What to Wear
Toning Major Muscle GroupsCommon Workout Wear Problems
Know
the issues and how to avoid them
When you’re working out comfort is right up there with hydration, nutrition and motivation in terms of importance. If your outfit rubs the wrong way, gets soaked with sweat or is too tight or loose, chances are you won’t be able to get the most out of your workout.
Common workout wear problems
- Material suffocation - If you’re outfitted in head-to-toe cotton you may have a problem. As you sweat, cotton absorbs it but doesn’t allow it to evaporate, leaving the clothing soaked and you at risk of chafing or becoming chilled when you’re working out in the cold. Solve this problem by investing in gear made of high-tech sweat-wicking material. On the other hand, cotton is a great material for many indoor activities and when mixed with synthetics such as polyester can be a lot more versatile.
- Chafing - When clothes don’t fit right they’ll rub you in all the wrong ways, which can be irritating enough to make you cut your workout short. It’s not a bad idea to read workout wear reviews as well as taking your body measurements and trying things on. If you buy online, look for a company that allows you to send the item back if it’s not right. Before wearing your new duds for a heavy-duty sweat session try them on and move around in them. You might be able to spot discomfort problems before you’re stuck with an ill-fitting $80 pair of yoga pants.
- Too hot/cold - It’s important to dress for the elements, whether that means layering warm, wind-breaking and sweat-wicking materials in cold weather, or choosing light colors and fabrics for a lunchtime summer walk.
- Frumpy - Admittedly this isn’t really a problem in the strictest sense of the term, but it’s my firm belief that looking good can put you in a better mood to work out. Sure, old baggy sweats will do the job, but who wants to walk into the gym looking like they care abut their appearance that little? If you feel good in what you’re wearing chances are you’ll be a bit more motivated. And if you’re trying to lose weight, it helps to feel better about your body as it is right now.