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My daughter is almost a year old. We go out at least twice every day, mostly so she can sleep in the stroller. At the same time, the dog is walked, packages are picked up, something is bought, and I still try not to completely sink into “I only live in a functional jacket now”. On freezing cold days like right now, my cardio routine often ends up indoors on the treadmill. I therefore need outfits in which I can feel comfortable all day, keep up with the movement and still look good at the same time.
Wearing sportswear all day: Why that makes sense for me
If I have to change clothes first, exercise happens less often. But when I’m already wearing something that looks good and feels good, movement suddenly becomes realistic. And that’s half the battle in everyday mom life.
For me, athleisure means: I wear things that look clean and are practical. This means I can spontaneously go to the supermarket or café without feeling like I’m dressed inappropriately.
My everyday life on the move: stroller, dog and these small windows of time
There are days when my pedometer feels like a bad joke because I run all the time but never count it as exercise. And that’s exactly the point: for me, exercise doesn’t happen in a perfect hour in the gym. It happens in sections.
The first lap in the morning because baby sleeps better outside. Then we go out again at lunchtime because the dog also needs a walk. In between stairs, shopping, playground, household. And when I notice that I really want to increase my circulation a little, then the treadmill is my shortcut.
Especially now in winter, the biggest difference for me is not motivation, but rather how realistically I can integrate exercise into my everyday life. If it takes ten steps before I can get started, I’ll leave it alone. If I’m already dressed, I’m more likely to do it.
When it’s icy: at home on the treadmill
Sometimes it’s beautiful outside in winter. And sometimes it’s just cold, wet and annoying. I still go out briefly, but on days like this I prefer to do a lap on the treadmill.
My standard round is rather unspectacular:
- 20 to 40 minutes of brisk walking
- sometimes short intervals if I feel like it
I often wear this for the treadmill Elodie Bomber Jacket Set by OCEANSAPART:
- Elodie Asymmetrical Top
- Elodie Leggings
- Elodie Long Bomber
This is exactly the type of outfit that I put on in the morning and then don’t have to take off. It’s comfortable enough for home, but still looks neat when I need to go out again.
And because I often don’t want to wear shoes at home, they come to me Brandy Strappy Pilates Socks into the game. I use them for mobility, stretching and short strength exercises, sometimes on the treadmill when I’m just walking. I slip less, stand more stable, and that’s it.
The stroller look that doesn’t look like sport, but doesn’t look like everyday pants either
If I’m going out twice a day, I need something that’s warm enough but not so thick that I’m sweating after ten minutes. It also has to fit without me constantly tugging at it because I usually don’t have a hand free.
My current combination from OCEANSAPART for this is:
This is my favorite look for the forest and stroller rides with the dog because it’s warm, stays comfortable and still looks like an outfit.
My must-haves for sportswear
I now have a very clear list that I use to decide whether something stays or goes.
1. It has to feel like an outfit
When I go to the grocery store wearing it, I don’t want to look like I just accidentally got lost on the way to a workout. Black, clear cuts and few details help extremely.
2. Nothing should slip or press
If I constantly have to adjust the waistband while pushing the stroller, it’s over. This is not the moment when I have patience for clothes.
3. I want to cover several situations
Walk, quick shopping, at home, treadmill. My sports look should be suitable for all situations.
4. Warm but not stuffy
This is particularly difficult in winter: cold outside, warm inside. I need layers that I can control without everything being too thick.
Athleisure as a mom: Why a well-fitting outfit makes all the difference to me
In my everyday life as a mom, it’s rarely about whether I have time for exercise. It’s more about whether the movement fits into the day so well that it happens at all. This is exactly why athleisure works so well for me. An outfit that looks good and is practical at the same time makes it easier to get started because I don’t have to move or plan for a long time.
When I’m already in sportswear, small units suddenly don’t seem like a big project. Then I do a quick mobility exercise, a few exercises in between, or go on the treadmill without doing a complete changing and motivational routine first. And the same applies outside: I can go out with my baby and dog without feeling either too sporty or too chic. I’m simply dressed, just more comfortable.
This is crucial for me, especially in winter. It’s cold outside, warm inside, and you’re constantly switching between the two. I need layers that can handle this without me either freezing or sweating after ten minutes.
Health also plays a role for me right now. A blood test revealed elevated cholesterol levels, including lipoprotein(a). That was a reminder for me to build up more endurance again and pay more attention to fiber in my diet. And yes, I would like to slowly get back to my old weight. No pressure, no deadline. I prefer to work with habits that I can actually stick to instead of building a program that lasts two weeks and then becomes annoying.
Conclusion: For me, athleisure is not a trend, but a solution
I need outfits that don’t slow me down. If I feel comfortable in my clothes and at the same time they are practical, then I move more without having to constantly think about it.
And to be honest: If you’re going outside twice every day anyway, it’s just nice not to look like the person who only has a functional jacket. How do you see that? Do you pay attention to what you wear even in the hectic everyday life of a mom?