Today’s outfit is a bit different to my usual looks…I have some new workout gear! When I’m at home I’m usually in tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt. I exercise at home – I have all my equipment in the garage conversion so I don’t have to drive to the gym to work out. That doesn’t make it any easier sometimes though – I struggle with motivation, and unlike gyms, I don’t have air con. I usually have a fan and prop the door open with a kettlebell (they make very good doorstops!). But aside from kettlebells, I use a swiss ball, treadmill, dumbbells and resistance bands.

For a long time, I’ve been battling with chronic back pain, which has made it impossible to workout some days. I used to run a lot – three or four times a week – with a long run once a week. But the back pain on top of bunions has meant I’ve let my fitness slip. About a month ago I was at my wit’s end with lower back pain, so I started doing some research about sacroiliac joint dysfunction. (I’d been diagnosed by a physio with SI problems years ago while training for a marathon.) I found a video on YouTube with some exercises and stretches so I started doing them every day and they seemed to help.

I just need to maintain discipline now I’m mostly pain-free…but there’s nothing like new workout gear to keep me motivated!

Once I’d “put out the fire” I then turned my attention to strengthening my core. I started doing the plank every day, holding it for two minutes to begin with, working up to four and half minutes. (Having something to read helps to pass the time!) I don’t always manage four and half minutes, sometimes I’m shaking when I get close to four! I’m sure it has helped, along with some hyperextensions and superman exercises.

I know I’ll always have to be careful with my posture, footwear and regular core strengthening exercises if I’m to keep the back pain at bay. Thankfully, now I’m moving a bit freer I can be more ambitious with my workouts. I just need to maintain discipline now I’m mostly pain-free…but there’s nothing like new workout gear to keep me motivated! This outfit was gifted to me by TOG24 as part of an Instagram collaboration. I’m under no obligation to feature them on the blog but they’re too good not to!

I always wear leggings to exercise, and I’m quite picky about them. They have to be the right thickness, have plenty of stretch and a high waistband. These grey print leggings tick all those boxes. They also feature reflective prints and a zip pocket on the back.

I love a cosy hoodie, especially in a bright colour. There is an orange hoodie I could have chosen, but I really loved this vibrant yellow, especially with the “Summer” logo.

Is it my imagination or do grey marl T-shirts always feel softer than other colours? This one is no exception. The 5% elastane adds to the comfort factor. The grey tones of the T-shirt and leggings are a departure from my usual colourful outfits, but I do prefer more muted tones for workouts. The embroidered “Sunshine” logo adds that little bit of colour and keeps with the summery theme.

How do you stay motivated to exercise? Does new workout gear give you a boost?

Hoodie, T-shirt and leggings from TOG24 – PR products | Hoka Arahi trainers | SkinnyDip London sunglasses (similar)