops like that! ;D She discusses bras that enhance whereas mine are about compression.
REAL QUICK- I’m not going to lie… I started at lulu lemon which is GREAT if you can afford it. In fact, I’ll jealously covet your $200 tank top as I sweat through my sale rack one from Kohl’s but my reality is budget so my post-baby workout clothes are attainable to the average girl. All of my picks were from Target, Old Navy and Columbia Outlets.
-I’ll start with the bottom up. Back in the day when I ran cross country (cue the collective bored yawn) I loved Nike. They worked for my feet and still do Regardless if you are working out for the first time or have completed a 5k, (or marathon…) it’s always a great idea to go to a professional place to get fitted. It really doesn’t matter what you wear if your base isn’t covered. I went to a local place called Rush Running and they took a video of my running on a treadmill (yes, a little awkward but they only video from your calves down) then recommended several bands, including Nike, which I got. Those super light weight kicks are cute but they don’t hold up well and they may not be good for your body. Get fitted.
1. Sports Bras- Once I wasn’t nursing a baby, I was able to have more fun! Like for the first time- usually I’m so practical [boring] and getting this blue bra was a big step for me! I love wearing it under plain colored tanks. This one wasn’t totally necessary but it’s like when I get new underwear- I just feel prettier even if no one sees my bra, although I’ve noticed I pick tanks that will show the bright blue! Clearly, after making my style board, I like blues, grays and blacks. They have styles and colors at a lot of stores and as long as it’s comfortable, get it! I got this blue one at Old Navy during a sale. Most places have great sales on active wear if you can wait.
2. Tanks- I got one just like this and I feel dressy when I go to the gym. I don’t feel quite as raggedy as I do in my old maternity tanks that I usually wear. I might as well look pretty… although I feel the insane need to wear make-up which is actually kind of a step backwards but WHATEVER. I feel pretty. Old Navy has a lot of options that aren’t just your old, ribbed, shapeless tank. Having something with patterns hides the belly better. I have found that single-colored tanks seem to emphasize my slowest shrinking part of myself…
3. Water Bottle Holder- I like water. A lot. In fact, I won’t go off running unless there is water strapped to my back. They have lots of different styles of this, available at most running or outdoor stores. I picked this style because I’m new to running and the water belts with 4 small bottles seemed so… professional. Like, I feel like I need to run a dozen miles or be a size 0 (looking like I run a dozen miles) to wear it. A single bottle holder in the back just says “Hey, she’s working hard, perhaps she’s run a half a dozen miles or so…” (A girl can dream about what people are saying behind her back. Umm wait…)
4. Tanks- This style is one I love because it hides the baby belly even better than the other style. I like feeling comfortable when I work out and when I can forget about how I look I have a better work out. I think it’s important to wear clothes that look good on your body but also ones that help you feel less self- conscious. Although I love my pretty tank- this one is better for the days I’m wanting to hide a bit more…
5. Compression Pants- I will be your new best friend once you try on a pair. Basically you will get your “after” shape quickly. It’s basically like Spanx for the working out girl. I tried on a pair and was like “Ummmm YEAH!” out loud in the dressing room at Old Navy. They were having a huge sale so I got them for 50% off. Other than the fact that they make me feel wonderful, they are great when I’m running. I don’t have to worry about pants sliding down or riding up like shorts seem to do on me. I prefer shorter ones, tight to the knee. Target also has these type of work out pants. I look awkward in capris but if you like capris, the go with that. I have large calves and feel like pants to the ankle or shorts to the knees are a better option. Also- shorts, like the short ones, make me uncomfortable because I managed to get stretch marks on like 3/4’s of my body during pregnancy and I don’t really want them showing.
6. Headbands- Unless you are one of the weirdos that likes to run with your hair down (How is that NOT annoying?!) you will need to have to have your hair pulled back- might as well do something stylish! LuLu Lemon– these headbands are $12 and $14 each on line. I know I said I wasn’t doing this expensive brand BUT it’d be great to say that I owned SOMETHING LuLu Lemon… Otherwise Walmart has a great selection too.
7. Lightweight Coat- Yeah- so you can really just get any coat that you feel comfortable in that isn’t too heavy. I love the Columbia brand and while at an Outlet last summer got the perfect coat for $25! (Not pictured- Columbia Vest that I don’t own… yet! Another great option for the chilly mornings!)
8. Compression Bras- Yep, this got 2 numbers on my list. Why? Because when you are nursing or well endowed, compression bras make all the difference. I remember trying one on with a 3 month old who liked to nurse all the time and being able to do a comfortable JUMPING JACK. For some people, this can affect milk supply so be aware and don’t wear them all day if you choose to work out in these. Target had a great selection of these.
9. Yoga Pants- for the days I’d rather do a yoga class or ellipicial or basically anything that doesn’t involve me jumping around. Yoga pants never seem to want to stay on when I run but they are GREAT for hiding the muffin top. Once again, if a muffin top isn’t something you struggle with more power to ya- but for the rest of us, yoga pants are a flattering way to work out comfortably. Or just wear all the time.
*Be sure to not get cotton pants in either these or the Compression Pants, try instead to get a spandex blend- and always get BLACK. Nothing is more embarrassing that wearing grey cotton work out pants and then seeing that it looked like you peed in your pants post workout…
And there you go. I’m trying to get more serious about working out and taking care of myself! Join in! What are your favorite brands or styles? Do you have any go-to, favorite must haves?