Working out is an essential part of your health and fitness routine, and wearing the right clothes while you do so is vital. Clothes that are too tight restrict movement and can make it harder to do your routines, but too-loose clothing can become stuck in machinery or cause you to trip or fall. Having the right wardrobe will help you down the path to fitness success. Here’s what to include in yours.
Workout Leggings or Shorts
Whether you’re at the health and fitness store looking for the best protein powder or you’re heading to the gym, you’ll need form-fitting leggings or shorts that are comfortable to wear and move in. Look for items that have moisture-wicking abilities, which helps to bring sweat away from your body while you’re moving and prevents chafing. If you are someone who prefers to wear matching outfits while you work out, stick to black leggings and shorts. This way, they’ll match everything. Remember to try them on and move around in them a bit in the dressing room to ensure you have the range of motion that you want.
A Variety of Tank Tops
Workouts get sweaty, especially when they’re indoors, so you’ll want a wide variety of different tank tops to wear while you’re sweating it out. Basic tank tops or “muscle shirts” are a good start and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to help you meet your personal style. You might even consider buying a few with motivational messages on them to help you keep yourself inspired. In addition to regular tank tops, purchase some racerback tanks for when you’ll be using wide movements in the arms (think weight lifting). Racerback tanks are looser along the shoulders and make it easier for you to move in them.
A Sweatshirt or Light Jacket
If you like to work out outside and don’t want to stop just because the weather is getting cooler, add a sweatshirt or a light jacket to your workout wardrobe and layer them over your tank tops when the temperatures start to drop. This will allow you to continue jogging or running, biking, or playing sports outside during the fall and winter months. If you begin to sweat too much, you can always take the long sleeves off and have your tank top underneath as a backup. Look for something in bright colors, especially if you work out at dawn or dusk, as it will help motorists and other people to see you on the road.
Comfortable and Supportive Gym Shoes
When you’re going to be working out a lot, you need supportive shoes that will help you stay comfortable. Avoid wearing flat-footed sneakers like Converse, as they can cause you to develop pain. When choosing the kind of gym shoe that you want, consider what types of workouts you’ll be doing most often. If you like to run, find shoes made for runners. If you play a lot of basketball, look for that specific type of shoe. Those who prefer a variety of different types of workouts can find all-purpose gym shoes. The proper fit is essential. To avoid blisters, you’ll need at least a half an inch of space at the front of the shoe and an eighth of an inch at the back. Remember to break in your shoes by wearing them around the house for a few days before working out in them.
Sports Bras
There is not much worse than trying to go for a run in a regular bra and having the girls bounce up into your face with every step. Beyond that, working out without a sports bra, especially if you are large-chested, could leave you in a world of back pain. Go to a shop and ask to be measured to be sure to get the right fit. The right sports bra will be snug enough to keep your breasts in place while you work out but not so tight that you feel constricted.
From your head to your toes, the right workout attire can make or break your fitness goals. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and in your health by purchasing items that look good and feel good.
