FASHION FIT

The beginning of a new year is such an exciting time. It’s a chance to look back on the previous twelve months and see how far you’ve come and so many of us feel motivated this time of year to make positive changes in our lives. Unfortunately, so many of us set ourselves up for failure by saying “I’ll never eat sugar again” or “I’m going to lose two stone by Valentine’s day”. I don’t know how many times I’ve sworn to never eat another chocolate bar for the rest of my life before finding myself elbow deep in a bucket of Quality Street an hour later…

This year, instead of feeling down that my jeans feel tighter after Christmas or the fact my gym kit has been in a bag in the corner of the office for ages, I’m going to do something about it!

Nope, I’m not going on a “lose 5 stone in 15 minutes” crazy diet or live at the gym for a month. My new years resolution is much simpler than that: I’m going to be kinder to myself.

So many of us have a terrible habit of putting ourselves last and – although sometimes other things will have to take priority – the plan is to take a few moments for myself each day to do something for me. It’s ambitious to expect to accomplish this every day but if I keep it in the back of my mind I hope I’ll make better choices. It could be something as simple as soaking in a scented bath, taking half an hour to read a few chapters in a book, preparing a delicious meal instead of grabbing a sandwich at 4pm when I’ve forgotten to eat lunch or taking that exercise class I enjoy instead of constantly exclaiming “I don’t have time”.

In the past, I’ve been very committed to fitness but recently my gym visits have been… well, let’s just say “sporadic” and I really miss being able to run for a bus or climb a flight of stairs without gasping for breath so it’s time to prioritise!

Now, it’s mid way through January and I’m beginning to wonder if “being kind to myself” extends to treating myself to an entire new gym kit. I’m totally over my old, faded leggings I bought in Sports Direct circa 2005 so I’m thinking the answer is a resounding “yes”. So, for anyone looking for some inspiration here are my favourite pieces to keep you feeling comfortable and looking stylish in the gym this year (click on the pics for more info)