Some quick updates from today: I got my gallon of water in, did NOT partake in the Cosi tomato basil soup and got my weight training in this morning. Only thing I didn't cross off this list was to go get some more Balega socks, but I can do that during lunch tomorrow.
Speaking of the Balega socks, I had a few questions recently asking about workout clothes. I have to admit that looking for workout clothes in my size has been one of the most frustrating things. Some stores go up to 2x, but those are still way too small for me. I am not at all satisfied with the plus size workout clothing choices that I have.
Bra: I have posted about this wonderful bra before. It rocks my world (and my boobs DON'T rock). It's an Enell bra, and it is ALL about function (because OBVIOUSLY it's not about looks!) This sucker will strap you in and not let go. Running? My stomach is what jiggles, not my boobs. It has some pretty unattractive seams, but purely for function, this one is a winner. It is worth every single penny. Just be sure to measure yourself before buying to make sure you get the proper size.
Socks: I have size 11.5 wide feet. Monster feet. I had trouble with my shoes rubbing funny with my socks. I couldn't get “no show” socks because I couldn't find any that would actually stay put- they'd always slide off my heel. I wanted something soft and supportive, not scratchy and paper thin. Enter the Balega sock. I am such a fan of these. My favorite are the Hidden Comfort socks. Like the bra, they're more than I would have expected to pay for a pair of socks, but they are SO worth it. There are NO SEAMS anywhere! Aaaah.
Tops: This has been my BIGGEST FRUSTRATION!!! Seriously. I want workout tops with short sleeves- not too short, but not too long. I want a workout top that comes to mid-hip- not too short and not covering my butt. I want a workout top that has some kind of high performance material that will keep me cool but keep its shape and not get stretched out. Think something like Under Armour or Nike Dri Fit Plus. Under Armour has a couple of ladies shirts that go to a 2x- way too small for me. Nike has a couple of styles that go to a 3x, but that is a 24/26 and I'm more of a 26/28, plus they're pretty short and I have a long torso. Nothing like a good flesh belt at the gym!
So, my current go-to tops are just plain $10 Mossimo v-neck tees from Target (the top row in this link). I need to place another order of these before summer goes away so I can have a “stash.” I also have several tees from Old Navy that are in the rotation. Their tees are weird sometimes though because I've noticed the fabric is different depending on the color. I ordered a hot pink one in a 3x from Old Navy last week for $4.99 and it is great. During my last video at the gym, I was wearing a gray shirt from Old Navy.
One little rant about tees: When you have a race or an event, think of people who need shirts bigger than an XL! I want my shirt, dangit! Seriously, it's so frustrating. I have stacks of XL, unworn tees sitting in my closet. Also, it would really be grand if companies who made custom printed clothing like Spreadshirt or Cafe Press to include more plus size options. I ordered the biggest shirt they had from Cafe Press and it was still too small during the 5K. Apparently they're not the only ones having the issue though since no one anywhere seems to be able to design great-fitting basic tees for plus size women. Think something like C&C California for the big girl. Wonderful styles, colors, long layering tees, etc. A big girl can dream, right?
Bottoms: This has been another source of frustration. I have so many bottoms I've tried out, it's not even funny. I've gotten bike shorts from Junonia, yoga pants from Lane Bryant, various capris from Old Navy, etc. If you're on a really tight budget, there is a line of Danskin NOW plus size activewear at WalMart. The shirts didn't fit me. I got a couple pair of workout pants, but they are super long- I step on them (and I'm 5'10!). I also have some workout capris from them that I liked for a couple of workouts, but then they kind of lost their stretchy power. My favorite thing from there is a zip hoodie that is a wonderful material. I wouldn't say to avoid these products at all, but just try them all on and if you don't love it, return it. Keeping a bunch of stuff because it's cheap and you kind of like it doesn't make it right (take it from me)!
Recently, I saw a new line of Champion C9 for plus sizes at Target. I picked up 2 pairs of running tights, and they're now my favorite workout bottoms. They are a great material, have a hidden zip pocket for a key or something, and have an inside hidden drawstring so you can make sure they stay in place! During the 5K my pants kept falling down, and this was the biggest pain. I love the inside drawstring. I was wearing a pair of these during my last workout video.
So, that's my advice on the plus size workout clothes front. I would LOVE if companies like Nike would go to higher than their 3X (which is a little small). And Under Armour could design performance gear up to a 4x as well. The pretty workout clothes like a lululemon and Athleta are so cute, I would love to be able to have some of that, but doesn't look like it's happening anytime soon.
Housekeeping note: None of these companies paid me to put their stuff on here. Believe me, I had to pay for every last bit of it! That being said, if any one of these lovely companies wants to help sponsor my way to Fitbloggin, I'd be all ears.
So, what are your favorite workout clothes? Anything I've missed?
