The clothing you wear to work out is just as important as bringing water with you. Clothing has many functions, and it is important to choose the right outfit for the activity you are performing and for the conditions you will be performing it in. With a little preparation, you can choose the perfect clothing for your workout.
Weather
If you are exercising outside, you need to consider the weather. In hot weather, make sure to dress so you do not overheat. Wear loose clothing that allows your body to breathe. This type of clothing allows air to cool your body and evaporate sweat. Choose light colors instead of dark to reflect the sun's rays away from your body. In cold weather, wear layers of clothing. This way, you can remove layers if you heat up and add layers if you become cold from sweat. MayoClinic.com recommends starting with a polypropylene layer that absorbs the sweat, followed by a fleece or wool layer. Put a light jacket on top. Wear a face mask or scarf so the cold air doesn't hurt your lungs and wear gloves and warm socks. In both types of weather, protect your head. In the winter, wear a warm hat, and in summer, wear a light hat that protects you from the sun.
Movement
Wear loose clothing during physical activity so you have the right amount of movement to correctly perform the exercise. This will give you the most out of your exercise and possibly prevent injuries. For instance, if you wear jeans and try to stretch, you won't be able to push your body as far as if you wear loose clothing. Loose clothing is also more comfortable and it is also important to feel comfortable during physical activity.
Confidence
You also want to choose clothes that make you feel self-confident. The better you feel in your clothes, the more likely you will be to feel positive about exercise and want to continue doing it. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, African-American women who feel self-conscious about the way they look and the clothing they exercise in are less likely to participate in physical activity.
Shoes
Shoes are extremely important for physical activity, especially for high-impact exercises such as running. Most stores sell specialty sneakers for different types of exercise, such as running, cross-training and basketball. The President's Council suggests shoes with heavy soles with a lot of cushioning and proper support for the arches of your feet.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hot-Weather Exercise -- How to Keep Cool
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise and Cold Weather -- Tips to Stay Safe Outdoors
- President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: Fitness Fundamentals -- Guidelines for Personal Exercise Programs
- President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports E-Newsletter: Physical Activity Challenges Facing African-American Girls and Women
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