What Should I Wear To Exercise?

There are days when the last thing we want to be thinking about while we exercise is what we have on. However, there is scientifically engineered clothing that has been made specifically for fitness. It can help to reduce sweat and to allow the clothing to breathe and get you the best fit for being active. It has been shown that when we feel good about what we are wearing we gain a boost in fitness performance. So consider these alternatives.

The first thing to consider is what activity one is doing. There are different styles of clothing and different fitness accessories available for specific activities.  For running and yoga we may need different shoes and pants. For exercises like rowing or using weights we might need to use a pair of gloves or a fitted top. There are pants with many different lengths and fit, but not all styles of pants suit every activity.

When we wear yoga pants for running, they might be too loose and this may cause a runner to spend more time adjusting clothing rather than concentrating on breathing and steps.

Comfort is also a key factor in selecting workout clothing. Wearing clothing that is too tight or too loose will cause a lot of frustration so make sure the fit is right. Technical fabrics designed for exercise are also designed to be comfortable and move with the body.

Fabric is a key part of keeping dry and cool. There are several blends of fabrics available that provide moisture-wicking technology. A fabric that contains a polyester blend is actually better at keeping dry than cotton. Dupont and Coolmax are the leading brands in wicking fabrics and there are also several newer blends such as dri-release and dri-fit. The fabrics that assist in moisture reduction also help with bacterial and odor control. Be cautious in choosing fabric blends, particularly in the contents of the fabric as some materials contain controversial chemicals that have been linked to health concerns.

Choose socks carefully. It is not advisable to wear 100% cotton socks on our feet when significant sweating is a factor. Since cotton tends to be absorbent it can keep moisture on feet and this can cause blistering. Replace socks often and wash according to instructions to keep the integrity of the fabric intact.

Wear proper foundation garments. Women particularly need to be careful to support their chest while exercising. Bras that are not the right size, support level, or with underwire, can cause painful sores and blistering. Wearing an unsupportive garment can cause premature stretching and aging of the skin and can be very uncomfortable.

Finally, the cost of technical fitness clothing is surprisingly not as high as one might think. We can shop in nearly any department store and find a selection of specially designed clothes. Have a look at some of the new fabrics that are available today, and notice the difference a smart and comfortable outfit can make in a work out.