Totally what I wish I looked like when working out (I bet many of us wish to look like this!!). Somewhere in my dreams I wish I looked as fit and put together as this Victoria’s Secret Model above, but let’s get real I am a mother to two small kids and definitely not a model. Put together is so not in the cards to be quite honest even on a great day and fit like a model I am not either.
Not that I am downright unfortunate, but seriously I am just happy when my clothes match and don’t have stains on them from a child making some kind of mess that I had to clean up. Remember this post, where I walked around with a poop stain from Lily for a few hours one day. Yes, truly not my finest moment, but this is real life and not TV or movies!!
In reality however on a good day, I will be wearing a pair of dark colored yoga pants with a nice fitted top/sweatshirt. On a bad day, it is more or less my gray Pink Brand sweatpants with a sweatshirt and my Nike Running sneakers.

And Here Is What I look Like in Reality as A Stay At Home Mom on a Good Day (notice I didn’t share a bad day!!).
Most know I workout at home using the stationary bike and already shared this nugget in a previous post here. So, I don’t need to get all fancy anyways to workout, but just wear what I would normally wear around my house anyways.
If I am going out to do anything I am probably am more in my dark stretchy yoga pants, because they look a bit more presentable, but if I am staying home all bets are off and the sweatpants are probably what I wear more times than not. Sorry, but when I am at home I am want to be comfortable and am not impressing a two and three year old by any means. So therefore as long as I am dressed and not scaring my kids it is a good day for all intents and purposes!!
But seriously, when the question what do I wear when I workout came up, the answer quite simply would be whatever I am wearing that day, because I am fitting in working out into writing, blogging, taking care two kids and possibly whatever comes for the rest of my day, as well. I don’t have time to change my clothes, hell I barely have time to shower so I am not going to get dressed up to workout in my home. Just not going to happen!
So what do you wear when you work out? Would love to hear and if you actually have an expensive outfit, please share so I can live vicariously through you. But if you are like me, please still share, because at least I will know I am in good company and not alone on this one!!
And for more Workout Clothes Ideas, please feel free to join us at Slim by the Summer. Still time to join up. This post was written specifically to link up with the ladies of Slim by the Summer!!

Slim by the Summer Style–Workout Clothes!!
Now, don’t forget some of my lovely affiliates are offering my readers some great deals. Check these out below:
- First up Capa Java is still offering my readers for all first time orders on all Keurig goods, including K-Cups and Brewers, 10% off by using the code,MOMMYAHOLIC. Don’t miss out and if you love K-Cups as much as I do, this is an awesome offer!! Click here to visit CapeJava.com | Keurig K-Cups and Brewers
- And there is still time for Peeps Products and special promotion for my readers, Peeps and Company is offering 15% off if you spend more than $35 by using the code HEYMOMMY. Valid until 3/31/2013.
- Plus if you order any costume now, including Easter Bunny Costumes from Costume Discounters, you will receive 20% on all costumes over $20 – Use code SAVEBIG, as well as free two day delivery on orders $50 or more (no code necessary).
- Also, please feel free to enter Build A Bear’s Easter Raffle Giveaway by clicking on the text below: They’re giving away $10, $50 and $100 gift cards, spring friends and even a Build-A-Bear Workshop party valued at $300 in our Eggcellent Instant Win Sweepstakes! Visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop Facebook page for your chance to win! Valid 3/18 – 3/24.
Please Visit my Sponsor of The Month:
For Spring Sale Special Advertising Rates, Please Use Special25!!!
One Click Is All It Takes!!
Robin Rue says
Did you pull your outfit out of my closet? Seriously, I have everything you have on inside my closet LOL. I do zumba in workout capris and a big t-shirt, but that's the extent of my workout wear 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Robin I knew we had a lot in common, but the clothes, too. Too funny and love it…seriously happy to have this in common with you as well!! 🙂
Sara says
Ha I would love to look put together when I work out. I have a bunch of mismatched stuff which isn't bad if I'm home, but embarrassing if I go the gym.
Janine Huldie says
Oh same here Sara and this is one of the reasons you would never find me in a real gym, because I would most likely be laughed out the door!!
Kim- One Classy Moth says
Same as you Sister! …and I DO go to the gym, so that ain't pretty! And like you, jeans have become my "dress up" clothes. If only my younger, pre-kids self could see me now:/
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Kim so glad to know it isn't just me. And you are brave going into the gym dressed like this, because I would so not have the balls for this one. Thanks 🙂
Blond Duck says
Popped in from SITS! I run, so I just wear shorts and my sister's old shirts.
Janine Huldie says
Oh so with you Amy on this being my uniform to write, too. And if my younger self could see me now, she'd probably smack me upside the back of my head, lol!!
audra says
I like your choice of workout clothes! When I have worked out…I used whatever I could find. I have an old black pair of black yoga pants and any over-sized t-shirt and a sports bra that gave me a uni-boob…lol! I know it is not presentable, but working out is never pretty where I'm concerned…giggle. Good morning!
Dani Ryan says
I have my "at home" yoga pants and my "gym" yoga pants. The "at home" ones are nicer as I figure the ones I wear to workout in are just going to get soaking wet with sweat, right? And no, I'm not one of those gals who gets all decked out for the gym. I sweat like a man when I workout, so why waste the money? As for dressing up? I throw on a pair of jeans and a sweater about 20 minutes before my husband walks through the front door. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Sounds like a good mix. I can't seem to get myself to want to run. Never been a fan, but totally wish I could be!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Audra thanks for the smile on this Monday morning and seriously I am with you in wearing whatever I can find and that is comfortable. And it may not be a pretty sight, but damn it is comfortable. Did I mentions that, lol!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Oh I have done that too with the dressing up a bit more when he comes home from work, so I can totally relate!! 🙂
Motherhoodisanart.co says
Absolutely go with whatever sweatpants are CLEAN and whatever t-shirt is the least stained up!!! haha!!!
Janine Huldie says
O so true Audra, so true!! 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
Every now and then I will leave the house in something that could honestly be consider pajamas because I will assume that I am just going through carpool and will never leave the car. Yeah, that is ALWAYS the day when I need gas. Or a child has to go to the bathroom and we have to stop. I could definitely use some new workout gear for sure…maybe it would inspire me to actually work out! ;)-Ashley
Janine Huldie says
Ashley, that is always the luck right. Because I find it is just Murphy's Law or God's cruel joke that I will end up having this happen to me too every single time. Thanks seriously for letting me know it isn't just me!! 🙂
Cyndi says
Yoga pants are sooooo comfy. And they don't look half bad. Hehe. I prefer them to jeans any day. I wish it was socially acceptable to wear them to teach. I mean we sit on the floor with crossed legs anyways. WHY not? LOL And you do amazing feats as a mom, so NO WORRIES! 😀
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for saying that Cyndi and am so with you on yoga pants being oh so comfy. And when I taught I always wished I could wear jeans and loved dress down Fridays for that!! 🙂
From Tracie says
Yoga pants are a big part of my daily outfit. I'm not getting dressed up to impress my kid at home, either.
Janine Huldie says
So glad to know Traci, it isn't just me. I love my yoga pants and pretty much are living in them this winter !!
Janine Huldie says
Oh the PJ pants are so comfortable too and loving that leggings are in fashion as well. So with as you can tell with not dressing up if I am not going anywhere on a any particular given day, too Kelly 🙂
Stephanie Sprenger says
I like the picture of you WAY better than that stupid model! 😉 Thanks for some good ideas for what to wear working out- I struggle with that one too. It MUST be comfy!
Janine Huldie says
Totally must be comfy Stephanie and seriously agree with you on that. And thanks for saying that about my picture, truly too kind 🙂 🙂
Diana C says
Yeah I don't work out. If I do, I am like you…stretchy yoga pants because that's what I wear on the reg! 😀
Diana C says
And you look great!
Janine Huldie says
Love those yoga pants and so truly glad I am not alone on this. And thank you Diana!! 🙂
Michelle Nahom says
Don't we all wish we looked like that!!! I don't dress to impress either…and you look great! My favorites are my TrailHeads running tops and hats and gloves, Under Armour anything, and Nike running shoes and shorts. My running tights are so ancient I have no idea what they even are. I keep stuff forever! And I love yoga pants too!
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Michelle. Seriously too kind and it is just too hard nowadays to dress to impress. I am just tired and don't seem to have enough time in the day for that one now. And I am so happy to hear that so many love their yoga pants, too!! 🙂
Bill says
Well you look fine to me, and I admire your determination to get into shape and stay healthy. Well done my friend. Life is good and I'm very happy that you are in mine.
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Bill and you know how happy I am to have you in my life, too!! 🙂
Kat Biggie says
I don't know what the heck just happened to my comment… but, I wanted to say I look just like that model! Hahahahah. I work out in yoga pants and an oversized tshirt usually!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Alexa was that you moonlighting again as a Victoria Secret Model!! Seriously I am with you on those yoga pants, t-shirt and sweatshirt (if cold enough). Thanks!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Steph and realistically I know you are right about that Victoria's Secret model, but to look like her even for one day!! Your running attire sounds perfect and I too love my Nike sneakers!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Really, Janine, you should've asked before using my picture and calling it a V.S. model 😉
I don't look as good as you on a GOOD day, so you rock that comfy sweatshirt and do your thing!
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, I think you and Alexa are going to have to battle over this picture, lol!! Seriously, thank you I am right now rocking my comfy sweatshirt from Hollister as we speak!! 🙂
Lanaya @ Raising Rea says
Love it … you are still one hot mama … even in jeans and uggs! LOL!
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://www.raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Lanaya and you too are definitely also a hot mama!!! xoxo 🙂
Dana says
I love workout clothes from Athleta, but they are expensive so I wait until they are on sale. And I love my Nike capri yoga pants – that wide band at the tummy make them my magic pants!
Janine Huldie says
Oh those Nike pants sound awesome. I know what you mean about Athleta and haven't looked there for some time for that reason, Dana!!
Dysfunction Juncetio says
I wear the most comfortable, ordinary thing I have. The last thing I want to do is draw attention to my flab flying all over the place while running on a treadmill. The more I blend in the better! 🙂
Katie~
Janine Huldie says
Oh I am so with you on blending in Katie and totally don't want to stick out like a sore thumb!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Julie, but I have seen pictures of you, too and you are beautiful my friend!! 🙂
Christy Birmingham says
You look awesome, Janine!! Love those boots! I have my good days and bad days for appearance, I think it's natural to feel that way 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Christy and I got those boots for Christmas and just love them!! And yes I totally agree that I have my good and my bad fashion days, too!! 🙂
Amy says
Yes ma'am….I am all about comfort.
Janine Huldie says
Then Amy I am definitely in great company!! 🙂
Camille Griffiths says
I don't look half that nice, when working out or any other time! Lol, I need to stop being so lazy about my looks, but at this point I am happy to just have a shirt without spit up or pee on it…
Janine Huldie says
Camille, I know that feeling and believe me there was a time when spit up and poop just were so a part of my daily wardrobe. It does get better, but still have my moments and days, too!! And thank you 🙂
MenopausalMother says
I just now got back to the gym after many, many years of negligence. My workout clothes are in sorry shape–I need new things but I am kinda waiting until I can get rid of some of this fat before I spend money on new clothes. AND I am confident that will happen! Thanks for showing me some if the latest styles out there! Gives me ideas…
Janine Huldie says
Oh my pleasure Marcia and trust me I too need to get a few new items of clothing, but someone always needs something (like my girls getting bikes for easter), so I just wear what I have, which thankfully isn't too bad, but still could be better. Here is to us getting in shape for the nicer weather though!! 🙂
The Sadder But Wiser says
I actually started back at the gym and bought what I thought were cute workout clothes-two outfits. They weren't really expensive-I bought them at the consignment shop. Both were by Lucy-a green and brown tank with matching brown capris and a blue and black flowered tank that I had black pants to match. HOWEVER, when I went to the gym and put them on there I was horrified that they both show EVERY lump and bulge. EVERY ONE! I wanted to jump in the trash can when I realized it. They DID NOT look that way in the fitting room! However, since I have nothing else cute I have been wearing them anyway, and trying to hold everything in when I walk past the mirror. Maybe my abs will get a workout from keeping them sucked in.
Janine Huldie says
Sarah, I hate my abs, too and have tried to master sucking them in too and don't even get me started with shirts that are a bit form fitted that hug that area. Not pretty and do miss my pre-pregnancy abs when I see these new ones that have been left after giving birth twice over!!
Mod Mom Beyond Indie says
I'm wearing one of those outfits right now! haha! Gray yoga pants and a fitted top over a tank. You should see my sweatshirt collection. It's borderline obsession at this point. 😉
Janine Huldie says
Your outfit sounds perfect Linda and would totally love to see your sweatshirt collection!! 🙂 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks clark and like how you talk about blogging taking up all your free time. Oh how I can truly relate!! 🙂 🙂
Ruchira says
haha…I have the same sweatshirt that you are wearing…same design and same color 🙂
Same pinch, Janine.
Yup, wear those kinda clothes as well…lol
voted for ya!
Janine Huldie says
Love that we wear the same clothing Ruchira. Awesome and thanks as always for voting!! 🙂
Kenya Johnson says
Nothing fancy here. Most of my stuff is black on the bottom white t-shirt something on the top. All the bottoms are capris. I won't wear shorts unless I'm in super shape and its been so long I don't think I have any workout shorts. Well I do but they are for in the house only. Even if I had something cute, I think I'd be self conscious. It's not like I'm going to fix my hair to go to the gym. So I'd have ugly hair and a cute outfit – that's not right. Honestly I don't think women are allowed to dress like that model at the gym I go to. I go for free on base and there are all kinds of rules. It's free though so I can't complain and frankly I don't mind that I don't have to look at someone's midriff to get jealous about 😉
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kenya and I am so with you on not wearing workout shorts unless I am in the house. And love that your gym bans the model type outfits from above. Oh and free definitely would so work for me, too!! 🙂
Stacy Harris says
I actually have a wide variety of workout clothes. The last time I tried to get fit I thought that having real workout clothes would motivate me. It really did. But the reality is, I needed to invest in some because the others were falling off. So, having something fun to wear when I workout was a necessity because… well…. I pretty much wear them all the time anyway! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Great way of thinking Stacy and sounds like you have a great workout wardrobe. Totally sounds amazing and maybe someday!! 🙂
cindy slick says
Great post and you don't kid yourself you look great for a mother of 2. Thanks for sharing
Janine Huldie says
Wow, thanks so much Cindy for saying that and truly appreciate the kind words!! 🙂
gigigirl says
You look great! The only time I wear an "outfit" is when I do yoga and that's yoga crop pants and a top. Easy and flexible! Keep up the good work. xxoo Aunt Gloria
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Aunt Gloria and trying not so much to lose weight, but just tone up now!! See you soon xoxo!! 🙂
Melanie Chisnall says
You know, your outfit looks comfy, casual, and chic at the same time! All you need is a few bangles, a long chunky necklace, some lipstick, your hair up in a bun and you're good to go out on the town! Go you. 🙂 I think that's smart – working out in what you're already wearing. For me…it's still quite warm here and I workout early in the morning – I put on a pair of shorts or stretchy pants and a vest top. Don't bother with shoes. Isn't it great working out at home?! Although…my gym contract which I froze for 6 months while I started out writing "unfreezes" at the end of this month. I only get to cancel it in July, which means I've got to get back to the gym. Not one for paying for something and not using it. So I'll have to look a bit presentable I suppose. Sigh. Nothing like those 'dolls' who go with their long hair and what not just to be gawked at though. The gym…arrrrg.
Janine Huldie says
Know what you mean about using something if you pay for it, but must admit I am just so not a gym person. Never was and it is for the exact reason you mentioned. I can't stand those women and know I just wouldn't feel comfortable, but more out of place. Nothing like losing motivation real fast!! Like the way you thought about my outfit and maybe if I actually go out someplace I could try that!!! 🙂
Kera says
Yay! I love when you post pictures of your beautiful self 🙂 And that must be a good day, because you have your hair done! I admit I only do my hair {which consists of using the flat iron since my hair is horribly frizzy} on Sundays because of going to church. And when we have somewhere special to go. But you look comfy!
Janine Huldie says
Lol, totally a good day Kera and I too straighten my hair, because if I don't have major frizz (my hair is thick and course). Even though this is a good day, I agree I am still comfy here!! 🙂