Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day 45 of Phase 5: Cheap, but Cute, Workout Wear For Those Changing Size Every Month or Two....

First off: I strongly believe that having fun workout wear that makes you feel able to move and makes you feel NOT HOMELY helps motivate you to work out. On days I feel cute in my workout wear, I can exercise harder.

I don't know why that is? If it's the same thing that makes tea tastes better in a lovely cup than in styrofoam. :)

Don't wear all ratty stuff. Put on lip gloss. Put on nice comfy workout clothes. And you can take on the fitness ball with finesse.

Anyway...

I got sick of paying the higher price for quality workout wear that then would be baggy in a couple months. I've retired to many $30, $40, and up items after too few wears.  Annoying and a waste of moolah.

I decided to get some cheapo stuff at WalMart. It didn't matter if it couldn't hold up to many washes. I didn't intend to fit into them for too long...

I actually LIKE their DanskinNow line. So far, everything has been comfy and less than 15 bucks, some less than 10 bucks. Now, that's more like it.

Here is a blue top I wore walking yesterday:

Danskin Now Top from WalMart
I love the blue. I like the side white strip that's slimming. I like the black pattern that adds interest. It's comfy. Holds the puppies nicely snug. It's a racer-back style, so if you need mobility in the arms/shoulders (like for Pilates or weight training), here ya go.

This one's in the XL (16-18) size. The capris are a pair from Old Navy online, their plus line, in 1x. Not too pricey. I prefer the capris from regular Danskin Plus online (oh, man, they last and last and take washing after washing), but while I'm in the losing phase, it's time to be realistic. If it's only gonna fit properly for a couple months....well...you know...it's now Danskin Now for me. WalMart is not a place I used to shop but rarely, but as long as I'll get my workout stuff there, they'll see more of me.

You can see a snack on the table..a bowl of blueberries. And, hey, Beth! If you're reading this, check out the WWII print tea towel on the table (using it as a mini-tablecloth while I eat on it). It's not that clear in this pic, but there it is, under my small white squared-off bowl of blueberries....

TJ Maxx is also a place to check out for good quality name brands in workout wear in some larger sizes (not supersized big, but maybe up to XXL).

After I woke up today (no makeup, didn't do anything to my hair, so be forewarned), I decided to try on some of those TJ Maxx outfits I bought nearly a month ago. Needed a bit more loss to fit back then. Now, I can wear them. Beware, the following photos show a fat,middle-aged woman's midsection sans covering. And I'm wearing no undies, it's just pure fat under there. Well, and some Pilates muscles. :D

These I got at TJ Maxx, discounted, good brands. I also got that top with the long belled sleeves in my "Progress Bit by Bit" in the left upper sidebar. They're all workout pants. I didn't take pics of all of them (the grey and black bootcuts), but these are form fitting, so they show some progress waist-wise and hip-wise, and they unfortunately show my hanging pannus (the apronlike droop of belly that morbidly obese folks, especially apple-shaped ones, do get). I hate it, and I'm hoping with more weight loss and exercise, it won't vex me so much. Ultimately, I might need surgery. I'll think about that at the right time (ie, 2 years after goal weight to give skin time to tighten a bit if it will).

First, these, where I looove the little peep of turquoise on the waistband:
Nice turquoise accent! Notice price tags...

Mondetta Performance Gear capri leggings

I like having a waist. :D I hate having the big belly. I'd rather have that fat on my BUTT! I would have to be the Latina with a flattish butt. How unfair.

Marika Balance Collection Capris with floral detail. Price tags dangling...$15...

I like having ankles not swollen like water balloons. :) And shapelier calves. Thanks, Pilates!

Okay, the following ones are HARD to post. the fabric is lighter, the fit is snugger, and the cut is lower, so it exposes some less than lovely bits. Without undies, some camel toe going on. Urk. I need to get some low cut undies to wear with these babies. These are Nike Dri-Fit. Really sturdy feeling, smooth fabric. Got em for $20. A steal imo for that quality fabric. Will take a lot of washing, I think. The band matches my old sports bra that I'm wearing (that one's years old and used to be super snug and higher on me. It's looser and lower now, obviously.

Too low cut to wear OUT. For home workouts...

The droopy pannus is clear here.


Pannus on display above!  Imagine how much MORE awful that would all be without nearly 3 years of Pilates strengthening my core. Eek!  Cautionary tale for the younger, not yet crazy obese among you: Don't get morbidly obese. Your skin can't take it. It will droop. And it will NOT be pretty.

Anyway, I'm glad I can buy off the rack now. Easier. Hitting WalMart and TJ Maxx when I need something to walk/exercise in or just go casual in makes life easier.

Where do you get your workout gear? Anyone have good underwear suggestions for those lower cut capris for me? I'm used to using briefs (microfiber) from Avenue or Lane Bryant, and now I have to start thinking "normal" store undies, I guess. :)

13 comments:

Karen Butler Ogle said...

I get my workout stuff from Walmart too. However, I'm an Avon rep and so I get some things from Avon in their Curves Line. However, it is a bit pricier than Walmart and now some of those things are pretty big on me. Still, I don't mind loose baggy workout clothing as long as it stays us. You might also find some workout undies at Walmart in the Just My Size brand. Hanes has some low cut briefs too.

lv2 said...

Funny...but i went to walmart on sunday and bought some of the danskin work out clothes and liked the way they fit and planed to go get some more. jms by hanes at walmart has some microfiber low cut briefs in a hipster/boy cut not sure what they called them that i looked at and decided not to buy...too much belly but they would probably work well under your stuff. My jms stuff washes well and holds up well just bought some in a size down...yah. I think you're looking good.

Anonymous said...

Huh. Now I know what my tummy is called. Pannus! You can also get one by being pregnant many times in a row. :)

I love the Danskin Now stuff from WalMart. I totally agree - it's just plain dumb to spend lots of bucks on stuff you're just going to sweat all over and then shrink out of in less than six weeks.

One place I don't skimp? My bra. Even if I shrink out of it in a month, I'm still investing in a good, supportive bra (Enell is my fav) for running and high impact exercise.

Candy kankles said...

Love the clothes very cute! I havent invested in workout gear yet ive just been wearin my everyday clothes not bad prices il have to go take a peek at walmart :)

Kelly the Happy Texan said...

OK, you have me talked into going to Wal Mart and I hate Wal Mart so much. I wonder if Target would have something cute.

Looking good, hot tamale.

Val said...

You look great! (we actually have similar body types, but I need to do more core work)

Love your Pilates pix, now I just need to get into the studio & give it a try...

(I buy a lot of cheap shorts & skorts from the dollar store; I'm actually proudest of a "Large" 14/16 black skort that cost me $6 - I haven't worn a simple large size in years!)

Beyond Willpower said...

I'll actually miss lane bryant undies soon! I LOVE their hipsters.

sigh.

I'm a size 18 in pants but a 14/16 in undies which means I'm almost out of their sizes there for undies. It still feels so far away though. ha.
p.s lookin' good!

Jo said...

Target does have cute and comfortable workout clothes. I like the Danskins, too. A couple of years ago I got several pieces from Sears, on sale. I am not loyal to any one brand or store, just whatever I run across. I wear mostly black capris with the white stripe down the side, with a solid t-shirt. I can do any activity in this uniform, even gardening.

Laura Runs a Latte said...

Love the outfits, and I too, also get some of the Danskin stuff from Walmart. Target has some cheap stuff (not AS cheap as Wally World though), and I've also found some great prices on the clearance racks at Sports Authority and Marshalls. As far as undies, I still have a hard time finding ones I like, even after going from an XL to XS. I have only one pair that are low-cut enough for those style pants and they are microfiber by Enchanted. But I don't remember where I finally found them. Can't wait to see more pics!

Julie said...

I don't have any work out gear. I have an old pair of black stretch pants, a couple sports bras and a tank top. I think, after reading your post, it's time for some new workout gear. You say Walmart is a good place, next week I'll see what they have. Thank you!!
By the way, you are looking pretty darn awesome in your workout gear.
Take care and God Bless!!

Needak said...

Oooh, I love the trim in those bblack capris! If only I could wear them without looking like a squid shoved in tight gloves!! I bought a dress that is two sizes to small for me and it's one of the tricks I've adopted to motivate myself to lose weight. The other thing is to only do exercises that I find fun and enjoyable like rebounding and swimming - if it's fun then I'll keep doing it!

Debbie said...

Really cute work out clothes! I have some of the Walmart Danskin things too. But I also picked up a couple of things at Goodwill. I hate spending money on clothes that I won't wear for very long.
You are looking great!

Michelle said...

I am a target shopper and I LOVE their work out clothes, but I totally have to agree with you...the cuter the work out gear the harder I work out! SO werid, but I am so glad I am not the only one that feels that way! haha. You look GREAT by the way...keep up the awesome work!!