What do you wear to the gym? What do you wear for yoga classes? Looking our best and being comfortable play a part in the workout experience. My workouts are at home for now, but I have a small exercise wardrobe that serves me well.
Long walks have always been my favorite way to exercise. The most comfortable attire I’ve found includes leggings, hiking socks, Nike running shoes, and a top appropriate for the weather. I often wear a fleece vest as one of my layers. As the weather gets colder, this half-zip is a favorite.
I started doing yoga five years ago and Pilates in the late 1990s. A slim tank top and leggings always work well for me. My goals are core strength, improved balance, and flexibility. I take my pictures using the timer on my camera and a tripod so I had ten seconds to get in frame and assume tree pose.
You look chic even in exercise clothes! I admire your dedication to remaining fit and healthy. All three of my brothers were in very poor health the last several years of their lives. I do not want that.
Great post! I’m 54 and about to start getting serious about getting in shape, never had to before. You look so athletic and in shape! My inspiration. Thank you!!
In my mid 70’s, I do Pilates Reformer 3-4 times a week at a fabulous studio and walk 3-4 times per week. Our outfits are similar with the exception of the tops, I no longer go sleeveless, elbow length in the summer and long sleeve otherwise. I like the Lands End Rash Guard tops with SPF 50 for all outdoor activities. I rotate my walking shoes, always Asics GT’s. You sold me on Shapeez years ago, I used to buy their sports bras, now I use the older Shorteez since I no longer to high impact. Do you think you will have another Beauty in Stone discount anytime soon? You rock!
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What size weights are you using?
I’m using five pound weights.
Your exercise clothes are similar to mine. At 72, I do an hour long general fitness class (aerobics, weights, floor, balance ) three days a week and vinyasa yoga two days a week. This allows me stress relief and toned muscles. It is a life saving routine for me, as had I not been in very good physical condition, I would not have survived leukemia, stem cell transplant and the associated chemos and treatments that still come with it almost four years later. I maintain this routine to help me in all kinds of ways.
Don’t you love those Nike shoes?
I do love those Nike shoes!
I am so thankful you’ve come through your illness and the ordeal of treatments to share your inspiring story with others. May you have a long and healthy life filled with joy.
I enjoyed this post. How about bra? Something that’s easy to get on & off please.
I always wear the Shapeez Ultimate, but they now have sports bras, so check those out.
You look great and I know your motivation is good health.
These are some more great suggestions. I really like the vest in the first picture it would be another good layer for cold weather.
Exercise is important so having the right clothes to do it is important. I’m glad you included weights.
I have a question. I am having trouble finding jeans where one leg doesn’t twist so that the side seam is not properly aligned. I wear high waist straight or trouser jeans. Is there a brand that you’ve had good luck with? I am 5’2” and hourglass. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Try letting your jeans air dry. Dryers damage and age our clothes faster than anything.
Susan, I like your outfit choices. Do you used any particular workout videos for at home?
I don’t use videos anymore, but when I get home I will list some that I used to enjoy.
Carolines Circuits on Instagram is excellent. Move with Nicole on YouTube is also great.
You always look great! I enjoy exercising 5 to 7 days a week with Cassical Stretch. I also walk around 3 miles a day. If it is really bad weather, I do a 2 to 3 mile walk dvd with Leslie Sansone. At 76 I’m trying to keep my strength intact. My doctor recently remarked how strong I was in my core. So my workout is effective for me. I’m currantly a few pounds over weight and working to correct that. Your bowls help to get me back on track!
Tops are still my main concern. As an inverted triangle with ample chest it is hard to achieve balance. The tops seem too full to wear with slimmer pants. Any help would be appreciated
Wear joggers instead of leggings and a sleek top.
You look great in your exercise attire. Love it! I’m almost 65. I walk regardless of weather 4-6 miles a day and do 25 mins of stretching ( Essentrics) daily. That program uses body weight for muscle mass and I’ve been very pleased with the results ( bye bye bat wings!) Aches, pains and mood all drastically improved with this regimen. Thanks for this conversation.
I’m so glad you us about your exercise routine and what you wear. I’m always in need of motivation for exercise, since it’s not one of my favorite things to do. Your wardrobe is similar to mine, simple and practical and usually black. How do you keep yourself motivated and do you do a set program?
It is a lot easier for me to keep to my routine if I practice early in the morning before I get dressed for the day.
I love that hat! Really suits you.
I love the hat. Can you tell us where you purchased it?
The packable hat is old by Betmar. Here is a similar one.
Susan, that’s wonderful that you’re doing yoga and have been for five years! So you’re walking, working with hand weights, and doing yoga. I love it. Pre covid I was doing several yoga classes a week and also ballet classes. I have an auto immune disease and had to stay at home. Then my medication stopped working, and I had to have life threatening emergency surgery. Was in and out of the hospital a lot over a period of several months. I was very weak and down to 89 lbs. I’m off the walker, but haven’ committed to working out again. Can’t do regular yoga, but need to start yin classes on youtube everyday to get my balance back. I admire you for so much and especially getting up so early to workout. I get so frustrated comparing what I used to be able to do and how far I need to to get back there. Keep up the good work. You look fabulous!
Dear Susan-
Looking for a weight training work out that doesn’t put a strain on shoulders and rotator cuff area? Any thoughts to share? Thanks for the years of fashion tips & advice.
Deborah Garrison
Move all that you can and often is my philosophy, but I did find a YouTube video here that you might enjoy.
Hi Susan, great post and easy looks for exercise/flexibility. You look super.
I’m 73, wear Lulu Lemon leggings/zip-up tops exclusively for exercise and always buy well-fitted runners. I do two hours of classical ballet weekly which requires speciality gear but for the rest, I walk twice daily and spend hours working in our big garden, and stretch gear seems to fit the bill for everything.
I also buy bras and nickers that are fit for purpose – not heavy exercise underwear but pretty and supportive pieces as I’m a DD.
I think your attitude is exemplary. I don’t think age is restrictive. If anything my age just makes me want to move more. I suspect you feel the same. There’s an old saying: ‘Use it or lose it.’
Where might I find a hat like the one in this workout picture?
The sunhat is an old packable one by Betmar. Here is a similar one.
Susan, what is a muscle tee?
They are loose boxy tops with wide arm holes. They allow for more ventilation.
Susan, I have been practicing yoga for 15 years. After taking many classes, I also now practice at home. It rejuvenates me & helps with stress. The yoga picture of you near the stain glass is lovely ..is that a window? Beautiful!
I may purchase the Gap “muscle tee” for yoga that you are featuring..how is it different from other tees?.
Thanks again for sharing
A muscle tee is boxy and has wide arm holes to allow for more air circulation. They provide just enough coverage.
I bought the Betmar after seeing it on you. I love it and it was reasonably priced!
How often do you change out your walking shoes?
I usually walk three to five miles a day so the tread wears down after about six months.
Hi
Could you share specifics on how you learned yoga Pilates strength training etc please!
I worked with a personal trainer in 2001, but other than that, I learned by going to the gym every day and watching what others did. I focus on a muscle group each day, but I do cardio and stretching everyday.
Monday: Quads and shoulders.
Tuesday: Back and biceps.
Wednesday: Chest and triceps.
Thursday: Rest.
Friday: Glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
Saturday: Back, chest and shoulders.
Sunday: Rest.
I learned how to do Yoga (and other routines) from watching YouTube videos. Here is one of my favorite creators.
Women half your age would love to have your figure! You have achieved it in all the right ways via your eating and exercise regimes.
Do you ever go into a grocery store or drug store while wearing just these clothes? I always feel I need to wear something over my exercise gear, but you make it look downright fashionable!
Thank you, Rebecca. I never wear these clothes in public other than on my walks.
These workout attire tips are very helpful. In February, I have a long 20 hour plane trip. What do you recommend for airport travel? People don’t dress up for the plane any more, but I also don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed. Comfort, of course is very important.
You could try one of those matching knit sets on Amazon. Layer a cardigan or trench over it and wear comfortable shoes. When I get back to my desk I will try to find an example for you.
Here is a matching knit set that looks comfortable, but chic. It would be easy to layer a coat over and wear a thin turtleneck top under. Here is another set.
You look amazing in your workout attire, and I’m glad to see that you dress the way most of us dress all the time! I did Pilates for 9 years till I was 77, and then decided the cost was too much, so switched to Essentrics daily, which I can do at home and it’s free (several of your other fans have mentioned this–it’s on PBS and I DVR it and play it when I get up in the morning). I also walk one to two miles a day, even here in rainy Portland, Oregon, so people don’t believe I’m 79 (lucky good genes + tinted hair). I want you to know I just purchased a pair of black cap toe slingbacks that you modeled a while back, so I ordered a pair. Hope you get a commission. They are remarkably comfortable, and I may have to get another pair. Can’t have too many shoes! Thanks for all the inspiration you provide. I love your classic style. Wish I could get my husband to get a little more GQ like Mr. Mickey.
Love your blog and just had to comment that I find this interesting; I’m a personal trainer & class instructor (I specialize in Barre, Pilates and Iron Yoga) and I find that most of my clients and class students don’t care what they are wearing to the gym, they don’t worry if they look cut, or if they even match, they just show up, no makeup and hair is just whatever, seriously they are there to sweat and workout and honestly no one else notices or cares, now maybe that is a demographic thing, not sure, I’m in Southern California & we are a bit more relaxed here.
Thanks for your input. When I worked out at my local gym, I saw women showing up for Zumba classes at 6 am with a full face of makeup. It must be a southern thing.
I always enjoy seeing what others at our age do for working out. I too, do mine at home, and I love walking too! It’s my favorite because it feels effortless, but so good for you!
Love your simple outfits. Thanks for sharing this Susan! Hope you are doing well!
So appreciate your “common sense” approach to aging ! Obviously working beautifully for you !
Thank you Susan for this post – it was the inspiration that I needed ! Exercise and eating healthy are so important and you are such a good role model. God bless you.
Good encouragement about exercise, Susan, we need it!
What about some ideas for holiday dressing for luncheons, casual gatherings, and church? These days everything is so casual yet I want to look festive.
I too exercise at home and find if I mentally set a time, an outfit and the music, I am more likely to “turn up”. I am a 75 yo retired physiotherapist so I am VERY aware of what it means if you give up on movement and start assuming you can’t do certain actions such as getting up and down from the floor. Thank you for your posts. Keep them coming young woman.
I am 80 years old and I do my workout at home as well after many years of pilates, yoga and other types. I workout 6 days per week alternating strength, balance and core. My husband and walk whenever the weather is descent and when it is not we just bought a stationary bicycle to use. Thanks for all of your advise, health and fashion. I appreciate it.