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I recently started doing reformer pilates again, and I’m feeling amazing! Not only is it a great workout, but I’m feeling like myself again. You see, I stopped doing reformer pilates when I got pregnant with my first baby – almost 5 years ago! – and haven’t gotten back into a regular pilates routine until now.

Belonging to pilates studios can be really tough for new parents, because they don’t offer childcare and they’re usually pretty expensive. It hasn’t made sense for me to hire a babysitter to go to a pricey pilates class and my husband’s work schedule leaves few opportunities to sneak away. But, a couple months ago, we started our youngest child in preschool 3 days a week, so I could get things done around the house and work on my freelance projects sans kiddos. At the exact same time, a new pilates studio, SolidCore, opened locally and offered me free trial classes. I’ll sheepishly admit that I abandoned all the things I was “supposed” to be doing (errands, cleaning, work) to test the studio. Oh em freakin geeeeee…. After only one class, I was hooked on this place! And it’s been TOTALLY worth putting everything else aside to go here!

If you’re into reformer pilates like me, you know that not all studios are the same. Some pilates studios’ classes can be so easy and boring. Like, why did I just pay $35 to just stretch?! No, I want to get results, not have some leisurely movement! That is NOT SolidCore! This studio puts a huge focus on building muscle, which is one of the best things you can do for your body. My husband, who is an orthopedic surgeon that treats athletes of all ages, tells me all the time that his healthiest and youngest looking patients prioritize weightlifting in their workouts. Knowing that, I really think women have been done a disservice with media, celebrities and men persuading them not to lift weights out of fear that they’ll get “bulky,” gain weight, or won’t be able to achieve the slim, toned look they desire. So not true! Okay, I’ll step off my weightlifting soapbox and return to why I love SolidCore…

SolidCore is the best pilates studio I’ve ever been to, so if you have a location close to you, try it out! I now go to SolidCore once or twice a week and pepper in running and lifting weights on the days I don’t go. I’ve been going for almost 3 months and have noticed a major positive difference in my body. My abs are poppin’ and my arms and booty are getting so toned. I’m so happy to have found this studio to be my new workout home! I’ll be able to go for a long time, too, because it never gets easier. I’m slowly increasing weight every class, so I’ll be able to get a great workout no matter how many times I go!

For me, going to pilates is more than a workout. It’s a whole vibe. It’s the time for ME to feel my very best, so I love putting on cute workout sets (like this one that I’m wearing in the picture above), brushing on a layer of mascara and throwing my hair into a cute ponytail. I usually go to pilates late-morning, so I drink a super healthy, nutrient-dense smoothie (like my easy avocado smoothie) for breakfast and then have a delicious healthy soup or salad right when I get home from the studio. On the days I go to pilates, I feel amazing. And, that’s how working out should be, you know? Otherwise, why would we do it?!

If you need help creating a boss-girl vibe around your workouts, I’ve compiled a list of my fave new workout sets for spring, below. Pick one (or two) of these sets to wear to your next workout, and tell me you don’t feel fabulous and ready to have the best workout of your life. When you look good, you feel good! So, no matter where you are on your workout journey, if you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to gain confidence in working out, too!

All these pieces are from Gilly Hicks, which is a sub-brand of Hollister. Yes, that’s what I said… Hollister! Do not hate, y’all! I haven’t shopped at Hollister since I was in high school (I’m now in my 30’s), so I was shocked to learn that Gilly Hicks was associated with the beachy teenaged brand, too. My mother and I were shopping at our local mall, and I mentioned to her that I’ve wanted a hot pink workout set for over a year but haven’t found one that fits well and made sense for my budget. As we were boppin’ along the mall halls, there I saw it — the cutest hot pink workout set (that came with other mix and match pieces!!) front-and-center in a Gilly Hicks store. I honestly had never heard of Gilly Hicks, but seeing all their athleisure in-store looked way cute with on-trend cuts and colors for EVERY body type. Plus, it was quality fabric and affordable! I’m so tired of paying over $100 for workout pants, ya know? These are half the cost! We had a blast trying on different fits and styles, and I walked away with several pieces. I cannot wait to go back to get more!

Below is a mix of pieces that I purchased and what’s on my wishlist for future shopping! All these pieces come in different color options and are perfect for mixing and matching! You can shop products linked under graphic or visit my LTK page here.

White Zip Hoodie – This comes in a crop style and is lightweight enough to wear throughout summer with LA’s cool mornings and evenings

Lime Green Tank – This color will look so good with a spring/summer tan!

Lime Green Flutter Skortie – On my list for my upcoming tennis lessons!

Hot Pink Tank – Loving this! It has sewed-in cups, so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing headlights (IFKYK) or bother with replacing them after washing.

Hot Pink High Rise Bike Shorts – Love that bike shorts are back! And perfect for those warmer days!

White Logo Crew Cut Socks – Love that these come in different colors to match you ‘fit!

White Fanny Pack – Perfect for stashing your phone, cards and keys while working out. I love bringing fanny packs along on my walks, running errands and doing activities with the kids.

Blue Strappy Tank – Loving the straps on this top and this color is gorge!

Blue Flare Pants – So happy that flares are back! Perfect for feeling cute while lifting weights or running errands.

Let me know which of these spring workout sets’ spring colors is your favorite in the comments below! I’m between the pink and blue! And, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more health and wellness and fashion inspo!

XO Maggie