Aside from eating right and sleeping well, another essential factor that influences your performance during your workout is your workout gear. Regardless if you’re doing a water activity or just taking a light jog, if you want to get the most out of every session, it’s not enough that you put on just any outfit you can find.
The right workout outfit significantly boosts your mood and makes you feel self-confident. When you’re feeling good, you’re more likely to participate in strenuous activities and push yourself harder to torch those calories. On top of that, you also get to move around freely without anything holding you back!
To help you choose the right workout gear for your next gym session, here are five factors to consider.
Breathability
Perspiration is inevitable when you’re doing your weight training, aerobic workout, or other routines. That said, the first thing you have to check when looking for your exercise apparel is if it is breathable and moisture-wicking. Wearing breathable fabrics will keep you feeling cool and comfortable, even when you’re sweating it out!
You should avoid absorptive fabric such as cotton because it can easily become heavy and wet even when you’re just halfway through your HIIT session. Rather, polyester, nylon, wool, polypropylene are the better choices, as these are all moisture-wicking and durable at the same time.
Fit and Comfort
Aside from breathability, you should also check whether the sports apparel you’re eyeing fits you just right. You have to make sure that you’ll pick the right size where you’ll be comfortable moving around in. For example, check whether the training shoes are too small for you or if the athletic shirt is too tight for your liking.
Remember, you won’t be able to go all out on your workout session if you’re too distracted by what you’re wearing!
Durability
It’s also a smart idea to check for the durability of the sportswear you are eyeing. Although high-quality and heavy-duty apparels can be expensive, you know that you’re getting what you paid for and that you can get plenty of use out of it. After all, you wouldn’t want your walking boots giving up on you mid-hike or your sports top getting ripped by the slightest friction!
While it’s alright to check sale racks now and then, you’re more likely to find items of superior quality from popular brands.
Flexibility
Since you’ll be engaging every muscle in your body, you should also consider flexibility when looking for your exercise apparel. The best sportswear shouldn’t hold you back; instead, it should support your every movement, no matter what workout you are performing.
That said, your best bet would be flexible clothing that isn’t too fitted that it can make you feel suffocated. Moreover, you’ll probably want athletic bottoms that allow you to move around freely or stretch your legs comfortably. Keep the activity you are doing in mind when trying out workout clothes to make sure you end up with something that won’t get in your way.
Seasons
Don’t forget to consider the seasons and climate where you will be training. For hotter seasons, you’ll be able to perform better with loose clothing with breathable materials. These will keep your body cool throughout the workout.
On the other hand, you’ll need to wear layers of clothing to stay warm when you’re training during the colder months. Aside from the sweat-wicking undershirt, it’s a smart idea to add an outer layer that aids ventilation, so you can stay warm but keep your body temperature throughout the session regulated.
Conclusion
Rather than following the latest fashion trends or dressing up for style, it’s smarter to look for the apparel that can help make your workouts fun and exciting—just the way that they should be! That said, keep in mind the five factors we mentioned above the next time you shop; you’re sure to find the gear that you’ll love burning fats or building muscles in.
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