Hang on….before you roll your eyes and pass the page, hear me out.
Every year, I mark in my agenda a list of things I would like to do and sadly, at the end of every year, I usually see that more than half are not accomplished. At the top of my list of things that never seems to get accomplished is “Exercise more, lose weight and get rid of the clothes you do not wear”. Why is that, I wonder?
If someone phoned me right now and said let's go to the gym, I would find that I HATE MY CURRENT WORKOUT CLOTHES. This is not because they are ugly clothes, but because they are all the wrong size. I'm ashamed to admit that I purchased the wrong size on purpose — in a smaller size, of course– because I was sure that any day now I was going to wake up and suddenly be the size my gym clothes actually are. Sure thing right…
Well, I have had these same thoughts for the last 17 years, and this year I am determined to change that. My main motivation is –yes, you guessed it– health. I sit at my desk for far too long in front of the computer and am perpetually tired. I constantly wish for more energy so I could accomplish all that I set out to do.
However, wishing alone is not going to get me there, nor is blaming my wardrobe for my lack of enthusiasm and motivation to hit the gym. My solution? I am going to design a workout wardrobe that will make me feel comfortable at the gym without making me depressed about the roll around my waist.
By the way, when I mention “the gym” it is a hypothetical place in my mind. I actually dislike the real gym because I usually find it full of “energizer bunnies” instead of people like me who take a water break every two minutes. I dislike the gym when is full of people but also when is empty because I get bored from being alone. Exercising for me needs to be a team activity. I work better with a bit of competition and laughter.
I have put a short list of the things I will be working on and sharing with you over the coming year. You'll see that there is a variety of different garments in this new workout wardrobe mainly because I get bored with the same routine and need to change the venue for exercising. The design of these items will be targeted at loose-fitting tops and pants at the beginning progressing as the days get warmer into more fitted workout outfits. Here's what we'll be working on:
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Loose-fitting workout wardrobe
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Yoga leggings and pants
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Sports bra and crop tops
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Comfortable underwear
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Tennis dress
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Riding pants and top
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Shorts
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A line t-shirts
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Swimsuit
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Golf outfit
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Skating outfit
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Ballroom dancing gown/dress
I got you with the last one, didn't I? Yes, we will be making a dress to hit the dance floor. I can't wait.
I do hope that you will join me on this journey of creating a new workout wardrobe. Have you got any New Year's resolutions to get you motivated to exercise more? Help us all by sharing your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email at mayra(at)so-sew-easy.com. Happy New Year and happy sewing!
I’m so glad to see this range, Mayra – I can never find gym tops that work as I want. And, yes, I have several that are too small!
I would love to see a new update of the workout wardrobe. I have not seen anything about it since you posted the swimsuit sewing tips. Thanks
Hi Deb, thanks for the reminder 🙂
I love your patterns and instructions. I wish I had more time to sew. Thank you for sharing your beautiful designs.
You are welcome Paulette, (Love your name, btw) I might use it on a dress or bag. I guess you are a busy girl, and at the end of the day, you are tired. Hope you make the effort to sew and make a happy corner for yourself. I took over my dining room and have stopped watching the news. Nothing good or inspirational there anyways.
Mayra, I am a new follower and just wanted to thank you for this great pattern! I can’t wait to see the rest of the pieces as they come. Too bad I can’t wait to work out until I finish all the clothes! Thanks again!
Welcome Carol, let me know how else I can make your stay more pleasant!
I’m a Pilates Instructor so I’m super excited to make my own kit. What a fantastic idea thanks Mayra
Golf outfit, please! Just started my summer league and want to look terrific–even if my golf score isn’t!
Now we are talking! 🙂 skirt, dress or shorts what is your preference?
Would love the golf skirt or dress! WOO-HOO! Can’t wait to get started! Thank you!
Hi, Deb, you are welcome, planning a dress. Still hunting for the right fabric.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with….
Hi Deb, there are a few patterns out on this topic. Here is the summary so far.https://so-sew-easy.com/workout-wardrobe-progress-report/
Hi Mayra, will you have tutorials for the yoga leggings & the crop top yet
HI Ivette, working on them not ready yet. Soon, Stay tuned!
Can you tell me what patterns you have made so far? I would like to save the patterns for when I have time to make them. Thank you!
Yes Mary, I am on it. Soon you will have it.
I love your idea. Please make things loose fitting. I have COPD and really need to get back to my exercising. My husband keeps encouraging me to get back to doing them but, like you, I keep too busy on this darn computer to do it until it’s too late in the day.
I think you and I need to get the exercising in the morning before we run out of energy and will power. What do you think?
Sports bra please!!!
Here you go: https://so-sew-easy.com/sports-bra-pattern-gym-wardrobe/
Have you made the shorts/leggings patterns?
Not yet Angie, soon!
You’re a super hero, and all of us out here love your designs!!! I’d love to see how you’d tackle a sarong type one-piece bathing suit similar to this: The style is flattering because of the draped stretch diagonally across the front, and it works great on those of us who like the look of a skirted suit but don’t like how skirts float up under your arm pits when you’re in the water. If anyone can come up with a great design–it would be you. XO
Hi Debby, I have to say I had a huge laugh when I read your comment about the skirt coming up to our armpits. Due to copyright issues I could not let the link you send to show here, but yes the pattern is not difficult to make, it is the construction that will be a bit of a challenge, because you will need an intimate understanding of your serger. I will have to think about how to work around this issue. Thanks for the challenge 🙂
what a great idea. I might have missed some, so
where and how can I find the other 5 patterns belonging to this series?
thanks
HI I will make a post with all the links so you can pin it.