Choosing the best workout clothes shouldn’t be overemphasized. Not only can clothes keep you comfortable, but they can also enhance your performance.
Likewise, choosing the best workout clothes will be more durable, which makes them more cost effective.
Moreover, wearing the wrong attire can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and even injury (think baggy clothes).
So if you’re looking to update your workout wardrobe sometime soon, here are some helpful considerations to make before you buy.
Weather matters
The weather is a crucial factor to consider when picking your workout clothes.
For instance, exercising in warmer weather increases your body’s core temperature, causing it to circulate more blood to your skin to create a cooling effect. So, wearing heavy clothing can prevent the cooling process, leading to overheating, increased stress levels, muscle cramps, etc.
Likewise, working out in cold weather can potentially lead to hypothermia (extreme conditions), and more likely, general discomfort.
When shopping for workout gear for hotter days, ensure that you select loose and lightweight fabrics to allow air to evaporate sweat and cool your body. Experts also advise that you opt for lighter colors to reflect the sun’s rays away from your body.
For colder days, it’s prudent to dress in layers you can remove when you start sweating and put back on when needed. As a tip, invest in a thin synthetic base layer to draw sweat from your body.
You can also get athletic fleece or wool for needed insulation and waterproof options for wetter days.
Lastly, mittens/gloves, wool socks, and a hat are a great investment for cold weather workouts.
Don’t ignore comfort
It’s not unusual for people to follow fashion trends, and workout clothing is no exception. Although it’s not wrong to look good while exercising, ignoring comfort isn’t the best option.
Wearing uncomfortable workout gear can increase your irritation levels and going to the gym is already hard enough. Try to find workout clothes that are functional and make you feel good when you wear them.
There are certain signs to look for… If you realize that your clothing restricts you even if it fits, you want to reconsider.
For example, for women, if you don’t feel your bra supporting you when you jump, then changing it is a must. Proper workout clothes should be able to move with you to enhance comfort.
Fortunately, most times you can avoid buying the wrong workout clothes by taking a few steps. For starters, most workout clothes these days will say what they are designed for. For instance, lightweight, stretchy pants or leggings can be excellent for weights, yoga and pilates, but make sure you read the description to get an idea for what the company made them for.
It’s also important to try things on to determine if they are the right fit. For instance, if you’re shopping for sports bras, you can jump up and down to ensure they support you without restricting you. By all means, invest in quality items, as cheaper options may not last, causing you to spend more to replace them.
Consider high-visibility attires for safety
If you prefer outdoor exercises, you want to invest in high-visibility workout clothing.
These clothes are made with reflective materials in mind that enable motorists to spot you.
These are most effective during nighttime when visibility is low. Your attire can reflect light emitted by various vehicles, alerting motorists of your presence and preventing accidents.
Knowing several people that have been hit by cars when exercising, it is definitely worth making sure you are visible when training outdoors.
Your best bet is to purchase gear that has reflective patches and talks about how it’s made for low light conditions. Then you should definitely have a headlamp or other light source that would make it hard for anyone to not see you. Most headlamps have a blinking mode that is obnoxious but great for being seen when our running or riding in the dark.
Consider your workout activities
While people can use the same clothes for different activities, it’s best to consider your workout activities before deciding what to buy.
For instance, high-energy (read very sweaty) activities require wicking fabrics to keep you dry, while cotton clothes are more suitable for low-intensity workouts, or workouts in cooler conditions.
