From lunging, running, pumping iron to practising yoga or whatever other activity you choose, keeping fit is not just beneficial physically but also has a positive impact on everyone’s mental health. But did you know having the proper workout attire in place can sometimes be as crucial as having the right equipment? Of course, everyone wants to look good especially since activewear is a major trend these days however it does have a huge impact on both your stamina and your motivation. With so many options for workout wear available, there’s no excuse to look shabby but if not to look good you need the right clothes to help elevate your workouts and perform at your full potential.
I mean working out is tough enough but it gets even harder if you have to keep readjusting your leggings or sports bra from time to time. Even for something simple as yoga, your clothes need to be comfortable, well-fitted and stretchable to allow you to go about your yoga sessions without any discomfort. So if you feel the need to give your athletic wear a refresh stop wasting your hard-earned money on the wrong gear and check out our tips on selecting the best workout clothes. Trust us, keeping these simple tips in mind can make a world of a difference.
Keep scrolling for tips on choosing the right workout clothes:
1. Location, location, location!
This point seems pretty obvious, but you really need to consider what workout you’re doing and where. It’s a point that often overlooked. Your gear for working indoors at home will differ greatly from that of outdoors or the gym. In this case, the climate or temperature plays another huge factor. If you know the weather is going to be hot or cold, you would avoid pieces that could potentially make you uncomfortable or unprepared. For instance, a walk or run in the cold outdoors would mean you need to layer fabrics that keep you warm and help battle the cold air. Likewise, warm weather would mean running shorts or a sleeveless top.
2. Consider the fabric
Picking the right fabric is an essential task for your exercises and not all workout gear is created equal. Instead of just focusing on how cute the outfit looks you need to look at what it’s made of. Low-quality items with a cheaper price tag might end up overheat your body as they aren’t designed to handle intense sweat sessions and just simply hold all the moisture in making you feel gross and uncomfortable. If you have intense sweat sessions or working out outdoors opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that pull moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate. This will help keep your body temperature down during workouts in warm environments.
You want to avoid cotton unless you’re doing low-intensity workouts because it soaks up all the sweat like a sponge making you super uncomfortable. It is fine for sessions where you’re not perspiring as much or doing slow yoga flows. It’s also is more likely to smell less post your workout. A fun fact – Polyester is great for the heat as it also protects you from UV rays! We understand these can be expensive. However, having 2-3 really good quality sets is a better investment than having 5-6 low-quality outfits in the long run.
3. Form and Fit
How does it feel when you wear your gym clothes? If they’re not comfortable and too tight or too baggy then you’ll never end up wearing them or be unmotivated to work out. While the pieces you pick will depend on the type of sessions, we all know the importance of a good sports bra so you’re going to want to ditch that strappy top if you’re doing high impact workouts like HIIT. You’re going to need something that allows a full range of motion and holds everything in place. Also while it’s tempting to purchase things online it’s always best if you can actually try them in person, if not hold yourself to the standard of shipping back the pieces you don’t like.
Pay attention to how your outfits make you feel as you test them out and you’re sure to find outfits for all your exercise needs. Invest in a few quality pieces that will last you a long time rather than cheap items that need to be replaced often. And while you’re at why not try more colourful options to mix things up. Many people tend to wear dark colours when they work out, however, brighter colours can improve your mood psychologically.
4.Think about flexibility
If you can’t move freely in your workout clothes, then something is wrong! Workout gear is meant to be comfortable for a full range of motion and support your body. Think about the movements you do and based on that pick, not just the fabric but also a fit that allows you to do so easily. For leg workouts or cardio, shorts are great. Similarly, for yoga leggings is ideal is often a popular choice. Do a quick test of simple movements when you try on the clothes. For leggings, doing a squat test is the best way to test out the quality. If you can squat comfortably and the leggings don’t turn sheer—you have got yourself a winner.
5. Workout shoes
Let’s not forget that shoes play an important part in this process to feel comfortable and avoid injuries. Tennis, golf, running, basketball are just a few activities that require specific shoes to perform your best. So make time to do your research and watch out for special sales or deals to get them at a good price. The next best way is to ask for help at a store that sells them, they’ll be able to analyze your gait among other things, to figure out which type of shoe is best for you. You might wonder why can’t you stick to regular tennis or running shoes for the gym. Well if you remove sports from the picture think about weight lifting or your cardio class.
When it comes to lifting weights you need proper form and have a firm, flat grip on the ground. In this case high-tech, thick-soled running shoes won’t do the trick and be dangerous. Whereas your cardio or strength-training class means you’ll be constantly jumping and side-to-side shuffling. This means you will need a pair of shoes that provide ample cushioning and support as well as grip. Which in turn is different from running shoes that are picked based on how you run. For example, some need shoes that keep their feet from rolling inward while they run.
Did you find any of these tips helpful in finding the right workout clothes? Let us know in the comments below.
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