Fashion might be the last thing on your mind when you’re planning your workout, but the right exercise clothes can make the difference between a good workout and a great one.
Everything from the type of materials, the fit of the clothing, how well you move, how well your body regulates your temperature, and even how well you recover after.
Below are some things you should consider when choosing your workout clothing.
Clothing That Supports
Your clothing should be loose enough to allow freedom of movement, but it should also fit closely enough to provide the necessary support. For example, a good sports bra should keep things in place without interfering with your breathing. At the same time, compression underwear should support the thigh and hip muscles, without constricting your movement.
When your body has the right support, you are more likely to use proper form and less likely to suffer from fatigue. Proper form and less fatigue also means you’re less likely to get injured and more likely to get the most out of your workout.
The key is in making sure that your support garments fit properly. For example, compression underwear that is too loose won’t massage and support your muscles or encourage blood flow. On the other hand, if they are too tight, they will actually constrict blood flow, starving your muscles of the oxygen they need to function. Not only will that cause discomfort, it can also lead to cramping and muscle fatigue.
Undergarments are not the only form of support, reinforced outerwear, gloves, weight belts, and the proper footwear can also go a long way to supporting your body during workouts, making your workout more efficient and preventing injury.
- Reinforced outerwear has special stitching and elastic panels that provide structural support;
- Weight-lifting gloves allow you to have a better grip so that you aren’t expending extra energy trying to hold and stabilize the weights;
- Weight belts support your lower back when your lifting heavy weights, to prevent you from over-extending your lower spine; and,
- The proper footwear provides a solid foundation, and prevents unnecessary strain on your feet, ankles, and lower leg.
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Moisture and Temperature Control
Sweat might be a badge of honor, but that doesn’t mean it has to stick to your body. In fact, when your soaking wet clothing sticks to you, it actually bogs you down and slows down your workout. It can also make you overheat or give you the chills – especially if you’re exercising outdoors in cool weather.
A cotton T-shirt and sweat pants are durable, and cheap, but they are also the worst when it comes to moisture and temperature control. If fact, twenty minutes into your workout you’ll probably feel like you’re wading through a swamp.
Another issue is that standard spandex and Lycra clothing tends to collect odors. Wear them often enough and, eventually, they will always smell like you’ve just finished a workout, even fresh out of the dryer.
Clothing that wicks moisture away from your body is made from a combination of materials will keep you cool and dry, so you can focus on your actual workout. They also tend to have anti-microbial treatments that prevent odors from lingering, even after multiple uses.
Proper care of your workout clothing will also help them retain their moisture wicking properties longer, as well as keep them from smelling like the inside of a gym bag. Soaking them in a vinegar bath before washing will lift sweat and body residue out of the fabric. You should also wash them without fabric softener, and with an extra rinse cycle, to prevent cleaning products from building up in the fibers.
Moisture wicking fabrics tend to be a little more expensive than the garden-variety T-shirt, but they are well worth the cost.
Psychology of Dressing Right
Support, moisture, and temperature are just three factors that determine whether your workout gear is a help or a hindrance; your appearance is another.
Even if you’re not spending every moment staring in the mirror, the way your clothes make you look can have profound psychological effects. Wearing shapeless clothes hides your body so that you can’t see the fruits of your labor. It can also make it difficult for you to tell if you are using the correct form as you work out. Wearing clothing that is too small shows off your flaws, and can even make you look in worse shape than you are, which could be discouraging.
Clothes that look nice and flatter your body do more than just show off your body to others, they also help you feel good about your body.
