Dress To Progress: What Should You Be Wearing To Get The Most From Your Workout?
The days of chucking on an old t-shirt or some paint-stained sweats for your workout are over. Today, we have access to a vast range of workout clothing that is specially designed to improve performance. But with such great choice of sports clothing, it can be difficult to know exactly what to choose. When choosing your gear, it is important to consider what your workout will involve.
Running
Running is a high-intensity exercise that involves a lot of repetitive movement and as a result, comfort is key. Certain types of clothing can cause uncomfortable chaffing and blisters, which will negatively affect your performance. As a result, it is best to avoid cotton clothing, as the thicker fabric is likely to rub and chafe. Cotton also retains moisture and prevents your body from effectively regulating heat, meaning you are likely to get too hot or too cold.
Instead, you should choose clothing made from technical fabric, which uses materials such as Lycra and nylon. Technical fabric is lightweight, comfortable and breathable. It moves moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate efficiently. This allows the body to effectively regulate temperature.
Weight Training
Weight training is often less high-intensity than running, instead involving short periods of extreme exertion. As a result, you have slightly more choice with the clothes you wear, and considerations should be based primarily on what feels comfortable. Ensure your clothes allow for a full and easy range of motion; there's no point in squeezing into a tight pair of leggings that are going to split as soon as you start you first squat! Make sure you have proper footwear; a pair of flat-bottomed shoes are ideal for weightlifting.
Yoga
Yoga involves complex stretching and movement. As a result, clothing must allow for comfortable and unrestricted movement. You should avoid clothing with buttons or zippers, which can rub and pinch as you stretch. Whilst baggy, loose fitting clothes are often associated with yoga, they may prove annoying (or overly revealing) during more complex, upside-down movements. Form-fitting, synthetic clothing can often be the best option for close and comfortable, but still movable, fit.
For the fashion-conscious, there are now plenty of companies making stylish (but still sporty) workout clothing. For example, Brazilian fitness tops can offer the perfect blend of style and functionality for women. Brazilian workout tops could be ideal for getting the most out of yoga or other workouts.Click here to learn more.