I must confess that I hate working out at home! I am thankful for my live-streamed barre classes since they are keeping the quarantine from totally disrupting my fitness routine, which I already discussed the importance of in this post of my top five fitness tips for staying active. However, it is much harder to work out at home than in the studio.
One of my barre teachers warned us early on that working out from home would be harder because mentally, it would be. I did not believer her, though, because I was just so happy to be able to continue my fitness routine. How can this be hard? I thought.
Well, she was right. There are just so many things that can distract you when working out at home. Opening up the sliding door, for instance, leads to:
At-Home Distractions
Hey, it’s warm outside already! I wonder what I should wear today? Then after catching a glimpse of my laundry: I still need to put that away. Should I go to the grocery store today? I’m getting hungry. Will I make it through the workout? Why didn’t I eat first? Should I just stop and make something to eat? I might pass out! And on and on. I have to repeatedly redirect my attention to the workout because it is a challenge to stay focused on it surrounded by all of the other things I need or want to do.
And that’s not all. Without my teachers there to correct my form and with no mirror to check it in, I have to guess that it’s right. Or I lose my form because, mentally, I am already preparing brunch. There are also the times when I know it’s not right, but I’m too mentally fatigued to care enough to correct it.
Finally, there is the clock that I can see and check every 10 minutes: Oh no, still 40 more minutes left. Still 30 to go. When will this class be over? It’s a nightmare!
I say all of this, not to discourage you from working out at home, but to prove the importance of having and maintaining a routine, even if that means working out at home. If it were not for my routine, I definitely would not make it. I would be polishing off a stack of pancakes while watching Wendy Williams, gaining two pounds a day or something!
A Solution
The owners of my Pure Barre studio suggested that a way for us to overcome the mental aspect of working out at home is to still dress for class. I totally agree. Once I put on those barre socks, I know that for the next 50 minutes, I am doing planks, squats, lunges, push-ups on the toes, etc., distracted or not. No relaxing.
So rather than wearing your pajamas to workout in, below are some suggestions for what to wear, both at home, and back at your fitness center whenever it reopens.
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A Solid Pair of Black Tights
A solid pair of black tights are the most versatile. I like long ones for Classic class because you can stretch them down over your heels, which comes in handy for certain Classic class exercises.
Tanks You Can Mix and Match
No bare midriffs are allowed at Pure Barre, where I take barre classes, so I usually wear tanks. Tanks you can mix and match with black leggings:
Long Sleeve Tops
When it’s cold outside, or when I want cushion for my arms during planks, I will wear a long sleeve performance tee or a hoodie that I take off after the warm up is over.
3/4 Tights
I do not recommend wearing long tights for either the Empower or Reform classes. Empower involves balancing on a platform, and Reform involves the use of sliders. Slippery tights stretched over your heels make it more difficult to balance when you need just the grip of your sticky socks, and it is nearly impossible to push the sliders with your heels. I like capri tights instead for Empower and Reform:
And For a Pop of Color
Extra Tights
Finally, so that you have more than just black tights for Classic class, I recommend:
I focused on barre classes, but these can also be worn to the gym or for running or many other types of workouts. There you have it, at least seven outfits to mix and match! Which one is your favorite? Please comment below.
Until next time,
Blessings!
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
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Love this post! It is definitely a great time to stock up on active wear with being home so much. I absolutely love the Adidas tank tops! So cute – Thanks for the info!
Thank you so much, and you’re welcome! 😊
I agree! Look better feel better! Also, wouldn’t you want to look cute and snap a it story while #saferathome 🙂
Yes, definitely, good idea. 😊
Workout clothes are the best! I love all of these too 🙂
Thank you and I agree, I love getting new ones! 😊
I live in leggings! These are very cute and I love the tanks too!
So do I! I have some for lounging and and some for working out. 😊
Currently in the process of revamping my workout clothes “closet”. Thank you for the tips.
You are welcome. I am glad you found my tips helpful! 😊
Agree 100% with having a routine. That and changing into actual workout clothes forces me in the “workout” mood! Its so hard at home!
Yes, it is, but we will make it! 😊💪
I started working out last week after realizing I have gain 23lbs. I should try one of your recommendation work out clothes.
Yes, you should! Now is a good time. Best to you. 🙂
I definitely need to upgrade my workout clothes…also having new outfits always motivates me to actually workout!! Thanks for the tips:)
Yes, and new workout clothes make a great reward for sticking with your routine, too! You’re welcome 😊
I always want to wear something comfortable when I’m working out outside but it gives me a different kind of energy when I’m wearing something fashionable even when working out at home. It makes me want to workout more and take videos and selfies at the same time.:)
Good idea! 🙂
I love doing workouts only in proper outfit. Thanks for sharing loved them all 🙂
I know, me too! You’re welcome, I’m glad you liked them. 😊
So helpful!!! Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear it. 😊
I’ve brought so much activewear and my mom is just completely puzzled and always says ‘where are you going?’ I’m like the living room, don’t cramp my workout style! I love tanks and shorts for intense workouts and leggings for stretches and yoga!
Sometimes I wish I could workout in shorts, but they aren’t allowed in barre class.
Lovely outfit ideas.
Thank you, I’m glad you like them. 😊
Sometimes it’s hard but I love working out at home. I like these workout outfits by the way. I have similar ones in rotation.
Yes, it can be, but it is worth it. I’m glad you like them! 😊
Oh these look amazing. I’ll try some of these out!
Great, thanks! 😊
I am loving these teal blue adidas pants! Working out from home has been has been a change for sure, but I am finding a new groove!
Those are my favorites, too! 😊 Good job, keep it up! 💪🏾👏🏽
These ideas are cute! I’m in workout clothes almost all day so I’ll be seeking out some of these options for sure!
Thank you so much! I wear leggings all day, so I know the feeling. 😊
This is my kind of fashion post! Since I started working at home, I have been living in leggings and tank tops. I mean, if we’re going to be home, we should be comfortable. Right? Plus, they look good enough to take the dog for a walk around town.
Thank you, and I totally agree. That is all that I have been wearing, too, and for the same reason.😊
Love the outfit ideas! Definitely need to upgrade my wardrobe!
Thank you! I’m glad you were inspired. 😊
I love simple pieces like these, working out, or walking to the fridge. Baby steps. Haha!
Thank you, and yes, every little bit counts! 😄
I love all of these! I usually stick to my black leggings and any old top I can find! But the black leggings are a must!
I agree; they go with everything and are the most slimming!