Workout Essentials: What to Wear to the Gym

Do you give any thought to what you wear to the gym or do you just throw on a pair of comfy sweatpants and a T-shirt? 

There might be a good reason to think thoroughly about what you wear during a workout. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, choosing the right fitness attire can impact your performance. Polyester garments seem to beat their cotton counterparts in comfort, athletic performance and thermoregulatory response (a cooling effect). 

Another interesting conclusion from this research is that garment choice dramatically affects aerobic and anaerobic tasks in women. 

Think Comfortable & Dry

Increasing your comfort level while pushing yourself past your limits is important. So is staying dry. 

Some fitness fabrics are designed to “wick” the sweat away from your skin during a workout. Due to this ability, the moisture evaporates quickly.

Nylon and polyester fabrics are great when you are looking for breathable, moisture-wicking materials. Working out in the heat or in a poorly ventilated indoor setting can quickly lead to perspiration. That’s where moisture-wicking attire comes into play. 

Cotton workout garments are quite common since they are affordable and comfortable. Unfortunately, cotton absorbs moisture leading to an unpleasant feeling. 

Bear in mind that the layer next to your skin has to have moisture-transferring properties. Polypropylene is perfect as a base layer as it expels the moisture to the surface to evaporate.

Opt for Clothes That Provide Flexibility

Freedom of movement is the property you should be looking for in athletic garments.  Synthetic materials like nylon or polypropylene allow for much-needed flexibility without constricting movements.

Polyester and Spandex sports apparel also enables a full range of motion while providing durability and proper breathing. 

To find top-quality gym shoes at https://www.walkjogrun.net/. You can also find useful information on the right undergarments, anti-chafing creams, foot arch support tools, and more workout essentials. 

Deciding on a Sports Bra

A good sports bra should provide comfort, support and sweat management. Durability is a plus. The right bra will minimize movement and prevent bounce but it shouldn’t be constricting by any means. 

Look for a bra made out of a smooth, breathable fabric. Minimal seams and stitching will reduce friction during a workout and help you avoid irritation. 

While trying out different bras jump up and down to assess their support. 

Fittin Sports Bras (Pack of 4), Athleta Glory 2.0 Bra and Nike Pro Swish Sports Bra are some of the best ones to buy according to the Good Housekeeping Institute test.

Choose the Right Fit

Give the advantage to comfortable fitness garments. Avoid both tight and loose workout clothes. Compressing your diaphragm or waist is a no-no. 

Your exercise gear should be suitable for the type of workout you are about to complete. If you plan to cycle or hit the treadmill, wearing pants that are too loose isn’t the wisest choice to make. 

Remember to always try out workout clothes before buying anything. Making exaggerated motions while trying them on is a great way to check the functionality of garments.

Stay Confident! 

Most importantly, even if you don’t feel your best at the moment – keep going. You will sometimes feel like there’s no progress, but don’t let that stop you from hitting the gym, giving your best and achieving your goals.

The gym is the place of change and if you stick to a workout regimen you are on the way to look and feel better.

Choosing the right workout essentials can make a huge difference in how you feel during and after a training session. Moving easy and feeling comfortable while working out will help you stay strong during the drill.