If we want to be healthy, we probably should have some clothes for moving our bodies. I put together some of my favorites, plus what I recently ordered for cold weather running from Nordstrom. There is more to it than you may think, though. I have ulterior motives for making sure I stay active.
I’ll get to the details of these clothes in just a moment, but if you want to skip my rambling, keep scrolling down 🙂 I wanted to shed light on a few things.
An Honest Question
A lot of people ask what I eat or how I exercise, and I understand. It’s an honest question. When we see people who seem to be fit, many times we want to know how we can get there, too.
But let me be clear- I don’t eat healthy foods or exercise to maintain a size or weight or look.
My Why
My mom died of cancer at 58. Her sister died of cancer at the same age. And my little sister found cancer in her breast just before she turned 30 years old.
That’s when I started looking into inflammation and how it fans the flames of cancer. It’s when I started looking for better food choices. And it’s why I took seriously moving my body.
I want to LIVE.
I want to FEEL good.
I want to do what I can to have energy at my age.
My mom didn’t have that. And she never got to turn that around.
This is my why.
I want to encourage anyone reading this to stop and ask WHY they want to eat better or exercise. Switching from a mindset of wanting to look better, to a mindset of feeling better, having mental clarity, energy, and longevity is so freeing.
Instead of asking: How many calories is that? How many grams of carbs are there? Try asking: Will this give me a headache? Will I feel energized after eating it? Will this fuel my body? Will I get brain fog or feel sluggish when I’m finished?
I’ve talked about paleo eating quite a bit. I’m seven years in (See this blog post about why, and how to make it a lifestyle change). I don’t deprive myself. I simply ask myself those questions, count the cost of how a food will affect me, and make my decision from there. No shame, no punishing, no lingering thoughts.
If the goal is to FEEL amazing and live long, the rest will follow naturally.
Moving My Body
I have been a runner for years. And even now, after all this time, I’ve never jumped up and said, “Wow! I really want to go running!” In fact, I have to tell myself that I’m running for my life. I ask, “Do you want to have energy today? Do you want to live longer? Do you want to feel strong as you enter your 50’s?”
The truth is, I really dislike running before I do it. It’s afterwards that I love it. But also, there’s never been a run I’ve regretted because when I’m done, I have energy for the day, clarity of mind and the knowledge that I’ve probably just extended my life. This motivates me to do it again and again. If you’re interested in tips for getting started, read this blog post on running tips for beginners.
Do what truly makes you feel happy.
I hope these thoughts I shared help in your quest for making healthier choices. And if you just want to have a nice body, I am not judging you- I hope you do whatever makes you feel happy and fulfilled!
Now… on to clothes for moving your body!
Another thing that has also motivated me, are new workout clothes or shoes. I’m kind of boring and wear mostly black because then I don’t have to think about matching. But there’s something really great about a fresh pair of leggings or a new jacket.
Tops
Here are a few running tops that I own, have recently ordered, or that are on my wish list. I wear my pieces for multiple activities. Running, walking, HIIT workouts, Pilates and leisure. It’s important to me that they are versatile.
I also love them because they can be worn now in these cold months, through spring, when the weather warms up.
Cold Weather
If you’re in freezing weather, here are some great pieces to keep you warm while outdoors. The red pieces are items that I would layer under other clothes as thermal layers.
Leggings
These Zella live in leggings are fantastic. I have so many pairs from over the years, that I have lost count. I love the little pocket hidden in the seam of the waist and how thick they are, albeit breathable for the summer months. Last anniversary sale, I was introduced to Sweaty Betty. Their pieces are pricier, but they feel so luxe. Someone told me they are what all the posh moms wear to workout and for leisure in the UK and I felt pretty fancy, then. They hold you in, have a sleek feel, and I love that they have a zippered pocket in the back and a slip pocket on the thigh.
Shoes
Everyone probably knows how much I love my Hokas. They are the best running shoe I have tried to date. But recently someone asked if I could recommend a “cute” running shoe and I told them no-good running shoes are not very cute! But my son who works at Nordstrom in ladies shoes told me that these On running sneakers are actually functional and he has me ordering a pair! Always size up one to one-and-a-half in running shoes.
Socks
Here are a few great socks, and right now as I write this, all of the Zella items are on sale. I included some of these, and these socks by Feetures. I wore this brand at my last half marathon and they kept me dry and comfortable the entire time.
Bras
And finally, here are a few sports bras that I love. The Sweaty Betty run a bit small so I suggest sizing up one.
I hope you’ve found some great pieces to wear while moving your body, and some perspective as to your “why.”
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering with me today!
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