Tag: Sportswear

Lifestyle Changes & A Wardrobe Update

This post is sponsored by hush

Over the past few months there have been more than a few significant changes in my life. I guess you could say I’ve really grabbed the bull by its horns this year and took a leap in more ways than one. I’ve mentioned several of those changes here on my blog, a few of which I rounded up in this post here. I definitely feel like I’ve made it my mission this year to challenge myself to do a lot of the things I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.

Most recently Damien and I have gone on a bit (actually a lot) of a fitness journey. We’re currently working with a PT and it’s changed our whole perspective when it comes to health and fitness. Whilst this has been a whole new challenge for us, it’s one that I’m loving and I think it’s definitely changed our fitness habits for the better.

Spending a lot more time working out has made me really appreciate comfortable dressing. In reality, it’s nothing new, I always like there to be an element of practicality and comfort in most of my outfits (because feeling good is intertwined with looking good IMO). I guess now however I’m really embracing coooommfortable clothes, and by that I mean I’ve actually been investing in sportswear and things to wear to and from the gym as well. In the past I’d continually wear the same gym gear on repeat (between washing of course!) and for me sweatpants were strictly confined to the comfort of home.

More recently however I’ve really felt the need for comfortable laid back outfits such as this one, especially on days when I’m heading to the gym and want to comfortably layer up. So of course I was super keen when hush wanted to work with me to style up some of their ‘grown up sportswear’. They have some absolutely gorgeous pieces in for autumn/winter and I got all the comfy cosy feels just eyeing up their lookbook.

What I love about pieces like these is that they’re so easily interchangeable with your everyday wardrobe. For example, if you don’t want your look to be too relaxed, then swap out the sweatpants for your favourite pair of denim and you instantly have a slightly smarter, yet still very comfy outfit. Or equally for days when you want all the comfy layers, you can throw your cosiest hoody into the mix and you’ve got your own little portable cocoon of snugness.

Speaking of snugness, this jumper is so cosy and snuggly that I’ve not stopped wearing it (I’m actually even wearing it now FYI). I can tell we’ve moved into autumn because I’m now already living in knitwear and it’s great to have such a versatile piece which I can wear with a multitude of outfits.

I’m also really loving this bomber jacket. As I mentioned, I’ve been spending a lot more time at the gym, which has included many 5:20am wake ups to head to our PT sessions of a morning (I know, we must be mad). This jacket has become my go to when I’m heading out on those super early mornings, the main reason being that the faux fur lining makes me feel like I’m wrapping myself in a cosy blanket. This definitely helps when your body is telling you that you should still be wrapped up in bed, so anything to help create that illusion certainly helps. Again this is another great versatile piece that I’ll be able to wear day to day throughout autumn/winter too.

Overall I’m embracing the clothes that work with my lifestyle right now. Sometimes you need to update your wardrobe accordingly, and I am more than happy to be incorporating more cocoon worthy pieces into my wardrobe as we move into the new season.

Samio x

Shop The Look

Trainers – here | Cotton Tee – here | Stripped Joggers – here | Nana Jumper – here | Bomber Jacket – here

September 27, 2018
From San Fran To Sausalito

This post is sponsored by The Sports Edit

Obviously when in San Francisco, it’s a must to go and visit the arguably most famous bridge in the world, The Golden Gate Bridge. When exploring a new place, I like to see as much of it as possible and one of the best ways to get about in San Francisco is via bike. Of course it was a no brainer for Damien and I to take a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, and we knew it would be a great way to see more of San Fransisco and some of the surrounding areas.

As much as I enjoy wondering around a new city, I’m quite outdoorsy and so love any chance to get active and explore outside of the busy city centre. I’m so glad I came prepared with fitness gear for this trip and I’m a bit obsessed with this outfit I got from The Sports Edit.

I was long overdue a sportswear update, as I’ve been wearing the same black leggings and top combo for a while now and this time wanted to opt for something a bit more fun. I always find good sportswear is worth the investment, because if you’re like me you’ll want something that’s comfortable, form-fitting and great quality that will last through constant washing and wear.

The Sports Edit stocks some of my favourite sportswear brands and their well curated selection makes it easy to pick from. I was instantly drawn to these Nimble snake print leggings and crop top. I knew these would be great for whilst away but also for back home at the gym and I’m happy to report the sports bra is both comfortable and supportive.

The Sports Edit has a good selection of footwear and accessories too and I went for these Adidas running trainers and I knew they would be comfortable and also look great with the leggings and sports bra. I also went for the Fact + Fiction backpack because I was in need for a new gym/sports bag and this one was just what I was after. It actually really came in handy on my trip as it was great for travelling, as well as taking along with me on our bike ride.

And how was the bike ride you may be wondering…It was great and I’d definitely recommend it if you do take a trip to San Fransisco. We took the route across the Golden Gate bridge and over to Sausalito and along the way took a slight detour up a (very) steep hill, to get some great views of the bridge and San Fransisco. I loved our little visit to Sausalito and would really like to spend more time there again as it’s such a picturesque and chilled place. Our legs were well worked by the end of the day but it was worth it and good to get active and explore just outside San Francisco.

Samio x

July 12, 2018
Five Tips To Help You Stay On Track With Fitness

I used to make such a big deal out of exercising. By that I mean that when I would be in ‘fitness mode’ I’d go all out and make sure that each and every workout I pushed myself to the limit. So much so that when I slipped out of my routine, it was so very hard to get back into it again because I knew it would be so hard when I did. I’ve often been an ‘all or nothing’ type of person and the same has always gone for my fitness. Towards the end of last year I had well and truly slipped out of any sort of fitness routine and I began to feel sluggish and disappointed with my then current fitness levels.

This year I decided to change my approach to fitness and make it something that I could maintain and continue to enjoy. I think that staying on track is often the hardest part when it comes to keeping fit and here are my five tips for doing just that…

BE REALISTIC AND DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF

First of all it’s important to remind yourself why you’re choosing to keep fit. Whether it’s for health purposes, to feel better about yourself, or even to look good on that summer holiday you have lined up, make sure that you’re setting yourself realistic goals and not being too hard on yourself when it comes to achieving them. It’s good to think of your long term fitness goals but then break them down into smaller goals to help you get there. You can’t expect to run before you can walk, so as long as you keep moving, it’s fine to take baby steps.

CEATE A WORKOUT SCHEDULE

I never realised how much a workout schedule would help me to stay on track with my fitness. Previously I used to workout when I felt like it but now that I have a routine, I know that on those designated days, I get up and I workout. By marking out my workout days in my diary and planning what exercises I’ll do before hand, it make sure I get them done and it leaves me feeling good when I’ve done them and ticked them off.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE IT UP AND MAKE IT FUN

I’ve more or less scrapped the gym so far this year, in fact, I’ve actually been contemplating cancelling my membership. As it currently stands, I am still a gym member, however over the last several months, I’ve seen myself massively fall out of love with the gym. You could be feeling the same (I know many people dread the gym to start with), or maybe you’re the opposite and joining a gym would be just the thing to motivate you but whatever it is, make sure you enjoy it. I was only able to maintain my gym routine when I enjoyed it, now that I’ve grown bored of it (for the time being at least), I’ve found other ways to enjoy working out. Recently I’ve been enjoying workout out at home first thing in the morning and getting out doors and going for long walks in the countryside is something I enjoy to do on weekends.

REMEMBER THAT DOING SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN DOING NOTHING

Everyone has days that they lack motivation, I’ve certainly had my fair share of them. What I’ve found when it comes to keeping up with a fitness routine is that doing something is always better than doing nothing. On those days when I don’t feel quite as energetic but know I’ve marked it on my schedule to workout, I’ll make sure I at least do the bare minimum and do the exercises I most want to focus on. Then on my next designated workout day, I’ll make up for it by doing extra. When I don’t do anything at all (on the days I had planned to workout), I find it all too easy to quickly slip out of my routine and it really demotivates me. By getting at least some form of exercise done on the days I had planned to, it keeps me in the routine and I always feel better for it afterwards – Plus it makes me want to work harder next time.

MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Nothing Spurs me on more than seeing results. I’m currently focusing on toning up and building strength in my core and arms. One of the things I’m currently doing is the One Hundred Pushups training program. I mark it out in my diary and each day that I complete another step of the program, I tick it off and am able to monitor my progress by doing so. Although it gets harder, the more pushups I’m able to do, the further I want to go and so seeing myself progress really is great motivation.

Another great way to monitor your progress can be to simply take pictures. Often when you look at yourself everyday in the mirror, it’s hard to notice any difference but by taking pictures every so often you can eventually start to look back and actually see the progress, which can be one of the biggest motivations of all.

What I Wore:
Nike Pro Training Top – John Lewis (here)
Nike Pro Sports Bra – John Lewis (here)
Nike Training Tights – John Lewis (similar here)
Nike Geo Print Trainers – Asos (here)

Do you have any tips that help you to stay on track with fitness?

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

February 8, 2016
Active & Happy – Keeping Up Fitness

Each week is what we make it and I want to make this week another active and happy one. Last week was a great second full week of 2016. At the start of last week I was booked on my first sportswear shoot of the year and whilst being pushed to my fitness limits, we captured some truly incredible fitness shots, which I cannot wait to see when they come out! It reminded me of how much I enjoy doing those kind of jobs and it really motivated me to push my fitness levels further so that I can become stronger and better at what I do…it also had me feeling motivated when on Thursday’s lingerie job I could actually see some faint ab definition on some of the photos, something that had not been visible since way before Christmas. I’m no Jessica Ennis but hurrah to see that pushing yourself will slowly pay off.

When it comes to working out I have to remind myself that it doesn’t just have to take place in the gym, or at home. I want to get outdoors more, breathe in the fresh air and take advantage of my surroundings.

A regular excuse of mine is the weather. During the summer I often go for long walks or hikes in countryside but then when the cold weather comes in, I almost go into hibernation mode and even getting myself to and from the gym can become a chore. The new year has, like with many people, given me a new bout of enthusiasm for fitness. I haven’t gone on any crazy diet (not that I would last two minutes anyway) but enjoying balance and keeping active is something that helps me to feel happy and keeps my energy levels up.

What I wore:
Adidas StellaSport Jacket – here
Elle Sport Vest Top – here
Elle Sport Capri Pants – here
Adidas Running Shoes – here

You can check out my fitness haul/look book video here:

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

January 18, 2016
Pre Gym Attire – The Black Adidas Luna Track Suit

During the summer, I’ll happily head to the gym in just my gym gear but during the cold winter months, there’s no way I’m leaving the house without layering up.

I decided that it was time that I got a track suit, so that I have suitable layers to wear over my work out clothes when going to the gym. I went for the this black Adidas Luna track suit because you can’t go wrong with black and these track pants and hood jacket also really comfy.

I also went for a new pair of trainers because I love to run and a new pair of running trainers for the start of 2016 was a must! I can say that these Adidas Supernova Sequence running shoes are really comfortable and as you can see, they go quite perfectly with my track suit. Quite the monochromatic pre gym outfit.

Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

January 13, 2016