The sportswear market grows every year, but many people still choose their training or sports clothes because of the brand. Most still think that a pair of shorts and a comfortable T-shirt are enough for running, working out at the gym, or playing sports.
But choosing the right sportswear is the best way to stay fit and protected. When you wear inappropriate clothes for certain activities, you end up sweating more, tiring easily, and even leaving your body unprotected – especially if you workout outdoors. If you are planning to buy fitness wear, you might want to start and choose your outfit at Apex Fitness. They offer wonderful and comfy clothing that might suit your interest.
The sportswear you choose can affect your performance, so here’s what you need to know.
Choose The Right Fabric
When choosing the fabric of your workout clothes, two factors are essential: breathability and moisture management. The first is the material’s ability to let your body breathe during the activities; the second prevents sweating or dries quickly, preventing clothes from getting wet and heavy.
Clothes made with rubber/plastic-based materials can provide elasticity, but they don’t let the sweat evaporate and increase your body temperature too much. On the other hand, Cotton is breathable, but it retains the sweat and makes your clothes get soaked through the workout.
Consider the following fabrics, especially on t-shirts, to improve your performance:
Polyester
Considered the fitness fabric par excellence due to its durability, strength, and lightness. The material is also non-absorbent, making it easier for sweat to evaporate. It can be used in any activity and temperature.
Nylon
Soft and stretchy, it’s an ideal choice for higher impact activities because it flexes along with your muscles. The material absorbs sweat from the skin and favors its evaporation through the fabric. It’s the perfect material to wear on tops, shorts, and leggings.
Wool
Wool fibers keep the warm air out of your body when it’s cold, ensuring a pleasant temperature, and retain the sweat from your body when it’s too hot. So it is a great option for outdoor workouts during any season.
Spandex
A high-elastic material ideal for exercises that put more demands on your muscles (including yoga). Spandex clothing is lightweight and comfortable because the material can stretch tens of times its original size.
Change With The Seasons
It’s not a good idea to wear the same workout clothes year-round. There are suitable indoor and outdoor activities choices, so you must change your sportswear with the seasons.
Here are the best combinations for each type of weather:
Cold Weather
When it’s very cold, and you’re wearing inappropriate clothing, your body limits blood flow to extremities such as arms and legs. Side effects are numb fingers, watery eyes, and a burning sensation in the lungs during workouts.
Layering properly is very important but without exaggeration. Opt for an inner layer in direct contact with your skin to absorb moisture, a middle layer to ensure thermal insulation, and an outer layer to protect you from the wind (for example, a light jacket).
Warm Weather
If it’s too hot outside, your body will sweat more and lose water quickly, which can accelerate your exhaustion. To avoid it, wear lighter, breathable clothing in white or light colors when exercising outdoors. If the sun is very strong, don’t forget to wear a cap and prescription sports sunglasses.
Wet Weather
Exercising outdoors in rain or snow can be tricky, as wet skin and clothing affect body temperature and impair your movement, as well as increase the risk of muscle injuries. The best option for exercising in humid weather is to wear absorbent fabrics with a waterproof outer layer and shoes with soles suitable for slippery or muddy terrain.
Protection and Injury Prevention
The right sportswear guarantees protection and injury prevention, helping to reduce post-workout pain and muscle cramps. There are more advanced options for certain activities that even offer temperature regulation during your workout or apply pressure around certain muscles to prevent injuries.
Remember that your sportswear also needs to include UV protection for outdoor workouts. Some fabrics protect your skin from the sun, but be sure to apply sunscreen to exposed parts.
Alternatively, prescription sports sunglasses are very important when exercising outdoors or playing impact sports, to protect your eyes during the exercise.
Get in Shape With the Right Clothes
Exercising in the wrong clothes compromises your workout routine and can even increase your risk of muscle injuries or other health problems.
You must wear the right clothes to feel comfortable and safe, but these decisions should be made based on the activities you will practice and the weather outside.
The right sportswear will help you get in shape, giving you the right balance and comfort for a healthy exercise routine.
Krishan Jangir