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Lisa Eirene

About Lisa Eirene Lisa lost 110 pounds through calorie counting and exercise. She swims, bikes, runs, hikes and is enjoying life in Portland, Oregon. Her weight loss story has been featured in First Magazine, Yahoo Health, Woman's Day and Glamour.com.

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16 Comments

  1. christi

    When I first started exercising more seriously, I bought my clothes on clearance at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I couldn’t imagine spending $60 for a piece of black spandex!

    Now a year later, I wish someone had told me it was ok to spend a little more because I wear all the time and they need to hold up to multiple washings without fraying or fading. I’ve chucked a few of those “bargains” because they fell apart.

    My other advice is to look for bottoms with drawstrings. Almost all the bottoms I bought last year don’t have them. I can only wear them on the elliptical or walking because if I wear them to zumba or running I’m constantly hiking them back up. It’s crazy how few bottoms actually have a drawstring so maybe that’s a problem that only I have with sliding spandex?

    1. Lisa Eirene

      The clothes are a hard part. Especially if you’re goal is weight loss. I spent SO MUCH MONEY on new clothes when I went down in sizes. I wish now that I had bought cheap/used stuff for the in-between sizes!

  2. Lisa

    My must-haves are shorts with a drawstring waist and that are long enough that they don’t creep up my legs. Also, shirts that breath for when I get hot and sweaty. I started out wearing cotton t-shirts, but the shirts with wicking really do help keep me cool so those are must-haves now too.
    The most important purchase for me has been shoes. Investing in quality footwear is where I recommend spending money especially if you are pursuing exercises on the ground like running or using indoor gym equipment. And going to a sports footwear store for a good fitting is something I recommend too – you may be surprised to find out you aren’t wearing the right size shoes. If my feet don’t feel good I have a hard time exercising!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Great tips! I agree. I learned late in the game that wicking shirts make it so much better. Also, I get really hot and sweaty at the gym, so tank tops are preferred over something with sleeves.

  3. Marc

    Must gear at this point is good shoes, water bottle and knowing how far it is to the nearest rest room;)

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Good shoes make such a big difference. And thanks for the reminder on the water bottle!

  4. Cindy

    Finding quality clothing is so hard, especially when you are between sizes! I’ve gone through 5 pairs of bottoms since last summer, due to losing size or the pants losing elasticity. I have a pair I love, and I’d love to replace them with a smaller size, but finding them at a price that I can afford is insane. Next time I find them on sale, I am buying double!

    Things that are a must have for me: supportive trainers, my iPhone, my Polar HRM, and clothes that fit well enough!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      Yep, my iPhone and HRM are essential for me too!

      1. christi

        I got a heart monitor because of your blog! I love it and never would have gotten one without you!

        1. Lisa Eirene

          That is so awesome! I’m you got one and love it. Doesn’t it make a huge difference in your workouts? It completely changed mine and I became so much more efficient with my time and energy.

  5. Yum Yucky

    I won’t drown, but all I can do is tread water. Meh. Gotta get my kids into some swimming lessons. And hey! I’ve got those exact Adidas sneaks with the maroon stripes. Still wearing them right now after my lunchtime walk.

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I love swimming! I hope you learn to like it. It’s so healthy.

  6. Biz

    Love all the tips! It took me about three pairs of goggles to find ones that didn’t make huge circles around my eyes when I was done! I swam at lunch today as a matter of fact – and was wondering if they make ipods for water! After 40 minutes I was really bored. 😀

    1. Lisa Eirene

      I’ve seen underwater headphones that I think have a radio in it? I’ve never tried it though. LOL

  7. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance

    Having the right gear can definitely make or break a workout–especially if you’re new to it, and it impacts how comfortable or uncomfortable you might be. Great advice!

    1. Lisa Eirene

      So true! If something doesn’t fit right and ends up bugging me the entire time I get rid of it! I notice it more when I was running. That could REALLY ruin a good run!

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