Regular exercise is a vital part of keeping and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Just 30 minutes of activity daily is all it takes. Easy peasy, right?
But one thing people tend to overlook is how important workout clothes are to upping your workout game. Finding the best clothes for you can improve your performance in more ways than you realize.
So how do you know what kind of workout clothes you should buy? Are there things you should look for when it comes to your particular needs?
With some simple tips and tricks, it won’t be hard at all to find what you need. Let’s discuss ways to help you find the best workout clothes that will not only make you feel good, but look good as well.
Consider the Type of Activity
Your workouts go much smoother when you have the proper equipment available. The same can be said for your workout clothes as well.
Target your clothes shopping for the specific type of workouts you plan to do. Don’t assume all exercise clothes are created equal.
If you plan on running or biking, don’t buy baggy, long pants that can get caught up under your feet or in your bike. You may also want to look into reflective clothing for added safety.
If yoga or Pilates is on the agenda, fitted fabrics with a lot of stretch and moisture wicking are best.
The point is, the best workout clothes for you will be ones that allow you to move freely and comfortably. They will also help you perform your workout without anything getting in your way.
Pick the Best Fabric
Grabbing that ratty cotton t-shirt you received back in college might seem like a good idea. (You’re only going to sweat in it, right?) But you might want to reconsider.
Cotton soaks up sweat like a sponge. So by the time you’re finished with that Boot Camp workout, your shirt is going to be heavy and uncomfortable.
Unless you don’t plan on sweating at all, fabric designed to wick moisture away from you is your best bet. This can be found in fabrics like nylon, spandex, and polypropylenes. These types of clothing can be found on sites like Monsta Clothing.
And not only does it help keep you dry, it also helps keep you cool. As the moisture is drawn away from you and evaporates, your body temperature is able to stay cooler.
Try-On If Possible
As with any article of clothing, trying on to find the perfect fit is ideal. However, when it comes to workout gear, there’s more to it than that.
Since these are clothes that you will be moving around a lot in, you need to do some of that in the fitting rooms.
Bend and squat in the leggings to make sure they don’t look see-through when you’re angled in a yoga stance. Lift your arms above your head then twist and turn to make sure you can move the way you like.
And if you’re buying online and can’t try it on first, there are still things you can do. Read the reviews of those who have bought before you. Take your measurements and buy according to their fit chart.
Knowing your clothes properly fit will give you peace of mind and let you concentrate on your workout more.
Pick According to Your Body Type
Like with any other clothing, workout clothes come in all shapes and sizes. And that is especially important when you’re trying to find the right workout clothes for you.
You want to wear something that makes you feel comfortable while looking good at the same time. So if you’re petite, seek out the petite sizes. Or if you’re tall, longer jogging pants will be right up your alley.
And make sure to look out for not so obvious things like a shirt that rides up too easily around your middle when you move. Maybe a longer version is better.
Environmental Protection
Ok, maybe that heading is a little tongue and cheek. But the right kind of workout clothes can actually protect you from the elements, which makes your workouts more effective. (It’s funny because it’s true!)
During the colder months, you want to make sure you dress in breathable layers. You can take off layers as you get warm, but the breathability will keep you comfortable no matter what.
Of course, when it’s warmer out, light-weight clothing in light colors will help keep you comfortably cool.
And you can’t let a little rain deter you from your fitness goals. There are lots of water-resistant or water-proof outerwear for working out in that will keep you dry and looking good at the same time.
Undergarments Count Too
What you wear under your clothes is just as important as the clothes themselves. Maybe even more so.
Women should find a good fitting sports bra. Compression bras work great for those with A or B cups. And encapsulated bras provide better support for those with larger chests.
But no matter what, make sure your undergarments are made of moisture-wicking fabrics. Nothing would be as uncomfortable as sweaty, chaffing underwear.
Don’t Forget About Your Footwear
It’s a fact, you can do all the right things when it comes to your clothes, but if your feet are uncomfortable you will be uncomfortable.
Supportive athletic shoes are a must. And just like with your clothes, you should tailor your shoes to your particular workout. A runner will have different support needs than a tennis player will have.
And don’t forget about the socks! Avoid cotton ones if you can. They will absorb just as much sweat as a cotton t-shirt will. And that’s just gross.
Finding the Best Workout Clothes Will Help You Have the Best Workouts
Let’s face it, having great workout clothes can sometimes give us that extra bit of workout motivation we need. And when you’re able to stop worrying about how you look and concentrate on exercising, you successfully just upped your workout game.
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