When it comes to working out, it’s important to do so in the right clothes. Exercising in clothes that are too tight and uncomfortable can have a negative impact on your performance, meaning you won’t perform to your best ability.
Wearing clothes that are comfortable, on the other hand, will mean that you can enjoy a hassle-free workout without having to worry about anything else.
Entering a fitness store can be slightly daunting though, especially when you are faced with a plethora of styles, fits and designs. The burning questions is, how do you decide which clothes are right for you?
Here are a few tips:
Choose breathable fabric
An important aspect to consider is the fabric of your workout clothes. Since you are likely to sweat during exercise, it is essential for your garments to be made of lightweight, breathable fabric.
Look out for clothes that feature mesh pockets, known as moisture-wicking fabric, as these are designed to help your skin breathe. Rather than absorbing any moisture – which can make clothes feel heavy and uncomfortable – moisture-wicking material is made from synthetic fibres that draw moisture from the inside of clothing to the outside, where it makes contact with the air and evaporates.
Focus on the fit
While you don’t want your clothes to fit too tightly, you equally don’t want them to be too loose. Working out in ill-fitted garments can affect how well you perform and interfere with your workout routine.
If you are unsure about how a certain garment is supposed to fit, speak to an in-store fitness specialist who will be best placed to advise you on the type of fit for your body and needs.
Choose clothes you are attracted to
It’s likely you will sometimes have days where you don’t feel like working out at all. One way to keep motivated though, is to work out in clothes that you like and feel good in.
Wearing old scrubs to exercise in won’t really set your self-confidence levels racing, so choose clothes that you find attractive. What’s more, a new set of workout clothes will encourage you to hit the gym, as you’ll be more inclined to want to flaunt your latest purchases.
Consider the exercise you will be performing
Another thing to consider when selecting workout clothes is the type of exercise you will be carrying out.
For example, if you are performing indoor exercises, you may wish to choose sleeveless vest tops, three-quarter length leggings or shorts. If you will be exercising outdoors, however, it is important to bear in mind the weather conditions.
In autumn, for example, the temperatures outdoors begin to drop, meaning it’s best to select thermal sportswear and long-sleeved garments.
