With the New Year fast approaching, you might be starting to think about your goals for 2021. If you’re like many people, the number one thing on your list for next year may be getting fitter and healthier.
To do so takes commitment, motivation, and perseverance. It also helps to have the right workout clothes. Here are some tips for getting this part of your wardrobe sorted.
Activewear apparel is a huge market that has grown exponentially in recent years and continues its rise. As such, there’s such a vast number of options available that it can get overwhelming to choose between brands and products. When examining workout clothing, keep in mind that while some expensive brands make quality gear that’s worth investing in, not all do. The high prices aren’t always justified, so do your research before you shop.
Read online reviews and forums, social media posts, magazine and newspaper articles, and testimonials from customers to see how well the clothing from different brands lasts over time. Ask your friends and family for recommendations too. Pay attention to factors such as comfort, ease of care, longevity, practicality, and skin sensitivities.
A ready-to-go workout wardrobe should include a few outfits that cater to different types of exercise unless you really only do one kind of workout. You can wear the same gear for all activity, but it helps to have products specifically designed for certain exercises. Wearing the right outfit allows you to enjoy your training sessions more and work for longer. It may cost a bit more to invest in different options, but it’s worth it when you get the results you’re after.
For example, regular bike riders will want some cycling shorts, perhaps even those that come padded to help with comfort. If you practice yoga, you’ll need outfits you can move easily and broadly in. Runners require tights that fit well at the waist, so the pants don’t fall during intense movement. Plus, you’ll probably want a built-in pocket to store your house or car key while out running.
You’ll need plenty of quality t-shirts for women or men in your wardrobe that breathe well and absorb moisture effectively, too, so you don’t end up feeling like you’re dripping with sweat. Plus, don’t forget exercise-suitable sweatshirts or hoodies to keep the cold out in winter. You may also want a rain slicker or other product to keep the elements at bay when you do your activity in the great outdoors.
Something not enough people consider when buying workout clothes is the safety side of things. Of course, you want gear that isn’t flammable and won’t get caught in equipment when you exercise. In particular, though, if you exercise a lot outdoors, make sure you own suitable clothing. You need visible items to other road users, such as drivers and cyclists, when you exercise when it’s dark. Choose goods with reflective stripes, made of bright colors rather than black.
Plus, if you’re active during the day when the sun’s out, your wardrobe should contain clothes that provide you with some UV protection. This is particularly the case for long-distance runners, swimmers, surfers, and others who spend hours at a time outdoors in the heat of the day. Helpfully, these days many brands make their goods out of sun-protective materials, so it’s easy and affordable to find outfits to keep your skin safe.
Don’t choose workout clothes without examining the materials they’re made from, either. Read the tags to see if products utilize fabrics that absorb sweat and pull it away from your body during movement. Choose breathable synthetic materials that help sweat evaporate, thereby keeping your body cooler, especially if you do high-intensity exercising like running or boxing.
Steer clear of cotton shirts and pants for these types of activities. While cotton is natural rather than synthetic and therefore sounds like it would be a better choice, it unfortunately actually absorbs sweat. Consequently, it will keep the moisture close to your skin and make you feel uncomfortable sooner rather than later.
Plus, it’s best to avoid clothes made from rubber or plastic-based materials, as these tend to elevate body temperature during workouts due to their inability to breathe.
It can be hard enough trying to make ourselves exercise, especially during winter when the sun sets early and the temperature drops. Don’t make life harder for yourself by having inappropriate workout gear. Think about all the factors listed above when shopping for new clothes, and buy wisely.