Starting to workout is a huge milestone for a lot of people. You finally have the motivation to get up and engage in a workout practice that will get you in shape.
That’s great! As with anything, though, the way you go about working out is very important. From the right gym to the right exercises, the little details are what will keep you engaged for the long-term.
Another one of those factors is your choice of clothing. Knowing what to wear when working out can seriously affect how your health journey takes its course. We’re going to discuss workout clothing in this article, giving you some insight on how to dress when you start hitting the gym.
What to Wear When Working Out
What you wear while working out might seem like a trivial thing, but it can actually play a huge part in a number of ways.
First, you want to be sure that you’re comfortable. When you’re having trouble moving, you’re chaffing, or you’re experiencing other clothing difficulties, you’re going to have a less-effective workout.
You may even be so uncomfortable that you cut your workout short and don’t start up again until you have new clothes. We all know how difficult it is to get back into an exercise once you break it.
Additionally, you want to feel confident about the way you look at the gym. That isn’t to say that you should try to look as attractive as possible, but, at the very least, you shouldn’t be embarrassed by the clothes you wear to the gym.
Running on a treadmill in jeans, for example, might cause a few heads to turn. You’re going to get distracted and self-conscious if you’re not happy with your attire, so it’s important to choose it carefully.
Stay Dry, Stay Comfortable
The most important factor in your workout clothes is whether or not you are comfortable. If you’re comfortable, you can continue working out and focus on the task at hand.
Comfortability is a preference that you have, so it’s up to you to decide what works. That might mean sweatpants, it might mean some tiny shorts. You might feel most comfortable in a bodybuilder tank or a long-sleeved t-shirt.
These things are up to your discretion, but make sure that you will remain dry in the clothes you choose. Products that are made from nylon or polypropylene are typically extremely breathable and functional, allowing you to sweat without retaining too much moisture.
On the other hand, cotton might be the material that’s most comfortable for you. Cotton is very breathable and many people workout in cotton, but note that cotton-based materials absorb a lot of the sweat that your body releases.
That means you’re going to be soaking wet by the end of a long workout. For some people, this is a non-issue, but it’s less comfortable for others.
Choose Appropriate Footwear
Many people wear the same pair of shoes for jogging and lifting. There are certainly options that fit a wide range of workouts.
At the same time, your footwear is extremely important to the health of your back and spine, joints, and endurance. If you’ll be mostly running, consider getting a running shoe.
Running shoes can help you stay in control, run for longer, support your joints, and protect your spine. You should also speak with a shoe expert or orthopedic specialist about arch support.
Training shoes, on the other hand, are more geared toward people who do a lot of lifting and training in the gym. For the beginner, your footwear won’t have too much of an effect, but you’ll soon need to bring different shoes for different exercises.
Outdoor Exercise
If you’re a person who plans to run in the outdoors, you’ll want to but a good deal of thought into your exercise attire.
This is particularly true for winter exercise. Very cold temperatures will require that you cover all of your skin to protect from windburn or worse, but remember that your exercise will increase your body temperature.
You may have noticed people running in very little clothing during the wintertime and wondered how in the world they could sustain being out in the cold for so long. Once you get into a rhythm, you’ll find that you can wear less clothing while exercising in the cold because your body is generating more heat.
At the same time, it might be wise to carry a small back with extra clothing for the off-chance that you slip and fall or experience injury while you’re on the trails.
While thin pants and shirts are acceptable during the winter, it’s important that you clothe your extremities and your head. So, bring a cap to cover your ears, gloves, and warm socks.
Further, you should prepare yourself with wind and rain jackets as well as waterproof pants if you plan to get out there rain or shine.
Name Brands vs Generic Brands
A trip to any popular sporting goods store will put you in contact with some of the most expensive gear on the market. Each product totes incredible results and benefits for working out in an attempt to justify the price.
These proposed benefits may be real, but many are only noticeable on the fringes of the workout experience. In other words, you’re going to get the benefits if you push yourself to the absolute limit, not if you engage in a healthy workout routine.
The most important thing is that you stick to working out and maintain your schedule. Having a $90 breathable shirt will not ensure that you get into the habit of working out and see results.
So, while you may want to get all of the fancy gear, a few pieces of the right clothing will do.
Need More Insight?
Getting into shape requires that you make informed decisions about working out, eating, and lifestyle choices. It can be hard to do it alone, but we’re here to help.
Explore our site for more insight into ways that you can get healthy.