Happy Monday! I've got some victory news to share. A little backstory- when I first started working out at the age of 31, I couldn't even do a single push up. I've always had a weak upper body but I kept at it and eventually I was able to do 10 push ups in a row. Now I can do diamond/triangle push ups with ease. In my mid 30s I really wanted to get my first pull up. I remember the first time I tried it, I failed miserably. I couldn't even pull myself up halfway. It was the same thing when I tried a chin up. I felt so defeated. About 3 years ago I was able to get my first chin up and I was getting really close to getting my first pull up. I was able to do a neutral grip pull up, which was pretty exciting but I just wasn't there with a pull up. I was close but no dice. Then I injured my left shoulder pretty badly. It took a good 18 months for it to recover. Even today it's still not 100% but it's good enough that I recently started doing chin ups again. Yesterday, I went and got a full body massage for one hour. Today, for some reason I felt super strong. I was able to do 135 lb hip thrusts with my BootySprout and I decided to try a pull up again just to see, and I FREAKING DID IT!!! I am so proud of myself for finally getting my first one at the age of 40. I'm happy that I never gave up on it even after my shoulder injury. Is it because of the massage? A part of me thinks so. I'm also super scared that I may not be able to do one tomorrow or even next week- that maybe today was just a fluke. But you know what? I did it today and that's what matters. So yeah, I just wanted to put it out there that even at the age of 40, you can be better, you can get stronger and I am so here for it. I want you guys to share one of your victories with me. It doesn't have to be fitness related, it can be anything. Take up space and Be proud of yourself! Okay, I'll get off my soap box now! 😃
Back to my fit review, this is part two of my Lululemon haul. Here is part one if you missed it. I've always wanted to try the Always Effortless Jacket because the price is reasonable and everyone seems to rave about it but I never liked any of the colors until Spiced Chai came around.
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 and typically a size 4 in Lululemon tops, for the Always Effortless Jacket I sized down to a 2 based on reviews. For the Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew Softstreme I sized down to a 0.
This jacket is very flattering! I'm actually really shocked how nice it looks. It's also super petite friendly because the sleeves on the size 2 are not very long at all. As you can see the sleeves reach my first knuckle which is almost the perfect length. The length of the jacket hits at my hip. The inside lining has two pockets and a cinchable drawcord at the hem to customize the fit and look.
Also wearing Cates Tee.
This jacket is made of Glyde fabric. It is water repellant and wind resistant. The hood can be stowed away. This jacket does run large. I sized down to a size 2 from my usual 4 and there's still enough room for me to layer an Aviator Nation hoodie. Sizing is definitely generous. The lining on the inside is very soft.
The zipper is very smooth.
Trying to show there's a hidden pocket underneath the storm patch.
Here are a bunch of photos I took with the drawcord cinched a little bit at the hem to show how it looks. I didn't cinch it too much, just a little bit to give it a softer line in the front and back. So far I have not had the chance to wear this jacket out, but similar to how I feel about my Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Jacket, I can't wait for it to get cooler. The Always Effortless Jacket is a winner in my book. I think Spiced Chai is such a pretty color for this jacket. I couldn't help but take a gazillion photos of it.
The collar does stand up if you want it to, but you can also fold it to lay flat.
When zipped all the way up, it does hit my chin.
Next up, this my 2nd Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew Softstreme. My third one in Gray Sage is coming this week. I better not get a fourth is all I'm saying. 😆 It's currently in the 80s here in Atlanta but the air conditioning is letting me wear these around the house at least.
This color is just so 😍
That's it for me! Hope you all have a great Monday and don't forget to leave me a comment about your proud achievement. 😃
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Good for you with your chin up and for reaching your strength goals! It goes to show you that age is just a number!
ReplyDeleteMy proud achievement was earning my black belt in Taekwon-Do at the age of 43! It was one of the proudest moments of my life :)
The Always Effortless Jacket is awesome. I snagged one in Green Fern on markdown a few weeks ago and I love it. The proportions are great for us petites!
Exactly right Lola! Age is just a number. That is super impressive on earning your black belt!!
DeleteYes, I was pretty surprised at the fit and how much I like it! AEJ for the win!
Congrats on achieving your chin up! Thank you for the AEJ review. I love it in Spiced Chai on you. I may get it if it comes out in Tidewater Teal :).
ReplyDeleteMy recent accomplishment is to lose the pandemic weight. I don't weigh myself often. All my tight fitting lulus started to feel uncomfortably small toward the end of last year. I just attributed it to body redistributing mass with age and decided to size up in my new purchases. When I finally weighed myself at the beginning of the year, I was shocked to see the scale reaching almost 120 lb . Long story short, I started to change my diet (better quality in lesser quantity) while maintaining my regular exercise routine. I current weigh 110 lb, a bit less than my pre-pandemic weight.
I have a question for you. Do you like your BootySprout? Where did you get it? I have been slowly building a home gym since the beginning of the pandemic. I don't really want to buy another piece of equipment haha.
Yikes, I hope I don't end up wanting the Tidewater Teal if it comes out in that! I don't think my wallet will be happy lol.
DeleteThat is amazing you were able to change your diet - that's the hardest part, exercising is easier.
I bought the BootySprout direct from their website. I've only been using it for about 6 weeks. I started with 90 lbs, but now I can do 135 lbs. I did opt for the extra 70 lbs resistance band though so it was a little bit more expensive. I have been working out at home for the last 9 years and have built up quite a collection. I do think it's worth it because you can only do so much for your booty with kettlebells and dumbbells. I really did need something heavy for hip thrusts without actually going for a barbell with super heavy plates... that's just not going to happen in my small condo lol!
https://www.bootysprout.com/
I did find a $20 off coupon with code Zoe20.
Congratulations on your first chin up! I’m so proud of your achievement!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your fit review on AEJ. It is petite friendly and looks so pretty in Spiced Chai! I usually wear size 2 and even without sizing down, I’m afraid the jacket will look too short on me (5’3”) ….
Thank you Andrea!! I just need to do it again next time I try. =D
DeleteHmmmm good point, if you have a long torso it may look a bit cropped. I would say next time you're at the store to give it a try. I've seen some people like the fit at their regular size too.
Congrats on your pull up! I'm currently searching for a goal this year. I've done chin ups, pullups, pistol squats, and skater squats over the past couple of years. Maybe a muscle up?
ReplyDeleteThe Reddit sub went crazy over the AEJ a while back, and I've managed to resist getting one--though they are super cute! I love me a cute jacket but just have too many to justify another right now. Thanks for the review!
Thanks LZ! Yessss muscle ups are badass! Go for it.
DeleteI am a sucker for jackets and hoodies. I finally gave in. Good for you being able to resist!
The Always Effortleess is perfect on you! I love the Spiced Chai color on you! It looked pretty but not as flattering on me! You're really tempting me with thie POCC! It's so cute
ReplyDeleteMy Gray Sage POCC arrived today. I love this color so much! =D
DeleteHi Leslie! It's inspirational that you kept training after recovering from your shoulder injury and have gained strength over the years. I'd like to start to do more weight training to resist losing muscle mass with age. I hope one day I'll be able to do a chin-up too!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, the AEJ in Spiced Chai is one of my favourite items that you've reviewed this year! The fit is perfect on you and Spiced Chai is such a gorgeous shade! Thank you for the fit review!
Hi Karen! The key is to be consistent. It will take a long time to gain muscle but just keep going! It will eventually happen and be patient.
DeleteThanks! I really love the AEJ in Spiced Chai, definitely going in my favorites for 2021.
Love this jacket on you! I’m 5’0 and considering this or the long version. Curious whether you’ve tried the long one and what your thoughts were on it? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi there, sorry but I did not try on the long version of this jacket, so I can't say if I have any opinions really.
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