Monday Musings: How I Tie My Button-Down Shirts and Getting In Shape
I hope this long weekend has you doing something fun for yourself. I’ve been reading, shopping, and pummeling my body. Just kidding, but I have embarked on a program to get fitter, which has me running for the Tylenol bottle on a regular basis. I’ll be turning 67 in a few weeks and feel like it’s time to up my game.
I had some exercise classes scheduled for the weekend, so I hit the Athleta store on Friday and bought a new pair of these Brooklyn Ankle pants. They’re great for working out, traveling, and everyday life.
Lagree Pilates
Saturday, I took my first Lagree Pilates class. I’ve taken other Pilates classes, but not for many years, and they were very different. Here’s how the Lagree technique differs from other forms of Pilates-
“The Lagree Method utilizes tried and proven bodybuilding training techniques not inherent to Pilates. The union of these bodybuilding techniques and low-impact qualities directly translates to rapid results. While Pilates is based on breathing, concentration, control, centering, flow postural alignment, and precision, Lagree Fitness is fundamentally based on the following, effective form, range of motion, tempo, duration, sequence, transition, tension, and plane of motion.” In other words, it’s tougher.
I had a fabulous instructor, and as usual for me, I overdid it. By Sunday, I was really feeling it. I took a yoga class that morning to help stretch things out, and my butt was so sore it was hard to sit on the mat! I’m planning to sign up for some personal training so I can learn how to add free weights to my routine without hurting myself. Ha! That horse left the barn. But seriously, we lose muscle quickly as we age, and I need to step up my game to retain and build what I can. Plus, it’s great for my bones.
Currently reading
After Pilates, all I could do was read, so I blew through and finished The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo.
It’s harder than usual to keep my eye on the page when the view is so pretty, but this book managed to hold my attention. There’s a fun twist at the end that caught me by surprise.
This week I’m reading The Obstacle Is The Way, by Ryan Holiday. It’s a bit of a cult classic, a Wall Street Journal bestseller. It draws inspiration from stoicism which focuses on the things we can control (our thoughts, emotions, and actions), while accepting the things we can’t, such as the actions of others or the natural course of events going on in the world around us. It’s the first in a series by this guy and has lots of positive reviews.
How I Tie My Button-Down Shirts at my waist
You often see me with my button-down shirts tied at my waist. I do it for many reasons. Some shirts seem too long or bulky to tuck in. Sometimes I just prefer a less structured look that feels more casual.
Several readers asked me to demonstrate how I do it, so I made a reel here, showing my exact steps.
It helps if the shirt is on the wider and longer side because it gives you more room to move around.
Upcoming Mega Sales
The Nordstrom Anniversary sale preview comes out today, and I will be scouting my favorites. Amazon Prime Days are also right around the corner. Are you looking for anything specific at the mega sales? What are you planning to buy during Amazon Prime Days? I’m working on my content and want to be sure to include a round-up of your favorites.
Have you updated or boosted your fitness routine lately? I’d love to know what you’re doing to stay in shape.
So interesting to learn about Lagree Pilates. Makes a lot of sense. Free weights will be your friend for muscle mass once you master them and it’s worth it! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jennifer for the video on how to tie a button down shirt.
Also, just ordered a pair on the silver and gold Easy Spirit sandals.
Thanks for great styles and tips.
Loved your shirt video also. Have always liked the look on you. Maybe I will try it with a few of my shirts. Speaking of exercising ….. I am still recovering from a two stage surgery in October to completely reconstruct my spine. My spine, still a mystery to my neurosurgeon, went totally straight. I could barely walk or stand for longer than 10 minutes. Now miraculously I am almost 100%. Going to physical therapy twice a week and exercising very hard to regain my strength. I am 73 and found out you just don’t bounce back like you used to. I commend you and all the ladies out there on their efforts to stay healthy and fit. I hope to become a “member” of that club very soon!!! Also to let you know I purchased the two Purito products you recommended on your site, the essence and the cream. So fat I am very happy with both. Thanks Jennifer
I’m so sorry to hear about your spine! It sounds like you’re on the right path to recovery. Thank goodness for great doctors.
Very cool video! Thank you for walking us through your method for tying shirts. A white button is such a classic. Now I know how to tie it properly. Being 5ft3 and loving a button up shirt I’m grateful for the lesson. Your view is beautiful. I’d have a hard time concentrating too. Currently I’m taking an Essential Movement class for people over 50 and a yoga class. I can relate to the soreness. But it’s all good!
I’m glad you liked it
I have a canine exercise partner who must be walked if I want any peace! I recommend it. Need to get back to doing weights. Shopping for a blender on Prime Day.
I know! I miss my sweet Lucy so much.
I live in Sun City Roseville and love my exercise classes. 3X a week strength training 2X a week water aerobics. Having work out buddies helps to keep me coming to classes. Telling myself I will exercise at home never works for me!!.
It is hard to motivate ourselves to do it at home. I agree.
Jennifer – you are so lovely and have so many wonderful fashion and health tips. I am really enjoying your emails. Nothing is extreme and most folks can wear anything you are showcasing. I am 5’3″ , 75 a bit overweight but working out at the gym regularly. Only problem is a bad back and torn miniscus so can’t walk long distances. Trying to eat very clean for fuel but it is very difficult living with a husband that likes dessert! We love to travel, but walking around airports or standing up for long periods tires me out. Last trip to Venice, they forgot to pick us up – we didn’t speak the language to find our travel person. Any suggestions for travelling for an old gal so we don’t get stuck again. Your clothing suggestions are spot on. I just love you.
You’re so kind, Judith thank you. A friend of mine swears by tours because she loves that someone else handles all the details. You might check into those.
Due to an old back injury and its symptoms I basically do exercises which have been recommended by my physio therapist plus during the height of the C*vid Lockdown added a small/compact Rowing Machine to my exercise regime that has helped immensely. With that being said; also hopefully soon our air quality will improve (smoke from the forest fires in Quebec) so I can try some ‘exercises for back pain’ in our outdoor pool as not a pill-popper and swim like a rock …. Lol! i.e.: There is lots of excellent videos on YouTube for such and bonus, many use flotation devices. As to Amazon Prime deals currently don’t have anything on my wish list and sadly Nordstrom doesn’t ship to Canada. In closing, appreciated your video re tying a shirt. -Brenda-
I swim like a rock too!! I’m stealing your expression, Brenda. Stay well.
Thanks for all of your awesome fashion advice! I’ve been following you for the past two months. I’m headed to Japan in October and want to fit in with the women there (fashion wise). I have a lot of shopping to do because I’m a jeans/hoodie gal at heart but don’t want to stand out so much while visiting Tokyo! 😊 I can’t wait to see what the Nordstrom sales offer.
I found the fashion in Tokyo amazing. Ladies dressed nicely. Not many jeans if at all. You’ll love it. I would go back in a second!!
Thanks for the video on how you tie your shirts. Very helpful. My question is about the Athleta pants. I looked up the sizing chart but was unable to figure out what size might work for me: 5’3”, 133, waist 34, hip 38. I buy regular size ankle pants to get pants I don’t have to alter and petite size for true ankle pants.
I am 71 now after a lifetime weight training in the gym, hiking, climbing, runner, etc. and finding that all exercise is still important. Older joints, and old injuries that seeded osteoarthritis mean that my body needs specialized attention to its joints. After a long search in which I failed to find trainers who could relate to that need, I found a yoga and strength teacher online who is knowledgeable about exercise for people in my situation. I combine her classes with walking. At this stage, I have accepted that I cannot recover the athletic body I once had but that I can remain active for all my remaining years by applying the word ‘gentle’ to exercise. It was not a change that came easily to this physically competitive woman!
I need to heed your wise choice. I’m always expecting my body can do more just because it used to be able to. I’m one inch taller than you and ten pounds heavier. You could probably wear a 6 in those pants. My 10’s are a bit too loose on me.
Good morning, Jennifer. I’ll be looking for winter sweaters at the Nordstrom sale and would love to see what you might find. Thank you in advance.
Me too! I’ll be sharing some of the best I find.
I, too, am looking for a new exercise regimen. I was in an accident during COVID which led to a hip replacement during the ensuing hospital stay and now a knee replacement on the same leg is scheduled. I love classes and Pilates and seems my gym (where my workout buddies are and I “love” them) cannot offer much pool aerobics. if anyone has suggestions of possibilities I would love to have suggestions! Thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident, Terry. You’ve had a really hard time of it. I hope your knee surgery goes smoothly.