How to Choose The Right Workout Wear for Your Exercise Routine
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By PAGE Editor
Adopting an exercise routine can be a major life commitment. When you opt for a more active lifestyle, you usually have to tweak your schedule to accommodate routines, such as early-morning jogging and yoga. One important aspect of this lifestyle that most people overlook is clothing. You may think that a standard t-shirt and shorts combo is enough, but there are specific types of clothing with the right fit and materials to suit strenuous workout tasks.
Thanks to the popularity of athleisure and activewear, there are plenty of options available for an ensemble that makes you look and feel good. But wearing the right clothes isn’t just for comfort and style—the appropriate gear can make a difference when doing different routines in various environments. If you’re planning to put together an outfit to go with your fitness routine, here are some tips you should keep in mind.
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Pick The Right Materials
Clothes made from synthetic fabrics are best suited for exercise. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, spandex, or rayon offer high breathability to keep you comfortable and dry. Synthetic fibers work by wicking away sweat from your skin to quicken evaporation. Sports bras, tights, and leggings made from synthetic fibers are great for various exercises such as cycling, running, and hiking.
It’s also highly recommended to pick fabrics with antimicrobial qualities. Antimicrobial fabrics prevent clothes from emitting an unpleasant smell by restricting the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria. Feet are highly prone to stinking after a workout, so consider shopping for antimicrobial socks that can absorb moisture and discourage bacterial growth. A good pair of running or cycling shoes can provide optimal support to stabilize your movements, but socks that stink easily can make for an uncomfortable experience.
Pick Activity-Appropriate Pieces
Even if you already have go-to pieces for workout wear, it doesn’t automatically mean that each item is a good fit for all types of exercises. Running shorts are great for jogging but are unsuitable for cycling, which requires specialized shorts with padding to make bike rides comfortable. Similarly, running tights and yoga pants are tailored for different functions despite looking alike. Yoga pants are looser, making them ill-suited for running and jogging. In contrast, compression sportswear such as running tights can make you feel constrained and may not be the best clothes for yoga.
It’s also vital to consider the kind of footwear you pick for specific routines. Running shoes tend to compress and distort with activities such as weight training or cycling. On the other hand, shoes designed for weightlifting are inappropriate for jogging, which requires shock-absorbing running shoes that can handle heat and friction.
Consider The Climate and Environment
What you wear for your workout also depends on where you will be doing your routine. Light and minimal pieces are fine if you want to exercise indoors or in warm weather. However, this kind of apparel does not provide enough protection outdoors, especially in a cold climate. If you need to exercise in cold weather, layer up in clothes that you can easily remove as your body temperature and heart rate go up during exercise. When going for layers, always wear close-fitting items under looser garments.
When exercising outdoors, you should consider the potential impacts of nature on your body. Clothes with UV protection can keep your skin safe from the harsh effects of direct sunlight, especially during outdoor exercises in the morning.
Choose Comfort with The Right Fit
The general rule about picking exercise outfits is to wear the ones that will not get in the way of your routine. Workout clothes should fit your silhouette well. Don't go for items that are either too loose or too tight that you get distracted from your routine.
Comfort is ultimately the key to good workout wear, so pick clothes that are unrestrictive, adequately vented, and flexible enough to provide support to various parts of your body.
Mind The Colors You Wear
What you wear in your workout routine can have an effect on your mental and physical state. Dark clothes absorb more light, which is then converted into heat. As such, black is not the best color to wear in warm weather, especially for people who sweat easily.
Certain shades can also send signals to your brain that can either enhance or disrupt your exercise routine. For example, wearing neutral tones can induce a sense of calm, which is why they are best for meditative activities such as yoga. On the other hand, high-visibility or bright clothing is a must for people who often exercise outside, particularly in areas near roads. Bright clothes with reflective elements make you more visible to other people, especially in poorly-lit areas. Wearing eye-catching colors can be helpful if you prefer exercising outside at night or in the early hours.
Clothes Can Affect Your Workout
It goes without saying that the clothes you wear can affect your performance when working out. Ill-fitting and inappropriate clothing can constrict your movements, make you feel self-conscious, and negatively impact your body rather than improve your physical form. When choosing your exercise ensemble, the most important thing to consider is how you feel about your outfit. The best clothes should suit your body and pace, but it wouldn’t hurt to pick exercise gear that doesn't sacrifice your style.
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