Whether you can only fit exercise after a day spent at work or class or prefer to exercise at night, it's important to wear the proper apparel. Exercising at night has different considerations from exercising during the day, namely a need for increased visibility. Wearing the right clothes at night helps to keep you safe while enjoying the benefits of exercise.
What to Wear
Reflective clothing is vital for a nighttime exerciser. Even if you are going a gym or indoor field to exercise indoors, reflective clothing ensures you are seen from the parking lot to your exercise venue. Look for clothing that has reflective strips. These typically look silver or metallic on a clothing item. You should have reflective strip on both the front and back to ensure you are seen from both positions. Try to wear at least two items of reflective clothing: a hat, shirt, jacket, leggings or shoes. You also can purchase reflective tape from a local sporting goods store and apply to your clothing as a cost-saving technique if you currently do not have reflective clothing. Because it will be cooler at night, you may wish to layer your clothing. A tank top or short-sleeve shirt that wicks away sweat layered under a reflective jacket can help.
What Not to Wear
When exercising at night, you should avoid wearing all-dark clothing, which can make it difficult for others to see you. Your exercise clothing also should be weather-appropriate and easy to remove if you get too hot while exercising. Avoid exercising with headsets or headphones that keep you from being more alert to your surroundings. Night exercise can make hearing oncoming cars or other dangers difficult. Avoid these types of accessories to maximize your safety.
Accessories
In addition to reflective clothing, you can purchase lighted items to attach to your clothing. These include a headlamp, which is beneficial to lighting your path if you are riding a bike, running or walking. You also can purchase blinking lights designed to be attached to your bicycle, but attach them to your clothing instead. Stick them on a pocket or waistband where they can be securely fastened.
Safety First
Another needed safety gear at night is a cell phone and identification, which can help you in case of emergency. If you prefer not to carry identification, you can write your name, telephone number and blood type on the inside of your shoe for safety. Purchase exercise clothing that has pockets, buy a pouch that can hold your items and can go around your neck, waist or back. If you do not wear a headlamp, you also should carry a flashlight with you.
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