Shake Things Up

Bows & Sequins wearing workout clothes by Lake Michigan in Chicago

I’ve been all about trying new workouts this month. I’ve never had a problem prioritizingย exercise, but I felt like I wasn’t seeing the physical results I was craving, especially for the amount of time I was dedicating. First and foremost, the main reason I work out is mental.ย Nothing beats stress and anxiety like a good sweat sesh! But, of course, I want to see the physical benefits, too. It’s only been a few weeks, but I feel like I’m already noticing such a different in my strength. My clothes feel like they’re fitting a bit better, too, but I haven’t noticed a huge change when I look in the mirror. I know it will come eventually! When you’re putting in hard work, you want to see results immediately, but it’s not always that easy. I keep reminding myself that this is more of a long-term lifestyle change… This isn’t a diet and I’m not doing anything drastic,ย so it’s going to take some time! I’ll be sharing a full round up of everything I’ve done at the end of the month, so stay tuned for that.

Bows & Sequins wearing Nike sneakers and printed yoga pants at fitness studio.

Personally, I see the biggest difference in my body when I switch things up. Yoga, pilates, running, weight training, spin classes… All of the above. It seems like I spend an hour on Sunday nights planning my workout schedule for the week, but I’ve noticed that I am less bored with my exerciseย routine and I start to see results when I’m doing a lot of different things. I’ll speak to this more in my end of the month fitness recap, but I had a major fitness breakthrough this month just by being open to trying something new that I thought I was definitely going to hate. (Spoiler Alert: I absolutely loved it and feel like I’ve been missing out for years.)

It’s so necessaryย shake things up and break the mold. We change, our bodies change, our interests change… It can be so easy to stay right where we are because it’s comfortable. But embracing change and doing something out of the ordinary is absolutely essentialย for growth!

Bows & Sequins in black coat and black and white patterned workout leggings with gray beanie.

When I’m working out indoors, I almost always prefer a pant that’s cropped just above my ankle. But when I’m taking it outside (during a Chicago winter, especially), that’s not going to fly! I stopped by Old Navy two weeks ago to pick up some pieces to keep me prepared for the cold and I was blown away by their pant selection… So many fun prints, mesh cutouts, and premium fabrics that looked way more expensive than they were!

Bows & Sequins wearing black and white striped workout leggings with APL sneakers.

Also, I get a lot of questions about sizing when it comes to Old Navy. I’ve included the size I’m wearing below next to each item. Most things are True to Size… I got a Medium in almost everything. There are a few items that I got a Small or would have preferred a Small, so be sure to take note of that!

Bows & Sequins wearing a gray beanie and a black puffer coat for a winter workout.

I didn’t see these joggersย when I was shopping in store, but I still have a pair of Old Navy joggers that I got a few years ago that I wear constantly in the winter. It’s too dang cold to leave the gym in sweaty clothes this time of year and jogger pants are the way to go! Cozy and warm, but not too baggy. 👌🏼

Bows & Sequins working out along the lakefront in Chicago.

If you follow me on Snapchat, you know I’ve been wearing this puffer jacket non-stop since I got it two weeks ago. It’s super lightweight, but gives a good amount of warmth, too. Mine is roomy enough that I can easily layer a thick sweatshirt underneath!

Bows & Sequins foam rolling in a fitness studio.

Another bit from Snapchat… I’ve had a few questions about foam-rolling lately! It’s definitely something I don’t do enough, but it’s so important forย muscle recovery.

Here are a few articles that break down some moves to target different muscles!

Runners’s World ย | ย Shape.com ย | ย Women’s Health

Bows & Sequins wearing a grey Love Your Melon beanie with a black puffer coat and mirrored sunglasses.

Get the Look…

Indoor Outfit

Old Navy Long Sleeve Teeย (S .. Runs big comparatively!)
Old Navy ‘Run Rest Repeat’ Sports Braย (M)
Old Navy Printed Leggingsย (M)
Old Navy Active Socks
Old Navy Water Bottle
Nike Sneakers (similar pink style here!)
Floor Mat
Foam Roller

Outdoor Outfit

Old Navy Fitted Puffer Jacketย (M .. Would have preferredย a Small!)
Old Navy Long Sleeve Quarter-Zipย (M .. I liked the looser fit of the Medium.)
Old Navy ‘Run Rest Repeat’ Sports Braย (M)
Old Navy Black & White Leggingsย (M .. Available in 3 colors!)
Old Navy Active Socks
Old Navy Water Bottle
APL Sneakers
Love Your Melon Beanieย – benefits pediatric cancer!

Bows & Sequins in front of the Chicago skyline along Lake Michigan.

Bows & Sequins wearing printed workout leggings from Old Navy.

Bows & Sequins styling a black puffer jacket for winter workouts outside.

Bows & Sequins wearing Old Navy workout leggings and APL sneakers.

Bows & Sequins wearing a loose longsleeve tee and printed workout leggings in a fitness studio.

Bows & Sequins wearing a grey Love Your Melon beanie with a black puffer coat and mirrored sunglasses.

Bows & Sequins doing an ab workout in a fitness studio.

Bows & Sequins wearing black and white printed workout leggings and APL sneakers.

Bows & Sequins sharing some cold weather workout gear in Chicago.

Bows & Sequins stretching in a yoga studio.

Bows & Sequins wearing cold-weather workout gear by Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Bows & Sequins wearing a black puffer coat, a grey beanie, and mirrored sunglasses in front of the Chicago skyline at Oak Street Beach.

Bows & Sequins by Lake Michigan in an Old Navy black puffer jacket and patterned running pants.

Bows & Sequins stretching in a fitness studio in colorful workout clothes.

Old Navy Water Bottle Positive Thoughts Positive Vibes

Bows & Sequins wearing a black puffer jacket and striped black and white leggings in front of the Chicago skyline by Lake Michigan.

Bows & Sequins sharing her favorite ways to stay warm during winter workouts in coral top and flower-printed leggings

Bows & Sequins wearing a black puffer jacket by Lake Michigan in Chicago. Oak Street Beach has great views of the Chicago skyline!

Bows & Sequins wearing printed workout leggings in an indoor gym.

Bows & Sequins wearing a black puffer jacket and a grey beanie in front on the Chicago skyline at North Avenue Beach.

Created in partnership with Old Navy

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13 Comments

  1. 1.24.17
    Liv said:

    Loving the workout gear!

    Liv

    http://www.livforstyle.net

  2. 1.24.17
    abigail said:

    Love your workout gear! I’ve been trying new HIIT classes at my gym these past two weeks and I’ve really been enjoying them. I have an Ab Attack one tomorrow I’m so excited for it.

    Abigail Alice

  3. 1.24.17
    Amelia said:

    Ugh I was going to buy those striped leggings! Now I definitely have to get them! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • 1.26.17
      Jessica said:

      They’re on sale for $18 and available in three colors… You should do it! ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve gotten so many compliments on the white striped pair I have!

  4. 1.24.17
    Mary said:

    Those striped bottom leggings are to die for!
    xxoo
    Mary
    http://www.BelleOnTrend.com

  5. 1.25.17
    Natali said:

    You’re looking great in your workout gear, keep the healthy lifestyle going! ๐Ÿ™‚

    https://lartoffashion.com

  6. 1.25.17
    Adrienne Roach said:

    Where is the link to the black leggings with white horizontal stripes on the calves? I can only find the Old Navy graphic print leggings in your links…

    • 1.26.17
      Jessica said:

      Hi Adrienne, Sorry about that! I just updated the link: http://bit.ly/2kwrCLQ

      When I originally posted this, I thought the pants were sold out online already. Turns out, they just weren’t available yet. They’re on sale for $18 and come in three different colors! xx

  7. 1.25.17
    Kate said:

    Love the shots of the city! It looks like a cool, winter day in Chicago. So pretty!
    -Kate
    http://www.katekoutures.com/

  8. 1.30.17
    Amanda said:

    CUUUTE outfits! But also, those rose gold sneakers–swoon. Looking forward to reading the recap of all your January workouts!

  9. 2.4.17

    i love all of the bright colors in your workout gear! xo

    http://www.dearserendipity.com/