One of my resolutions at the start of the year was to re-join the gym after a hiatus of almost two years. Exercise and sport have been a significant part of my life since I was at junior school where I was in the skittle-ball and rounders teams. Throughout secondary school, I cycled, played netball, swam and took part in all kinds of athletics from discus to sprint relays. University saw me graduate to badminton and the aerobic phenomenon of the 90s, Step classes and a decade later, once both of my children were at school, I spent a lot of time in the saddle at spin classes as well as in the gym, on the resistance machines and walking and sprinting at intervals, on the treadmill.
The feel-good factor is what motivates me along with the desire to stay as fit and as strong as I can for the sake of my children. It’s three hours of “me-time” each week and I consider it to be an essential investment into my future. It’s wonderful for my well-being and my self-esteem and yes, of course, I want to look as good as I can. Don’t we all?
My holiday is fast approaching and unlike last year when my children and I huddled in beach towels on Woolacombe beach, this year we’ll, (almost certainly), be privy to bikini weather, so I’ve upped the ante by increasing both the repetitions and weights within my programme and have been trying to fit in an additional session each week when possible.
Ilu means beauty in Estonian and is the name of the brand that has sent me the fabulous kit below. It is a small British company aimed at the over 35 woman and counts Amanda Holden as one of its fans. The pieces are beautifully constructed and are an absolute joy to wear. To me, beauty is about health, happiness, strength, (emotional and physical) and spirit. Inner happiness reflects on the outside just as inner strength does, but equally, one’s outward appearance affects that all important inner self-confidence. The physical and emotional are inextricably linked. If you feel good you look good and vice versa.
The jacket is made from a bamboo blend (tying in nicely with my recent post about eco-fashion). It is incredibly soft and is a beautiful fabric to wear. The flattering ruching and thumb holes make it extra special.
The leggings are seamless and have a high-rise ribbed, foldable waistband, ideal for smoothing and for keeping any errant muffin tops at bay. They stay in place during my workouts, no hoiking up required mid-sprint!
The cropped top, also a bamboo blend, offers light-support and removable pads, the ribbed edge ensuring that it too stays in place. Most, most important.
My lovely daughter saw this water bottle and thought of me recently, because in wet weather I do drive to the gym (Ubers have yet to reach Skipton) but on a dry day I walk through this park to get there which is the perfect warm-up and final cool-down.
Love Liz x
Outfit details:
*Supersoft Chic Jacket, £72, Ilu
*Supersoft yoga leggings £39.99, Ilu
*Supersoft crop top, £32, Ilu
“I Uber To The Gym” water bottle, Urban Outfitters,
Nike trainers, past season
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Linking with:
I Will Wear What I Like/ Visible Monday/Shoe and Tell/ Brilliant Blog Posts/ Fun Fashion Friday/ Top of the World Style/ Turning Heads Tuesday
*Disclosure: These items were gifted. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support What Lizzy Loves.
How strange it is for me to see you without one of your wonderful dresses, or without one of those skirts that seduces the viewer! I always imagine absolutely wonderful, elegant and stylish. But this informal, casual and sports attire has its grace and style. The color is gorgeous, the jacket design, with pretty pucker, is magnificent, the top is cute, and the whole is adpater to your body extraordinarily, highlighting your impressive figure. Great photos, nice hairstyle and a cool post.
Thank you for so many lovely compliments. Yes, it's quite an usual outfit for me! It is both functional and stylish and very comfortable too. As you say, the colour is beautiful and it is a very flattering shape xxx
Wow, you look fantastic, Liz! Love the colour on you and you are already in a perfect bikini shape!
Beautiful photos in the forest – I use the gym in the cold season and when the weather is bad, otherwise I love running outside and my trails look very similar to yours.
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
Thank you Annette, you're very kind. Yes, it's a lovely walk through the trees and park to the gym but I do tend to drive there if it's wet! The colour is beautiful isn't it. Lovely quality too xxxxx