I received big news yesterday at my 6 week post partum appointment. Nope, not expecting Baby D #2, but I am officially cleared for exercise! I have a few mixed emotions about this development.
A. I’m SO excited because I’ve missed having an exercise goal to shoot for… and maybe Koda will lose some of the chub she’s put on. Sorry pup!
B. I’m a little frustrated because I thought being cleared for exercise would mean I’d be feeling 100% healed and ready to go. It’s not quite the case. I’m still feeling some soreness and discomfort in the pelvic region. Guess it means I’ll move forward at a gentle pace.
C. Now that my body is getting closer to it’s new permanent shape and size, it means I can ditch the maternity yoga pants and GO SHOPPING!!!
I’ve never owned quality workout clothes. Unless you count Soffes. (What? Cheerleading shorts from high school don’t count as quality work out gear?)
Up until I really started training for my 5k last year (for those that haven’t know me long, I’m not a natural runner and yes, I had to train for a 5k… and I loved it!), I never owned real running shorts.
Oh yes, I’m sporting thick workout/pajama pants from target… and I’m guessing marathoners don’t run in kiddie-sized pumpkin t-shirts from Target 
An old fleece and a beanie? Fine for starting off… but they get hot and sweat-soaked before long.
So, it’s time. Time for some real running (wogging) gear to motivate me to get out there and tackle another 5k!
I mentioned on TWITTER yesterday that I was hoping to splurge on my first Lululemon purchase soon because I’ve heard their stuff is incredible and well worth the hefty price tag.
After all, I need some real support.
And I’d be so aerodynamic that I’m sure I’d shave minutes off my PR by just wearing this:
And people swear by their yoga pants, so I’d have to get those too, right?
Well, I started hearing feedback from the lulu-lovers and the lulu-non-believers.
Some sample reactions:
- I’m obsessed with Lulu- it’s all I wear!
- Overpriced!!!
- You don’t own any Lulu? I live in it!!
- I don’t get the huge appeal… maybe if it was cheaper.
Hmm… this had me wondering. Is Lululemon all it’s cracked up to be?
Or have they just created such a cult like following that people buy it because it’s the thing to do?
I’m skeptical.
So, I’m asking you, friends.
Do you own any Lululemon gear?
Is Lululemon worth the price tag?
What’s the one item you’d recommend?
If you’re not a Lulu fan, what workout gear to you recommend?
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I own 2 pieces of clothing from Lululemon and I truly love them both. However, they were both really expensive and generally out of my price range but the yoga pants are the best I’ve ever owned and they will even hem them for you if need be. I’d suggest owning a few key items from Lululemon and then getting your usual reasonably priced workout gear from other places.
I have been wondering if lululemon is worth the price tag as well! I have been wanting a few of their items, but always end up at target instead. I do think that new exercise clothes are always motivational though!
I don’t own any lululemon gear and even though there’s a store in Boulder, I’ve never been! I usually go Nike for all my work out stuff but until last year, I worked out in old t-shirts and yoga pants all the time. Suited me just fine.
It’s a bit too pricey for me. Cute. But pricey. Therefore I own none of it. Nike might be my favorite. Their stuff can be pricey, but sometimes you get good deals at Dicks or Sports Authority -depending on the sale. I also like Under Armour for cold weather.
I used to think it was just an overpriced fad, but then I actually tried on a shirt. My first thought was “So this is what they are talking about”. I was scared to try on any bottoms for fear I wouldn’t want to take them off and I just couldn’t afford both at once.
I own one lulu item and it’s that jacket you picture. My thoughts:
1. It attracts dog hair like no other fabric I’ve ever owned. Seriously annoying.
2. It gets pill-y if you wash it with your regular cotton clothes (I wash mine separate with athletic gear only and avoid that problem, but don’t get to wash or wear it often because of that). Lululemon told me about this tip when I questioned them on twitter which is super cool of them.
3. It has a super comfy stretchiness and I love the length since I have a long torso and usually I have to tug on stuff.
Overall, the things I like about this jacket do NOT outweigh the annoying-ness aspects for me (or the hefty price!).
If I were you, I would invest in a tee or tank top instead, because you’ll get a taste of the quality/fit/fabrics without spending so much. Plus I think a top that sits right next to your skin takes priority over a jacket for comfort.
it’s definitely expensive, but I think it’s totally worth it. I find myself doing extra loads of laundry so that i don’t have to wear my non-lulu clothes to yoga! their stuff is just really well-made, and extremely practical. they think of everything. and they’re a really fantastic company!! I have a pullover that I especially love, and I love my Wunder Under leggings! hope that helps! xo
absolutely worth it. don’t listen to nay-sayers!!! it holds up beautifully in the wash and lasts a long time. I am 38 wks pregnant and still wear my lulu wonder under crops to prenatal yoga and for just getting out of the house with a tunic top. I accidentally bought one size up last year and I have been wearing it through my entire pregnancy and it is doing really well!!! I would be careful with bras – they are not always comfortable – I never could find the right fit for me, even when I was not pregnant (original size – smallish C) – bras are very specific fit and I would try every one on, do not just order from the website.
Another recommendation for running: Icebreaker merino wool running / exercise clothes. Super pricy but each piece goes a LONG way – it really really really does not smell and washes well. I am a believer. Unfortunately, I got my pieces just before I got pregnant and I did not run that much during my pregnancy, so I only used it for a couple of months, but it was fantastic. That my be your “upgrade” purchase after you become comfortable with lulu.
Also: lulu tends to run long – so I suggest starting with the crops – easier to size (I am just under 5-3 and find all longer pants too long – OK for yoga but not OK for running….). Try ALL tops on – sometimes the bra portions may be a little constricting, esp with the “bigger” busts, so going up a size may be a good idea. I never owned a jacket from lulu – they all seemed a little heavy for running, at least in the winter here in CA – I end up taking them off anyway – and since these are the most expensive items – hold off on these – you probably can get away with a long sleeve running jacket from a more main stream brand and save $.
Best of luck with your exercise – very good blog – I get a lot of info!!!!
I say just go in to one of their stores, try on everything in the store, and then come out with a few things that you truly love. I found that although I came out with 2 tanks, 2 pairs of crops (of the same kind), and 1 long-sleeved shirt, that there were still lots of things I tried on and really didn’t like. Odd fit, uncomfortable material, weird sizing, etc. But the stuff I bought I am in love with and would wear every day if I could! I figure if I treat myself once every year or two it’s not too bad in the long run, especially since I work out at least 5 times a week!
I only own 2 items from Lululemon–both bras. They’re the “ta-ta tamers”
and they’re fantastic, best sports bras for running that I’ve encountered.
I own several pieces of Lululemon gear, most notably the Wunder Under capris and the Groove pants. I thought they were super cute when I bought them, but they pill like crazy. They look terrible and worn out. I bought the right size, but I think the Wonder Unders are too big, because when I do yoga in them they feel like they’re going to fall off, or my butt is going to show. (Not to mention running in them.) I would not buy anything from Lululemon again, especially considering the large price tag. Instead I would suggest the Fit Couture line on Amazon. I have several pairs of yoga pants from Fit Couture that have been around for at least 7 years. I wear them regularly. At least once a week. They still look brand new, fit great and the price tag doesn’t hurt as much as Lululemon. I also have some Nike and Adidas gear that I don’t love as much as the Fit Couture. For reference, my workouts are yoga, running, elliptical, and/or weights at least 5 days a week. Don’t believe the hype about Lululemon!
Lulu really is good. But Nordstrom sells Zella which is very similar and a little less, especially if its on sale. I love Zellas crops and leggings!
I love Lulu but also think it’s a bit pricey…I wait for pieces to go on sale (you can always check out the “we made too much” section on their website). My go-to store for workout gear is Gap! They really have some great quality pieces and Gap is always seeming to have some type of sale. I’m a distance runner, lift weights 3x per week as well as take yoga and spin and my Gap stuff has held up quite nicely
I like Lulu and their clothes are pretty, however way too Pricey to have a workout wardrobe based on them! I have a tank (w/o a built in bra) and a pair of the run:speed shorts. The shorts ride up a lot and I don’t think they are very flattering unless you look like the models on their website (and who does?).
My favorite brand of running gear is Nike. The Tempo shorts are the best running shorts I’ve ever owned – perfect length for my height (5’4″) as in – not too short and the legs are wide enough that they don’t ride up. I think I have 5 pairs of these shorts, and continue to buy more! I have wide-ish hips and big runner’s quads (and I’m still wearing them at 18 weeks pregnant). I also have a number of their bra tanks, and a pair of tights. The Nike DriFit stuff is really good.
I also have a few things from Target, the C9 gear. I really like their bras and tanks. They are a little cheaper than Nike but still last as long and hold up well.
I LIVED in Nike Tempos in college…and still do
Sometimes you can find them brand new with tags on eBay from college bookstores with overstock.
it’s over priced and you can get equally or nearly equally as great of workout clothes at many other places.
No re lululemon, but one of my girlfriends had a problem with mastitis while breastfeeding and training for a 5K. I just wanted to make you aware and to be careful (I feel the need to pass on the into.
I have no lulu, but it looks super cute and comfy
i don’t own any lululemon because of its price tag. i too own no quality workout clothes because im cheap! but i admit i have shopped around on there and it looks pretty nice!
My husband gave me a gift certificate to LuLu one Christmas. I bought a pair of yoga pants and a sports bra. They were fine, but just as fine as the other pieces that I got elsewhere which were more than half the price. And the fabric of the bra pilled pretty quickly. Let us know if you buy anything from there and what you think.
I like their tank tops, but their shorts ride up and none of their shirts with arms fit me because my arms/shoulders are too big. I guess that makes sense since their stuff is geared towards runners and yoga people, but I hate not being able to find clothes to fit my muscle in ATHLETIC stores
.
For shorts I highly recommend Sugoi. I think they’re technically cycling shorts, but the ones I have have grippy rubber on the inside bottoms of the legs so they don’t ride up. I’ve also been wearing both pairs for over 5 years at least 1x/week and they’re holding up crazy well!
for running i definitely recommend the Lulu Run:Inspire pant. it’s a tight fitting, compression pant that feels amazing on & wicks moisture. and for those of us with, ahem, larger chests the TaTa Tamer or The Bust Stops Here bras a fantastic! no jiggling or chaffing at all. you pretty much can’t go wrong w/ anything Lulu & in my experience, you get what you pay for.
Yay for being cleared! I need some real running gear too, good luck with your purchases.
I agree that most lulu stuff is pretty expensive, but i’ve found that most is also worth it. I swear by my running capris and love the extra pockets, zippers/compartments and thumb holes that a lot of their clothing has. It’s the little things =)
I haven’t tried their sports bras, but want to, as i’ve heard good things.
A little tip is to go when they have a sale rack (end of seasons) or even check out ebay, as you can often find pieces on there for cheaper that are brand new. This is how I got started- bought something from a sale rack and fell is love with it!
Must know piece of info: NEVER put lulu stuff in the dryer!
Thought of another note- they are very comfy. Oh, and my husband can’t keep his hands off me when I wear my pants/capris
Of course you could always find cheaper workout clothes that will get the job done, so to some extent it could just be a cult-like following, but I am glad I am a member of said cult =)
Lululemon’s quality is OK. But ethically I will never buy them again. They sacked a part time staff member at one of their stores recently just because she had the misfortune of having a horrific bike accident and needed some time off to heal (what, thev’ye never heard of putting a temporary on?). They do not practice what they preach and have lost me as a customer because of this. The most important thing about exercise clothing is not the brand. It is the fabric and the fit. Fabric needs to be moisture wicking (ie no cotton), and the fit is as individual as we all are and you will only find out thru trial and error. For short runs/work outs, it probably doesn’t matter as much. But for long runs/exercise sessions it is crucial to avoid chaffing.
i dont own any myself, so i guess i cant give a proper response. But i dont get they hype. Yea they have cute stuff, but so does target. And its 1/4 the price.
I LOVE my lulu. I would recommend the wunder unders – crops or pants. They are seriously so comfortable (Im still wearing mine during pregnancy!) and just the feel of them is so much nicer than any other workout pants I’ve owned. The sports bras are unlike no other either and SO cute.
i love lulu but it is expensive. that said, i think it’s worth it. the quality is unmatched, it washes well and doesn’t get that gross workout clothes smell. also, i don’t mind wearing it outside of the gym because it actually looks cute!
i used to buy a lot of target workout clothes and now i can’t believe i ever wore it!
I broke down & bought a TaTa Tamer bra at lulu this past spring because my other sport bras weren’t holdin the Ta’s in place during my boot camp workouts. It was downright painful but that is seriously the best $ I’ve spent on workout gear! Old navy had compression pants /jackets on sale thru today which also helps. I bought the bra in a clearance color so it was $44 instead of whatever full price is
I, like you, have always wondered about Lululemon clothes as well. While they are super cute, I can’t afford them. It’s to Target for me!
Woo that’s great news
I’m sure you’re keen to get started again and I can understand why you fancy some new workout gear!
I’m afraid I can’t comment on lululemon clothes because I own none but I’ve always been envious of everyone’s things and I say just treat yourself!
I don’t own anything from Lululemon, but I was at their store the other day and very tempted to buy something. It seems to be good quality, but I am such a cheap-o that I never “splurge” on really expensive workout gear. I would say go for it! You deserve to have something nice to wear
I didn’t get the hype about lululemon until i got my first pair of yoga pants from them. I sweat a lot when I workout, so compared to my other workout clothes the lulu’s were much better.
Since them I’ve gotten tops and more pants from them, but I always buy them when they’re on sale. Actually, was just at the mall today and got a few tops because they were having a special ($19 for a lulu top is a steal!)
I have a couple things, one of the jackets with the thumb-holes and a pair of their cropped pants. I LOVE the cropped pants. They were expensive, but they are great for yoga or running, and totally flattering and awesome. They have worn well too, and have a little pocket in the back, which is handy for keys, running fuel, etc… Totally recommend them!
i don’t own any mainly b/c there aren’t any stores around. I always run in my clothes from runningskirts.com. I LOVE running in skirts, so so comfy and free feeling unlike shorts.
I do also have some target pieces, so you are not alone
Not worth it. No better than most decent $35 and up pants. Jusrt doesn’t have logo. If you want to be a Lululemming and self-psych yourself that their marketing is worth it go ahead. With 6 friends we did blind test between Lands end, Nike, New Balance and Lulu and and Lands end and Nike tied with 3 votes each, Lulu and New Balance were about same with 2 votes each for second. Butt :no big difference in any of Nike or New Balance. The front,Y section: about the same also ( less riding up on all vs. Lands end. Just not worth the $$$ and hype. Unless you can’t resist in being trendy or like all the rest of the ‘A’ crowd to fit in. The majority , I own I get on sale from place slike TJ Maxx or Dicks, etc. $55-75 brands for only $29-$40. Lands ends and others I have too at less than $15. I can buy a tank, shorts and a good pair of sneakers for about the same as a pair of Lulu pants. Also these are no longer the Canada little factory made, they are made also in sweat shops. I do yoga and excercise for health, the rest a good fit and body , comes with it- I could care less what I look like while excercising in anything as long as it ‘s comfortable. And my husband says my but looks even better under all of these, so why waste and pretend or worry what others think.
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