I like dressing up in cool gym outfits. There, I said it. It might be superficial but I don’t care. It gives me the confidence boost I need. And I figured my workouts are more effective when I feel more confident.
The biggest challenge to my confidence was how I looked in my gym clothes after pregnancy. While by month 3 I managed to get out of the maternity leggings and squeeze into some of my pre-pregnancy gym outfits, the image was not very flattering.
I knew I needed to keep going and that consistency will be rewarded in the end. But seeing loose skin hanging or cellulite shaping through the fabric was really discouraging sometimes.
So I made some strategic choices when it came to my gym outfits to make sure I feel better about myself. After all, the baby preferred to sleep in the carrier, so gym outfits were my main choice of clothing for the first few months, and not just for my workouts.
If you are a new mama that can use a confidence boost and also live in your gym outfits like me, you will enjoy the following tips on how to rock the look.
1. High and tight waist leggings
I choose leggings with high waist and design that tightens up the mid area. The right brand is the one that offers the perfect fit but is not uncomfortable or leaving you out of breath.
Bombshell sportswear gym outfits strike the best balance for me between flattering high waist designs while staying comfy when working out.
2. Basic tank tops underneath cropped tops or on top of sports bras
I don’t think I have seen any cool gym outfits lately that don’t pair with a cropped top or a sports bra. While I can hold my breath enough for a photo dressed like this, I am not comfortable revealing my stomach until there is nothing but well defined abs in that area. But I still wanted the cute gym outfits.
I solved my problem by wearing basic black and white tank tops underneath cropped tops or on top of sports bras. Mine are from H&M but frankly it could be anything that is in neutral colour and not too lose.
3. Material that keeps everything in place and lifts up
Bombshell sportswear, Ryderwear and The Giving movement are my favorite in this department. The material hugs and shapes the body well. While it is stretchy enough to feel comfortable when exercising.
4. Good breast support when exercising
A proper sports bra is an absolute must especially when I do cardio. To start with, not having one is plain painful. And also I don’t need gravity pulling them further down.
The first few months after delivery, I was breastfeeding around the clock. This included the time just before I head to the gym so I can fit a workout and a shower before the baby needs to eat again. So I had to exercise in a nursing bra. I tried so many different brands and models and they are just sitting unused in my closet. Bravado was the only one that gave me the right support (I used to buy it from Mumzworld).
Now that I nurse less frequently I am returning to my favorite sports bra – Calvin Klein (I usually get it from Namshi).
Cute gym outfits can be a much need confidence booster for new moms. Choose the right model and material that tightens and lifts while being comfortable. And go enjoy yourself!
