Recent Additions To My Workout Wardrobe

As part of my healthy living mission I went and got myself a gym membership. For the moment I don't really have any routines or recommendations on the workout front but I ca definitely go into that if anyone wants me to. That being said, today we're going to be talking about something I'm a little more excited about: Sportswear.

The most out-there purchase I've made recently was the Adidas Originals Farm 3 Stripe Leggings In Floral Print. At £26 they weren't the most cost-effective choice but compared to brands like Lexi Sport and Varley they're not too expensive (for the record - both Lexi and Varley offer beautiful gear that's great quality and I've bought from both before - but they are pricey). Adidas actually have a lot of gorgeous styles out at the moment. I currently have my eye on the Originals Pharrell Williams 3 Stripe Leggings in Retro Camo Print and the Originals Tank Vest With Trefoil Logo in Engraved Floral Print in particular.

These Multicolour Abstract Print Sport Leggings by RBX looked like a great deal in TK Maxx for £14.99 and I do love the print and think if you're looking for some nice printed leggings TK Maxx does have a lot of styles on offer at really reasonable prices. That being said, these are the type of leggings that have been printed onto white fabric so they do go a little see-through during stretch moves (so probably not what you want to be wearing if squats are your thing).

New Balance had some great sports bras available and I picked up a few but the Grey Racer Back Sports Bra is still available for £9.99 at TX Maxx. These are a really practical option since they're really supportive but comfortable at the same time. There were definitely options that were a little bit more aesthetically pleasing but I think the cut-out detail on the back is a nice touch and the marl effect fabric is nice.

A Treat for Tired Muscles? Mio Workout Wonder VS Neal's Yard Arnica Salve

I've been eluding to a serious workout routine on this blog for a while now, and I figured I should probably just out myself. The intense fitness class I've been doing for the last 8 weeks is Pole Fitness. My friend and I signed up when we found a Groupon offer and thought for £18, the 6 1-hour-long sessions would be at least a laugh if nothing more.

After I got home from week 1 having fully enjoyed myself I was glad I did it, but within days my muscles were aching and I found even the smallest of movements painful and so invested in some muscle relief products, the two that I've tried being the Mio Workout Wonder and Neal's Yard Arnica Salve. I like both though I think they're good for different things and cater to different needs.

Firstly the Mio offering. This was the first muscle relief gel I'd tried and it really did the job. It was instantly cooling on my muscles as I worked it in and after the slightly uncomfortable tingling it left behind my muscles were completely ache free. It comes in a pump aplicato so you don't have to stick your fingers in pots which is nice and the smell is refreshingly minty. This is definitely an intense product and it really does leave a cold, tingly sensation behind for a good 10 minutes on application but if you're finding yourself struggling to move after a day at the gym this would be a good one for you.

The Neal's Yard product is less well-suited to what I want in a product like this, but for a typical program would probably work fine. It's designed to be used both before and after a workout however for Pole Fitness you can't use any form of moisturising product on your skin for 24 hours before a class due to it making you slip to easily and thus makes if difficult to hold poses. With this in mind I was only using the Arnica Salve after classes, and for a few days after my classes, it's a much more gentle formulation and so you can use it underneath your moisturiser every day if you want. With it being Neal's Yard it is 99% organic and doesn't contain any chemicals so if that's what you look for in products this might be a good one for you.

All in all I prefer the Mio Workout Wonder, the minty smell and the cooling sensation are just preferable to me personally but I still use and like the Arnica Salve.