Hello everyone! Today’s DIY blog post is an exciting one for me, as it’s fitness related. I love working out because it makes me feel so good. The extra energy I gain from consistently engaging in exercise is worth every minute that’s invested. I’ve worked out all of my adult life, as far as I can remember. I purchased my first gym membership when I was in my early twenties, then after I got married, my husband and I purchased a couple’s membership with Family Fitness Center, which is now called 24 Hour Fitness.
My exercise routine includes 4 – 5 days a week of 1-hour workouts. I use free weights, exercise machines, battle ropes, and recently have added the “Simply Fit Board.” I also engage in group exercise sometimes, including Zumba (my favorite) and Body Pump (it’s been a long time). A lot of my free-weight exercises were learned in the body pump classes I’ve taken.
I use light weights during my workouts. I learned in the early years that my upper body gets bulky rather quickly, so to avoid looking overly muscular, I keep it light. I work my upper body and lower body on separate days of the week, giving the parts that I’ve exercised a break in between.
If you’re interested in seeing what a typical workout day looks like for me, check out the video below.
Cowl Neck Dress – McCall’s 7471
Simplicity Workout Gear
Today’s DIY workout gear comes from two different Simplicity patterns. I’ve linked the patterns below for your convenience. The leggings pattern is super easy to make. If you’re a beginner, once you sew this pattern, you should be able to make these leggings over and over again without even looking at the pattern instructions.
The top is equally as easy. I chose this pattern because I was drawn to the loose fit. Most of my workout tops are form fitting and I really want to add more loose tops that are longer. I like the look of View C with the cowl drape in the back but I wasn’t too sure how that would perform during my workout, so I went with what’s familiar.
I’m loving this gorgeous fabric that I purchased from Finch Fabrics, Los Angeles. They have lots of really cute prints and colors for performance wear. When sewing workout gear, it is recommended that you always choose performance wear fabrics (my top is not performance fabric). This was my first purchase with Finch Fabrics and I will certainly be returning to their website because I was very pleased with the fabric quality and their delivery time was excellent. If you haven’t tried this online fabric resource, I recommend giving them a try.
Create the Look!
- Top Pattern = Simplicity 8338 (View B)
- Leggings Pattern = Simplicity 8212 (View B)
- Top Fabric = Poly/Spandex Knit (not a performance fabric)
- Leggings Fabric = Nylon/Spandex Knit (performance fabric)
I’m so glad that I finally made an outfit for exercising and there will certainly be more to come in the future. I MUST update my workout wardrobe.
What About You?
Do you exercise? What is your workout routine? Are you looking to start a new exercise program? I’d love to hear about what you’re doing to stay fit.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Anita
Workout Routine – How I Stay Fit – VIDEO
(Video has been updated for full view)
(All Photos & Video Courtesy of CEMO!)
Hi Anita yes I work out I am 60 years of age and for mothers day I asked my son for a membership to the gym he blessed me with a membership to one life fitness I love it ,also I walk 30 minutes and have a few exercise dvds I use.I will purchase the patterns to make work out gear.Thank you
Hi Sandra! Bless your son’s heart! So wonderful to hear that you’re taking care of your body and I will keep at it to ensure I’m promoting a healthy lifestyle at age 60 too. Have fun making your workout gear.
Hello, Anita, I recently joined Family Fitness and I am using the guidance of a trainer. I had not been in a gym in 32 years! I, like you, bulk up fast so I am watching the weights, reps, and foods. I drink a protein shake with fruit and several flavorings each workout day. My goal is to get to the gym a minimum of three days per week and eventually reach 5 days per week. I bought wicking microbial performance fabric from Mood Fabrics online for 14.00 per yard. I bought two patterns from Simplicity for tops, jacket, and pants at the last Joanns’ sale for 1.99 each.
I am 71 years old and need to remain on my feet as long as possible. I am also in a Masters Program for the “mind exercise”. I saw a picture of Ernestine Shepard and was inspired to do this for myself and family.
Carol, Carol, Carol! Yeeesss! You are a living example of what I aspire to be in my later years. I love that you are taking necessary steps to stay healthy and happy. You DO IT! Yes ma’am! You are awesome!
Hi Anita! I have both patterns, and plan to make a few workout outfits. Yours look great and comfy. Right now I’m walking 3 miles, 5 days a week. It’s been a great stress reliever and I enjoy listening to audio books while I exercise. I do have an elliptical machine, and do 45 mins on days when the weather doesn’t permit walking outside. I also have a fitness center membership. So I plan to start back weight lifting. I’ve had my eye on the fitness board, and wondered how good the workout would be using it. You certainly make it look like a fun workout. It’s been a while since I’ve had a comprehensive workout regimen. You’ve really got me motivated to get to it. God Bless!
P.S. I may have said this before, but it’s worth saying again. You have the most gorgeous complexion. You just glow with beauty inside and out!
Hey Sandra! Awesome! Oh, I love that you’re walking. Yes, it’s so nice to be outside in the fresh air. I used to run at the park, but haven’t done that in a very long time. Thanks for sharing your workout routine with me. Keep moving sister!
Love your workout outfit. You truly are a wonder woman, Anita. You are so talented. I cannot wait to see what you create next!
Thanks Dawn! LOL! Wonder Womaaaan! Remember the show? Hahaha!
This is awesome, I have had workout clothes on my sewing to do list line-up FOREVER, you have inspired me to sew some up ASAP, love you sews!
Awesome! Let’s do this! I’ll be sewing more workout clothes with you sister.
Nice work. I just left a comment on your you tube channel.
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy the gym and working out myself 🙂
Thanks JC! Glad to hear you work out too.
Mrs. Anita
I loved your post today. I already have both patterns. I have made view A of S8338. And I love your work out video. I work out as well. I wrote it down. I too feel great working out. I workout at home and I belong to Planet Fitness, which I love. I am gonna try the ropes I been eyeing for months. I never see anyone at the gym use them! Lol! Thanks Mrs. Anita for all that you give of yourself. God Bless you.
Hi Gayleen! Awesome! Those ropes are the business, no joke! Enjoy your next workout!
Thank you for sharing your workout video! As always your smile and style is tops!
Ooooh, thanks Barbara!
Hi Mrs. Anita! Very informational article. I too reap the benefits of incorporating exercise into my lifestyle. I recently began seeking new hobbies as I am getting closer to my empty nest. I am not a fashion diva but I think making my own workout gear would help do what I love and learn somthing new. Thanks for the info.
Awesome Nina! Yes, making your own workout gear is so rewarding. I really felt good wearing my own designs as I worked out yesterday, so I got a double dose of feel-good.
Cute workout gear !!! I workout a few times a week and totally agree it energizes the body, soul & mind.
Thanks Sheila! Yes, absolutely beneficial for the whole person.
I love your gear!! How do you like the fabric for your top now that you’ve worked out in it? My workout gear is in need of updating. I tried to use bamboo jersey for workout tops but I find it is a little too heavy for it.
You look so good! (your arms!! wow!) And your outfit is on point. As always!
I am with you, I love to lift weights. I also love to dance. I haven’t been consistently working out due to head injury for the past couple years, but I am so, so excited to get back into it! I’ve been going steady for a month now and so far everything is feeling great. So fingers crossed it keeps going that way! I really miss working out and how great it makes you feel.
Keep the inspiration coming!
Hey Anya! I’m glad you asked because I’m happy to say that it help up very well. It wasn’t any more wet than my other tops I wear. I sweat during my workouts so performance wear is best but I wanted this fabric so bad for the top. LOL!
OMGoodness, Anya, I love to dance too! I once had a Zumba instructor who choreographed the best moves and her music was awesome. When she moved away I was so sad, and I haven’t met another like her yet.
I’m so glad to hear you get to work out again. I know how it feels when you can’t exercise. The energy level goes way down. Blessings to you my sister.
Ok good to know! I have been eyeing those fabrics as well 🙂 It’s good to know they held up.
Oh that’s so sad!! I agree, it is so hard to find a good dance instructor. In my experience there are so few that move just the right way haha
I bought the top pattern because of your post and I just got it in the mail yesterday. So excited to make it!
Oh Ms. Anita! I really love your workout gear! The colors you selected are beautiful and really make the pattern stand out! (I want one in every color/print possible!). I hope you don’t mind if copy that top, I really do want to purchase that pattern! I knew you were going to finish it, that’s the wonderful person I believe you to be! (BTW, your gorgeous without make too!). I workout approx 3 – 4 days a week (in-home) and love it! I really understand what you mean about how energizing it is! I know you can relate to this to…when you go on vacation, you look to see if there is a fitness room in the hotel or the nearest gym! It’s a requirement…even on a cruise, we’re in the gym! At 62, I have to keep this body in motion or it will deteriorate quickly! I learned that the hard way about 20 years ago! Also, I hope you don’t mind, I want to share a link to your blog on my sewing FB Group.
Myraaaaaa!!! Girl, I had to gather my composure before I could respond to you. I’m getting straight to the point. Did you make a typo? You can’t possibly be 62 years young!!! Myra, that’s INSANE! I promise you that you look AMAZINGLY young for 62. I know you probably hear this all the time, but I’m seriously in SHOCK! God, please let me look this good and vibrant when I hit 60. Lady you are taking great care of yourself and you make me so proud to be a woman. I always tell my husband how beautiful you are and how you remind me of Diana Ross. Oh gosh, I think I love you even more now. You are such a graceful woman and I’m grateful to God for crossing our paths. You are such a graceful woman. Keep shinning sister!
Please feel free to make your tops with this pattern. That’s why I share all the information. You never have to ask permission.
Yes, yes, yes! There MUST be a gym wherever we go on vacation. That’s right honey, vacation is when we eat more, so workouts are needed even more then. LOL!
I absolutely love that you continue to work out. I will continue as well. Yes, please feel free to share anytime.
Thanks for this Anita. I had been thinking about adding those battle ropes and saw that fit board on an infomercial and wondered if it was legit. Thanks so much for the ideas to add to my weekly workouts! Love the outfits as well – look comfy!
Heeey Corynne! You’re so welcome! Giiirrrl, those battle ropes are no joke. They will kick your behind, so get ready. I love that you work out too.
Anita – thanks for sharing. Oddly enough, I woke up this morning thinking about my performance fabrics. I bought some awhile back but haven’t sewn any of it yet…I’m not sure how to tackle it! Do I use a special stretch stitch or just the regular stitching that I use on non-knit fabric? Help!!
Hi Rema! You can use an overlock stitch, a small zigzag stitch, or a stretch stitch if there is one built-in with your machine. Also, use a 70/10 ballpoint needle, or 75/11 HS Stretch needle in your machine.
Excellent! I have an overlock — I guess the fear was just that real! I bought a new brother overlock after realizing My previous machine had to go! I’m still learning how to use it which is probably why I didnt think of it. My former machine was so untrustworthy! LOL!!! Thanks and blessings to you.