Behind The Butter

i have a problem

Lately, I’ve come to grips with the fact that I have an exercise clothes shopping problem.

And the true irony of this is that I quit the gym six months ago and haven’t so much as glanced at a free weight since.

Once I came to terms with the fact that I hated the treadmill and the chest press, I just moved on. And I haven’t looked back.

I do love yoga though.

Or used to love yoga, that is before I tore a soft tissue in my shoulder doing triangle pose three weeks ago. Who knew yoga was such an extreme sport, right? So now I’m out for the count and have been pretty much a total bum, with my only daily exercise coming in the form of whipping cream (left hand only), scooping cookies, or taking leisurely walks around the lake by myself.

However, I still love yoga clothes. Even if all I can do in them right now is wear them as my official baking uniform. Because who doesn’t love to wear ridiculously expensive black pants while they bake cupcakes?

At least I wear an apron.

Send help in the form of a hot shower, hair dryer and clean clothes.

In other news, Dexter’s hungry again.

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  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
    December 17, 2010 at 11:10 am

    Bah! I thought that was a skirt at first glance. I was going to have to rescind my dream about getting your autograph. :p

  • Breanne Bunting
    December 17, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Jenna.
    You are not alone in your obsession with lululemon/ yoga workout gear. I’m from Canada and Luluemon has been around for years. It became so popular that you could always guarantee seeing an entire clan of highschool to college age girls sporting ‘lulu’s,’ as we like to call them.

    My lulu’s are also my favourite baking attire. Pants, tank top and sweater. They’re just so comfortable I can’t resist.

  • Elisabeth
    December 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    I really hope that first picture was taken at the store, and not in your closet. Lol. That really would be a problem 😛

  • Jaclyn
    December 17, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Ha I hear you on yoga being an “extreme sport…” apparantly hot yoga produces more injuries than a lot of common “sports”! And… I do love me some lululemon 😉 It’s a sick, sick habit 😛

  • Amber K
    December 17, 2010 at 11:34 am

    lol, all of my workout gear has come from Wal-Mart. Yes….I’m that poor… 🙂

    But yours are so cute!

  • Lizzie
    December 17, 2010 at 11:40 am

    I own several Lululemon ‘Y’ tanks – and I don’t even do yoga! They’re so comfortable as an under layer during the winter and then as a summer top with shorts, skirt, or jeans. In fact I don’t workout in any of their gear except for my winter running jumper.

  • Katie (Sweet Tater)
    December 17, 2010 at 11:53 am

    hahaha, i love dexter.

    i thought that first picture was of your closet and i was like, YES YOU DO HAVE A PROBLEM.

    but since it appears you’re pretty much just like me lounging around unshowered in clothes designed for physical activity, i say: get it, girl.

    • meg
      December 17, 2010 at 12:58 pm

      i thought that’s what the first picture was, too. i was like “who the hell owns multiple UNOPENED yogitoes towels just WAITING for them!?”

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    December 17, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I have the same problem. It’s terrible.

  • Michelle
    December 17, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    A girl at work asked me if she should check out Lululemon and I said no, because once you start you can’t stop!!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing
    December 17, 2010 at 12:14 pm

    Love that apron! I’m scared to go into lululemon because I know I’ll want everything and can’t afford any of it. I really, really want to go into one though!

  • Lidnsey
    December 17, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    LOL I have the same problem! It has been further fuelled by a $100 lulu gift card from my mom for Christmas too. I see it as a good thing really, because it motivates me to exercise and when you need several outfits due to the fact that you can’t keep up with laundering them it’s a fantastic sign of how healthy you are right!! OH and p.s. I popped my shoulder out doing full wheel at yoga one time too.
    Luv it!!

  • R @ Learning As I Chop
    December 17, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    I too thought that was a skirt! And your cat is hilarious

  • Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
    December 17, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    I am just starting to get into buying REAL workout clothes (it’s been Sofie’s and t-shirts up until now – I know, tragic) but I’m finding it super addicting too. I want a million pairs of black stretchy pants and moisture wicking tops!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    December 17, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    That is such a cute apron! I can’t bring myself to wear my ridiculously expensive lululemon pants to bake. I prefer to bake in pajamas, I feel better getting flour all over them.

  • Paige
    December 17, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I really like your “behind the scenes” posts like this. Keep them coming!

  • Laura
    December 17, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Doesn’t look like a problem at all to me!

    I can’t imagine wanting to wear anything but work out clothes all the time. One of the first things that I do when I get home. Sometimes it encourages me to go work out. Most of the time its just more comfortable.

    Your cat is a riot.

  • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun!)
    December 17, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    I’m with you on the workout clothes obsession. Dick’s Sporting Goods is not my friend. Or, we’re friends from their perspective, but not from my bank’s perspective…

  • Kelly
    December 17, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    You really need to start feeding Dexter again. This is getting to be an issue.

    I’d say that when purchasing pants, the least of your worries should be about their practicality when working out. Pants (especially form fitting, flattering and extremely comfy ones) are meant to be worn when the feeling strikes (whether that is when you are lounging watching tv, baking, or simply having a one person dance party around the house.)

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    December 17, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    I have the exact.same.problem!! I swear, i have more workout gear than most people i know…. still – I can’t say I wouldn’t love to go to Lululemon right now given the chance! 🙂

  • Amy
    December 17, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    I, for one, am jealous of your workout attire. I’ve been trying to hoard inexpensive gym clothes myself lately whenever I catch them on sale. But I did make a ridiculous $60 something purchase of Victioria’s Secret yoga pants that I am somewhat ashamed of. At least you’ll have a lifetime supply of comfy clothes!

  • J.
    December 17, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    I’m getting jealous of people that can read blogs during the day. Its so late when I finally open the reader and I never have time.

    I don’t have any clothes…true story.

    And I don’t work out. I do walk – very leisure, simple, short stroll once a day. I can’t afford yoga. Would love to. I can’t concentrate or anything at home. No motivation. Maybe someday…or not!

    • emily
      December 17, 2010 at 12:55 pm

      This post is funny and light. This comment is the antithesis of those things.

      • Lola
        December 17, 2010 at 1:47 pm

        Another lovely, positive comment from the empty nutjar?

        • JC
          December 17, 2010 at 2:44 pm

          Lola,
          Thank god someone else agrees with me and I didn’t have to say it this time!

          • Jen
            December 17, 2010 at 3:52 pm

            Oh my God – I agree with you! Knew it all along. Pathetic.

          • M
            December 18, 2010 at 4:40 am

            Yikes, I don’t think Jenna would really like people to call another person or their comments “pathetic”! I don’t know who posted the above comment, but I can relate that we all go through darker phases in our life
            and I am hoping they will find a corner of sunshine and light soon.

            I understand envy and feeling down and worthless and would not wish that on anyone,let alone call them out with names .
            Let’s all be more empathetic and show support and understanding.I have a feeling that is the way Jenna would be if she encountered this person in real life?

            That’s the kind of blogger comments I would hope on a place like here! (just my 2 cents worth!) Thanks all !!

          • Jessica
            December 18, 2010 at 12:17 pm

            Mehh. Thanks for reminding me why I never read the comments on this blog- I’m not even sure why I thought I’d peruse them today. Everyone jumps one anything except for the most positive of comments like a pack of wild dogs. “J” may have been being completely sarcastic and was trying to be funny when leaving her comment and all of her negativity was self-directed. Why, in a blog where the author generally seems light, funny and friendly, are the commenters so unkind?

            Ok, anyway, back to ignoring the comment section.

    • Mom
      December 17, 2010 at 4:05 pm

      Try walking briskly. Start with one mile a day and quickly move up. You will be amazed at what that will do to your emotions, physical strength, and your total well being. Amazing ! Speed walk ! And keep going with a smile on your face!! Report back… It works for me. (go for five miles, but start with one)

      • Mom
        December 17, 2010 at 4:13 pm

        Also, it is not late for you … 12:52 pm is earlier than I can get to this! Appreciate and love and embrace your life! It is al, you have. Make it amazing! You are loved by many…

      • JessicaEn
        December 18, 2010 at 12:47 pm

        Moms are so very wise. 🙂 <3

        It seems ridiculous and too simple-stupid/easy, but forcing a smile truly sends happy endorphins to your brain, and positive thinking really does become a habit and make its way to your heart.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    December 17, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    i love all the color! and workout clothes are amazing whether you actually work out or not 🙂

  • Mary Catherine
    December 17, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Jenna – have you ever worn Hard Tail yoga pants? I started practicing hot yoga a year ago and fell in love with them. I’m starting to see more and more Lululemon in my studio. Wondering if I should give ’em a try!

  • Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
    December 17, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    HA! I actually get all my work out clothes at Ross or Marshall’s. Name brands for super cheap (I sound like a commercial), but it’s true! Cheap yoga clothes.

  • Melissa
    December 17, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    You are not alone… Workout wear is my casual wear. I went to gap last night to find going out shirts, I ended up with a workout jacket. Then this morning I tried to justify (to myself) why it would be ok to wear athleta workout pants to work, they are black. 🙂 We need to start a group.

  • Sharon
    December 17, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Oh, Lululemon-it’s a problem. I wish i could wear it all the time…If I had a job like yours I probably would! When I’m not at work it’s rare that I’m not in my Lulu or any other athletic-type apparel-it’s comfortable and functional. And if it’s Lulu it actually looks great too! And yes I’ve baked in my Lulu before-after sweating it out at the gym, of course. Is that pic from Three Dog Yoga? I’ve gotta get over there and check out the lulu stuff. I need another scoop neck tank….and maybe a power Y…or 3….or 4….

  • Dee
    December 17, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    I love workout clothes!

  • stacey-healthylife
    December 17, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I can’t stop myself from being sucked in by new workout clothes.

  • britt
    December 17, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    i love lululemon! i totally get this obsession 😉

  • Dorry
    December 17, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    I had the exact same thing happen to my shoulder when practicing Bikram last summer! It’s such a bummer. But I’ve found whenever I get injured, I always end up trying new exercises so I guess that’s my glass half full outlook…I hope yours heals quickly.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)
    December 17, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    Omg the first picture, I thought that was your closet. I had major closet envy for a minute. Til I realized it was the lulu store. And your closet is more like the pile picture 🙂 Which I still have pile envy!

    After teaching yoga 10 years, I have amassed QUITE the collection of workout wear. But what’s funny is I wear the same stuff..like all the time. To the point that I wonder why I have so much. But I like to collect it more than anything.

    Same with cookbooks. I have more books and recipes than time to ever make. But the collector mentality is there.

    And your shoulder. I am so very sorry that this has not healed! And that you are dealing with a sidelining injury. I hate to say this, but so many ppl injure themselves in yoga. Usually it’s either a newbie not knowing their limits (not you) or a total fluke situation (probably you). Gosh I am so sorry and if there’s anything I can do, poses, help, advice…I would be glad to chime in if you need anything!

    🙂

    • jenna
      December 17, 2010 at 1:50 pm

      bahaha i wish! I don’t dare show photos of my closet. It scares even me.

  • nicole
    December 17, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    I knew I had a problem when my best friend and I went to starbucks and the girl said “Wow, I’ve never seen you not wearing workout clothes.” A little embarrassing, but there are worse things to be known for.

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma
    December 17, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Confession: I sneakily wear my lululemon stir-up pants with my riding boots to work at least once a week. I think it says a lot that my wardrobe is half black dress pants and half black yoga pants!

  • sarah
    December 17, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    the world would be so much better off if business suits were replaced with yoga pants and comfy clothes. We need a revolution in clothing similar to how people once wore britches and then wore jeans, only it would be jeans to yoga stretch pants!

  • Amanda
    December 17, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    Sorry about your shoulder, thats a bummer.

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl
    December 17, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    I’m impressed with how organized your exercise clothes are! Mine all get tossed in a drawer. You save money by not having to buy a ton of office clothes though so I think you’re entitled to ’em 😉 Kinda like a uniform of sorts!

  • Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
    December 17, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    One does not need to do yoga to enjoy yoga pants. Eatin dinner – sportin the yoga pants 🙂

  • Erica D (Gratitouille)
    December 17, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    You should just lay a canvas on the kitchen floor so that the next time Dexter knocks something down, you’ll have a priceless work of art.

  • aubrey
    December 17, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    i love the fact that you are so casual about working out and not worrying about it.

    I wish I could be more like that. Have you seen any changes in your body or the way you feel since you’ve stopped doing hard core workouts?

  • Ann @ Day By Day
    December 17, 2010 at 5:51 pm

    I am so the same way! I am always drawn to new workout clothes… I think it’s the colors and the idea that new clothes will make going to the gym more desirable so I can show off the new pretty clothes. I’m asking for a few Lulu things for Christmas! I’m in Nashville right now and just drove past a LuLu store today. Just opened, I heard. I’m definitely going to check it out tomorrow!!

  • Imwaytoobusy
    December 17, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    Oh, I can so relate, but for me it’s long tank tops. I have far too many. Every time I go shopping I pick up a few, in every color. They are my workout go-to and I just don’t need anymore, but I’ll forget about that next time I go shopping. 😉

  • Sara
    December 17, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    I had a similar yoga injury and then bought my first pair of Lululemon yoga pants shortly after… even though I wasn’t doing anything resembling yoga. 🙂

    I’m seriously sorry to hear about your shoulder. 🙁 I finally stopped running after my umpteenth injury and was so excited when I fell in love with yoga and realized it made all of my lingering running injuries go away… until I hurt my shoulder. I’m sort of OVER formal exercising at this point, even though I miss it. I’m active at work (elementary school teacher in a building with lots of stairs) and live in a very walkable city and I’ve realized that because I’m so injury prone, I’m actually healthier when I DON’T go out of my way to exercise. I do miss yoga though, lots, and hope to make a comeback at some point, but not because I feel a need to do extra exercise.

  • Taysa
    December 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    I feel like yoga pants are classier than sweatpants, and you can get away with not actually dressing, so I’m a big fan.

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
    December 17, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    workout clothes (and PJs) are my fave!!

  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
    December 17, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    u could pull off that apron even running errands around town hehe <3

  • Kelli H
    December 17, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I think since you live in SR & I live in SR & we both love cooking/baking I think we should walk around the lake together since we both hate treadmills…lol

    • jenna
      December 18, 2010 at 8:25 am

      i would love to! Once this nasty rain clears up!

      • Kelli H
        December 18, 2010 at 8:31 am

        Seriously, I looked up the weather & it’s like this for the foreseeable future. Maybe in the new year…haha

  • Anna
    December 18, 2010 at 5:24 am

    Jenna, you crack me up! Also had a brief moment where I thought the first photo was your actual closet. Nearly freaked out.

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
    December 18, 2010 at 5:45 am

    I don’t see any problem with that! I’m envious of your pretty workout clothes. 🙂 (and awesome apron!)

    Dexter on the other hand… I think he has a problem. 😉 But he sure has personality!

  • Taylor
    December 18, 2010 at 6:33 am

    Hi Jenna! I was wondering if you or anyone else could recommend some good power yoga dvd’s for me to do at home. There aren’t any studios near me but I recently began taking a power yoga class at college and fell in love! I have tried some of Rodney Yee’s but they seem really slow to me and I feel like I am wasting my time. I am looking for a dvd that will give me a good strength workout while helping me stretch. If anyone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it! I have wasted so much money already on dvd’s that aren’t very good : (

    • Jessica
      December 18, 2010 at 12:29 pm

      If you go on hulu.com and search “yoga” there are a bunch of free yoga videos you could try. Yogadownloads.com also has some free videos to check out. I personally find that I get bored of even the best videos after doing them a couple times so I would pay more than a couple dollars for anything. Biggest loser also sells a “yoga” workout dvd but I kinda think of it as a workout using yoga moves rather than a yoga lesson. It is a good workout though.

      I hope one of those work out for you. : )

  • Nelly
    December 18, 2010 at 6:50 am

    I kind of love that apron. Did you make it (looks pretty simple) or buy it somewhere?

    • jenna
      December 18, 2010 at 8:24 am

      adam’s mom bought it for me last September—I don’t know where she got it. So sorry!

      • Kristin
        December 19, 2010 at 7:00 am

        I have a very similar one. Bought it from Ross.

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine)
    December 18, 2010 at 7:33 am

    I wish I had that problem. I do yoga in periwinkle ankle length leggings and old sports bras that are ill fitting. Thankfully I do it in the privacy of my own home – no one needs to see me out in public looking like that.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie
    December 18, 2010 at 9:01 am

    haha I love your mom’s comment. Sounds just like something my mom would write on my blog.

  • Abbey
    December 18, 2010 at 11:55 am

    I worked at Lulu for about 5 minutes and let me tell you, the employees are definitely drinking the kool-aid, if you will. Some serious, serious commitment goes into working 10 hours a week for $9/hour. However, I am regretting not buying armloads of stuff before leaving. It’s pretty great stuff style-wise, but I do have Lulu pants that are only 1.5 years old and are pilling. And trust me, I treat them like royalty in the washer/dryer so it’s not my fault.

    Anyway, I love your posts! If you would ever be willing to divulge more about your decision to quit working out at the gym, that would be another great post!

  • The Skinny Chronicles
    December 18, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    We should switch addictions. I NEED an exercise clothing shopping addiction… Addictions I have that you might like: reading (just finished Star Island by Carl Hiassan), knitting (currently working on fingerless mittens), gardening (dahlias finally clipped back for winter…ordering tea plants soon for my own green tea)…

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    December 18, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    It’s a good thing your cat isn’t a dog!

  • Liana @ femme fraiche
    December 19, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    This looks like my sisters bedroom. She is your standard lululemon addict! And probably their most profitable employee because of it:)