After being bedridden with a bout of sciatica last year during my early second trimester, I made it a priority to get stronger not just for pregnancy but also for daily life (carrying a baby + corresponding “stuff” up and down our 4th floor city walkup is no joke!). I splurged on personal training sessions (with my trainer, Peretz) to gradually build up core and hip strength, which I think made a big difference leading up to labor and recovery.
A week before my due date, I remember waving goodbye after our last scheduled training session with a chirpy “see you in 6 weeks!” to which he chuckled knowingly, “or…maybe 6 months!” Turns out, new mom life took some major adjusting to, and I didn’t get back to working out again until half a year later (and eased in slowly with light jogs around the neighborhood). I know some women make staying active a priority after giving birth, and I admire that! But I also think it’s important to acknowledge there’s so much going on postpartum physically and mentally, that it’s important to take as much time as you need to heal and adjust, without beating yourself up about not getting back to the gym sooner.
Peretz actually worked on an easy at-home workout series for me which I recorded and will share in Instagram stories in a few days! Be sure to check out my Instagram story highlight (the peach-colored circles) titled “Fitness” if interested, and I also have a sample pregnancy workout series with him saved there from last year! I’m still a novice when it comes to fitness, so included some simple but effective moves involving squats and lunges that almost anyone can do at home.
I’m partnering with lululemon today sharing some of my training activewear picks, including their buttery soft and sweat wicking In Movement Tights which come in multiple inseam lengths! I love the high rise on these and the lightweight material for warmer days or indoor workouts. I also tried on the two colorblocked options for these tights and found them to be extra flattering due to the waist placement of the color blocks!
Sizing wise, I tried these on in both 0 (online only) and 2 and kept the latter. It was a tough choice since the size 0 was very fitted on me with more compression and hold, and the inseam (sz 0 measures 24″) was perfect on me with no adjustments needed (for reference, I’m about 5 feet tall with 24.5″ waist, 32.5″ hips). The size 2 on the other hand was a little more forgiving while still pretty fitted, but 1″ longer at the inseam which I ended up getting hemmed. As expected, even though a particular style of pants are listed as “25 inch inseam,” that’s usually measured on an average size 6 to 8 garment so the actual inseam fluctuates a bit with smaller and larger pant sizes. I do love that you can bring any online order to a lululemon store to get free hemming (or buy online, pick up in store), and they can even ship the altered garment to you once it’s finished!
From their training collection, my favorites were this Energy bra long line and Sculpt tank II after trying on multiple options. I like the flattering wide banded bottom and crossover strap back, and how the additional coverage at the waist lends a crop top feel. The sculpt tank is very breathable and lightweight, and the curved hem works for shorter frames worn either regularly or knotted for a different look. I like that the lower cut arm holes allow your sports bra to show through for a layered look!
Thank you lululemon for partnering on this post.
You’re so fit, Jean <3 🙂 Love this sportswear set on you!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com
Love ♥️this simple workout wear look!
Cute! I love Lululemon’s leggings, they’re so comfy… if only they were cheaper! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Nice outfit! I’m so impressed that you are managing to fit in fitness in your busy postpartum life. I’ve tried on practically all the leggings at lululemon and have always found the ankles to be too loose, unfortunately. I can see that it’s the case for you too, despite having had your pair hemmed. I guess we have ankles that are maybe smaller/skinnier than standard, but I imagine many people have the same issue, especially petite women (?). Would you consider mentioning this feedback to them? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to the Instagram stories! Lots of love 🙂
I love the fit of Lululemon, the outfit looks great on you Jean! Looking for a new baseball cap and will have to check this out. Best of luck on your workout journey 🙂
Love the activewear Jean! I’m actually trying to get myself back into the gym recently, it has been so hard to be motivated here in North England with the rain and storms! Thanks for the exercise inspo!
I hope you have a fantastic Saturday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Please bring back yoga pants groove iii. In 36″ leg. My niece wears them all the time and is reduced to looking for them on. EBay
Hi there,
Of my goodness, I am so looking forward to any fitness tips and exercises that you can recommend. I am presently suffering through a brutal attack of sciatica myself but I am trying to not let it slow me down. I am presently in physiotherapy, using lots of heat and doing lots of stretching exercises. But this has been a really nasty go round. I would be so grateful for any advice that you can share to relieve the symptoms. Many, many thanks! Love your outfit too!
I love the look of Lululemon sports wear and the pieces you picked are super pretty! I might need to go and splurge on one of those color-block leggings, they look very flattering!
Xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
Beautiful and simple active wear look … have yourself a fantastique weekend. Gorgeous.
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