Pants on the Ground

I'm in love!!!

No, it is not a man. Although there is one man that given the chance I would (another story for another day).

I'm in love with yoga pants. Yes, yoga pants.  

I never in my life thought I would ever say those words. They were always for “skinny” girls. My legs and bottom would “never” look good enough in a pair of yoga pants. Then I started working. I literally worked my hind-end off and feel comfortable sporting a nice pair of workout pants.

There really is nothing like a good pair of yoga pants to lounge in, to exercise in, or just to be in. Thank you Nike for sparking the flame towards women’s workout gear and the dri-fit era.

There are companies popping up all over with comfortable-fit gym-appropriate clothes. Shoot, Tide laundry detergent has even teamed with Febreeze in a line of soap to help with the sweat smell in workout clothes (I use it regularly, daily)

This may come as a huge surprise, but I am not a huge fan of Lululemon. For me the brand seems made more for the smaller breasted women. Obviously this is not a problem I have. I know I said yoga pants and not tops, but I needed to throw my two cents in about Lulu. I have not tried on a pair of pants. Mostly because I’m scared I will like them. I already have a fabulous love with another brand.

Before that I need to mention Lucy. Lucy is a great brand for a couple reasons. The clothes are super comfortable AND the tops have a little extra fabric that acts to suck in the gut! It’s a nice bonus for those just starting out and not 100% comfortable with their bodies yet. I was fortunate that TMAM was able to hand me down her old pants and tops. This speaks to the quality, because they survived a year with her and a year with me. I am sending them on to SandPile and I have no doubt they will last with her.

My biggest love of the exercise clothes/yoga pants is Athleta.

Let me repeat, I LOVE Athleta.

Their tops have a lot of support for larger women and are just plain comfortable. I have (gasp!) even used a couple tops without a bra. Maybe a little TMI, but they really do hold up. I wouldn’t try running without a sports bra, but for just chilling out, not problemo.

The colors are fun too; lots of purple and turquoise. The fabric stretches, but maintains the natural shape of the body. Some might not like this, but it’s in a flattering light. Even my ginormous calves and legs look good in these things!

It doesn’t hurt that Athleta is tied into Gap Co. and in turn Banana Republic. If you know me at all, you know I have an addiction to BR. So, when I can use my BR card, which has always been figured into my monthly budget, it is a win-win.

Some think it’s ridiculous to spend a ton of money on workout clothes. My argument is this…I LIVE in them. I am fortunate my job allows me to wear workout pants to work. And as much time as I spend in the gym or lounging around I need quality.

The clothes I buy need to hold up to sweat and movement and infinite washings. The fabric has to be sturdy to not stretch out at the first sign of water. Nothing more embarrassing than pulling your pants up while running 6.5 mph on the treadmill!

No, I think of spending money on my exercise clothes as an investment. You wouldn’t think twice of spending $100 on shoes, right? That is important equipment. The clothes are the same. Yes, it’s mostly a vanity thing, but as I said, you don’t want to be pulling up your pants while running!

NO PANTS ON THE GROUND!

Whichever brand you choose wear it proudly. You work hard. You have put time in on your body to make it better today than it was yesterday.

Find something that you feel comfortable in and make it a motivator to get your hind-end up and moving. Ok, obviously your health should be the major motivator, but a pair of pants never hurts.

Have fun my friends! Wear bright colors and express yourself! Love yourself! Treat your closet!

Inspiration song…Pants on the Ground by General Larry Platt