Nothing dampens a good workout like uncomfortable clothing. Yet, for most of us, it can be a regular occurrence. Putting together a day-to-day outfit is challenging enough without having to add workout clothes to the mix. But picking out the perfect fitness gear may feel like an overwhelming and impossible task when faced with a near-limitless choice of options, styles and brands.
The bottom line? When hitting the gym, we shouldn’t be encumbered by clothing that pinches, bunches or sags, and we shouldn’t break the bank doing so!
The right shoes, leggings, sports bra and accessories will not only enhance performance, they will also boost our confidence and give us the extra push we need to achieve the best results. The following are some practical guidelines to choosing the best workout essentials.
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Workout Gear
1. Shoes
When it comes to shoes, one size doesn’t fit all. Feet come in all shapes and sizes, so we should try on several different styles, learning what works and doesn’t work along the way. Experimenting with fit and comfort levels, while trying them on with our favorite pair of socks, is the best way to find the perfect fit. We should also avoid buying a single pair of shoes for multi-purpose use, as this will increase the risk of injury.
2. Sports Bra
A sports bra can make or break a workout. Designed to offer support and control, a good sports bra will have moisture-wicking features, to reduce the uncomfortable, damp sensation of perspiration, and prevent chafing. The right bra should also provide a tighter and snugger fit than a regular bra, without pinching or cutting off circulation. Compression “shelf” style sports bras with
racerbacks are ideal for smaller cups (A & B), while “encapsulating” type bras with wider straps are best for larger cups.
3. Shirts/Tops
Cotton may seem comfortable, but in the midst of an intense workout, won’t provide the flexibility and moisture-wicking features of quality performance fabrics. Instead of opting for cotton fabrics, which sag and absorb humidity, it’s best to seek premium materials that are engineered to ward off bacteria caused by sweat. Mesh vents, for instance, are designed to keep the body cool by maximizing ventilation. This is the one area where spending a little extra money will go a long way. And while workout clothing doesn’t have to be ultra form-fitting, it also shouldn’t slow us down.
4. Leggings
When shopping for leggings, we want to choose breathable, comfortable fabrics that dry quickly and wick away moisture. Leggings also offer different levels of compressions, so it’s important to consider this when choosing the right pair, especially when wearing them during high-intensity workouts. The right compression will increase blood circulation and reduce pain and fatigue. Durability should also be a deciding factor. Cotton leggings will lose their shape and wear out, while Spandex and Nylon are more likely to stand the test of time. Some brands of leggings (like Brut Force) even contain innovative technologies that kill odor-causing bacteria!
5. Accessories
Accessories are fun, varied, and can easily add flair to any workout, so it can be easy to get carried away with them! Water bottles come in many different styles. Some are foldable and are equipped with drinking “reminders”, while some come in the form of hydration backpacks with drinking nozzles. Heart sensors can help us monitor the intensity of our workout, as well as display the number of calories burned. Smart phone apps, such as Personal Fitness Coaches (one of our favorites!), can map our workout, track its intensity, and offer motivational training.
With a little TLC, extra thought and some research, we can all make the right choices to optimize comfort, cost and satisfaction!
If you want to support the Kickstarter Campaign for Brut Force Leggings, you can do so here.
Disclaimer: This particular post was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer did give me the product for testing and review purposes.
