Cabin fever has driven me nuts

I'm going a blog on gym stuff. 

Yes, you read that correctly - an area where my expertise is non existent.  This is my second day at home with a small boy who isn't really unwell anymore but was sent home from school yesterday morning having been sick (I've since deduced that it's because he said he drank half the swimming pool and it didn't agree with him.  There's a surprise).  48hrs off.  Just because he couldn't be bothered to wait for a drink.

So I'm currently watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with him.  For the second time.  Not just ever, oh no, for the second time today..... hence I am slightly losing my mind and the temptation to go wandering around the internet, credit card in hand, looking at the last sales "bargains" will only result in disaster. 

And so I'm doing something practical and useful.  I need new gym stuff.  In order to do some gym stuff.

However, it's up there with underwear, irons and hoovers in things that I loathe spending money on.  It's a necessary evil for me.  Actually it has to be a necessary evil for me in the next week or so as I have done nothing since giving up my gym membership in June.  The.  Shame. 

Have I missed it?  Not in the slightest.  The only thing I probably despise more than having to spend good clothes money on gym wear, is exercise itself. 

Alas though, needs must.  I hit 42 in the next couple of weeks and it's true what they say, the older you get, the more unkind gravity and your metabolic rate are.  In fact, unkind seems too insipid a word.  Not so much unkind, as downright cruel.  I'd go so far as to say mean and vindictive. 

I know people say that the more you exercise, the more you enjoy it.  Endorphines or something kick in... Well not here.  Nope, honestly I hate it.  I will admit that I feel a certain smugness after doing some but do I enjoy it at the time?  Absolutely not.  Do I feel better for doing it?  Not really, I feel smug and thankful that it's over.  And I avoid it at any cost.  If I don't do it first thing in the morning - oh forget it.  I have said I am Queen Procrastinator before but when it comes to Procrastination with regards to Exercise, there is no-one better. 

But unfortunately, what was once a mere muffin is slowly morphing itself into a Pirelli special.  And I am not in any way shape or form paying reference to the calendar.  No, I mean tyres.   Rolls of the buggers expanding around my midriff.  Thank you Christmas and New Year.   And age.  It appears that what God gives with one hand (my extra thick waist) he takes away with the other (my ability to read the bottom of any lipstick or nail varnish. I am going to need *those* old lady reading glasses soon to see a text)

I simply have to get back on the treadmill (not literally, I couldn't run to the end of the road without someone calling an ambulance) but back to some sort of exercise.

So very very unlike me, when I was in Matalan the other week on a wellie quest (don't ask but they do great wellies for kids), I did take note when I was confronted with a massive stand of Activewear (apparently this is the technical term....not *gym stuff*) 

And I was really impressed.  I'm even more impressed that now it's on 3 for 2.  Like I say I am no expert but having spent money on renowned sporty brands in the past, this looks and feels absolutely no different to me. 

To illustrate how much I hate spending money on this, I always buy a two in one top.  Now I appreciate that I am only able to do this as I have fried eggs for boobs but there has to be some upside to having no cleavage whatsoever.  

Activewear 2 in 1 vest from Matalan £14.00

Matching bottoms 

Capri Running tights £16 (their phraseology not mine.  Running and I are not friends)





This one I love as it's a bra attached to a looser style top.   One of the issues I find with lycra is that it has an annoying habit of showing every lump and bump.  Maybe it's supposed to be psychologically motivating.... (doesn't work by the way)

Yoga 2 in 1 Gather Cami top £14  I also like the way you could team this with a number of different bottoms - black or any shade of grey. 




My choice of bottoms for a cardio based form of exercise (snort) is a pair of 3/4 length leggings. 

These are ideal in black £14




Another set that I love would be this with the top in two colour ways. 

Yoga Cropped Leggings £12





Yoga Built up Vest £10 



Second colourway £10



And then to wear underneath it, the cami top (I would not, believe me NEVER wear this on its own in the gym cropped stylee.)  Yes, this would be enough support for me. (stop laughing at the back)  For those who need more scaffolding, then I'm sure you know where to go.

Yoga Strappy Cami Crop Top £6



Also available in black 


This one would provide more support (although I appreciate not enough for some - apologies!) 

Activewear Crop Top (for me = bra) £10




In fact, my advice would be rather than buying sets, be able to mix and match your outfits so you get a bigger range to choose from.   It makes doing exercise marginally more bearable..

These are a great option to team with plain black tops. 

Activewear Graphic Print Leggings £12



There are loads more options, including what looks like more specialist running gear, which I know can be really expensive (I know from what other people have said....) and so I would think the ranges they have are a great option.  Go forth and peruse all the activewear at Matalan.

Another place I came across, which I never knew and would never have suspected did gym stuff, is Mango.  And it's on sale at the moment. 

I would go so far as to say I really really like this.  (I know - steady on)

Incorporated bra t-shirt was £19.99 now £11.99



And in the pink 



These are surely a must... Slimming effect leggings - now that's psychologically motivating.

Slimming effect leggings were £34.99 now £16.99 in medium grey.



Or a plain black pair now £14.99



And now I'm bored.  I know there are probably loads of other places to buy Sportswear but any of the above would do for me and I honestly can't stand to waste too much brain power on it.  So long as they do the job, don't cost the earth and look good, I'll buy the first thing I find.  Which is the above.  Exceptionally rare for me, given the level of obsession I get to with most things I wear.  Something's gotta give folks. 

Whilst we're on the subject of Matalan though, a couple of absolute bargains I found which I have to share.  And no, they're not even for me.  Like I said, I have been genuinely angelic when it comes to any sales purchases pre or post Christmas. 

I got these for the 8yr old and they are fantastic.

Boys Faux Fur Line Hi Tops were £14 now £5.  Yes, a fiver!



And the other bargain wellies for the 10 yr old are these - although I can't find them online, they did have them instore (in the boys section... don't tell her)  All of £4.



Camel linen tee - Zara
Thin knit loose jumper - H&M
Nessa cardigan - Hush
Grey Baxter jeans - Topshop
Caitlyn biker boots - Seven Boot Lane
Blush and fuchsia Camel scarf - Virginia Johnson 
Diego bag - Alexander Wang. 

Tonight am off out for a school meeting and then, despite all my good intentions, I may have to have a glass of wine when I get back.  We're not out this weekend so no evenings of indulgence, all week I've been good as gold and that's with two days at home, surrounded by the tail end of the chocolate, cake and nut hurricane that is still hanging around in the larder. 

Just a tiny glass of red.... I can't face the thought of another vegetable......