Getting fit after a long break

After my health scare last November. Thankfully all better now. I admit that I have not done any formal exercise. This is unusual for me as I regularly attend my pilates/yoga classes both in London and France. I have been going for long walks which hopefully has kept me in reasonable form.

However now is the time to make amends and return to my classes. I am aware that I have lost muscle tone and flexibility and will have to work to regain my former fitness level. I am even considering hiring a fitness trainer to formulate a program for me. This should add extra motivation. I am lucky in that I have a gym near where we live in London. So no excuses.

All my old pilates outfits are looking a bit tired and worn. I intend to treat myself to some new fitness gear. This should add to the incentive to get out and get going. Sweaty Betty has some very funky and practical activewear.

SHOP THE LOOK: Leggings Marks&Spencer // Top MarksandSpencer // Bag to keep your fitness gear in Sweaty Betty // Down Parka at Nordstrom // Asics trainers at Sweaty Betty // Water bottle to keep you well hydrated.

MORE ACTIVEWEAR OPTIONS

SHOP THE LOOK:

Yoga mat at MarksandSpencer // Yoga top at Sweaty Betty // Sports Tote by Sweaty Betty // Berber knitted cardi to keep you warm after your exertions // New Balance trainers // Yoga/Pilates pants // Yoga/Pilates non slip socks.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • I am in a similar position having had minor surgery before Xmas which required 6 weeks of recovery and I feel my body has taken a reversal. Started back to yoga this week so will slowly improve. The outfits you display certainly help with motivation!

    • Just off to my pilates class. Will be going on my bike which I have not used for about 3 months. Need to pump up the tyres.

  • I broke my wrist in October (tennis injury). I was shocked to see, after 6 weeks or so of immobilization, how much my (already inadequate) arm muscles had atrophied. I suspect it will take way more than 6 weeks to build back up to where I was before the injury.

    • Hi Jill
      Sorry to hear about your wrist. As I do pilates I am not finding it too difficult to get back on track as I seem to have retained some muscle memory for the movements.

  • I love my pilates class and am always on the look out for suitable tops with elbow length sleeves, as I don't like exposing my upper arms. I wear the same black t shirt every week, with my black straight leg pilates trousers, and would like some variety.

    • Hi Susan
      Exercises classes are one place I don't really mind exposing my arms. I sometimes wear a long sleeve top in winter but in summer I get quite warm. Sweaty Betty and Marksandspencer both have a few tops with long sleeves.

  • These are all great choices! I am not getting the excercise that I should because I am edging toward a second hip replacement!

    • Hi Cindy
      I wonder if you have ever tried pilates. Several of the ladies in my class are waiting for or have had hip replacements. You would need to find a very well qualified instructor.

  • Are you familiar with Lululemon? It's big here in Canada and hands down the best athletic wear I've ever worn. It can be pricey but I'm always sorry when I buy anything else. (i know it's coming to more places across the globe but unless I knew how good it was I'd be hesitant to buy it due to the price.)
    All the best with getting back into your routine!

    • Hi Nola
      Yes I am aware of Lululemon they have stores in various areas of London. You are right they are a bit expensive but I will check them out again and maybe wait for their sales.

  • You will laugh or be amazed at my exercise gear it's a 15 year old marks and spencer set and it's still in great order. Okay I admit to not wearing it much over the last 5 years only to the physio therapists haha. Hmm think it's time to get back into it seriously

    • Hi Lynn
      I find you don't need to do too much to keep a relatively modest degree of fitness. Gone are my days of high aerobics!

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