When it comes to working out and exercising, you probably focus more on learning the proper technique and the correct form to get the most out of the routine. Perhaps you also observe safety precautions like proper hydration and rest to minimize the risk of injury and other potential health issues. However, there’s probably one crucial thing that you take for granted, even if it significantly impacts your workout: what you wear.
Whether you go to the gym, run on the track, or play sports on a court, the type of clothing you wear matters as it can affect your performance, motivation, and overall condition. You wouldn’t wear a faded pantsuit to work if you wanted to feel successful and confident, so why not apply the same principle to your workouts?
Instead of wearing your old sweat pants and oversized cotton t-shirt, try to “dress for success” when you go to the gym. Don’t hesitate to buy leggings or tank tops that offer support and allow for a good range of motion, even if they may be pricier than ordinary clothes. That’s because investing in high-quality activewear is always worth your hard-earned money.
Still not convinced? Here are several reasons why you should consider adding these garments to your wardrobe:
It Can Prevent Injuries
You may not realize it, but wearing the wrong exercise gear can result in avoidable injuries. For example, your feet could get tangled up in the hem of your loose sweatpants during a run. If you’re biking, loose sweatpants could also snag on the pedals or wheels. In either scenario, you could end up falling hard onto the ground, hurting yourself in the process.
While your old t-shirts, shorts, and sweats may seem comfortable and suited for exercising, they aren’t specifically designed for such activities. Apart from covering your body, they hardly do anything else.
On the other hand, various types of activewear are specially made with sports and physical activities in mind. Such garments are not only created to look stylish or offer comfort, but they’re also designed to protect against strain, impact, or overheating.
Try wearing compression sportswear if you want to feel an immediate difference. Compression garments like shirts and leggings apply ample pressure to your muscles to minimize pain and injuries. This popular activewear feature also stabilizes your body, increases blood circulation, and reduces muscle soreness and fatigue as you train.
Because even the mildest injury can affect your workout schedule and daily life, buying the right sportswear is always worth the investment.
It Gives You a Mental Boost
Many people start the year with a resolution to become more fit and active. Unfortunately, most of them lose their motivation after a few months. If you also have trouble pushing on, wearing the right workout clothes can be the boost that you need to reach your fitness goals. As mentioned above, what you wear matters more than you realize.
Indeed, going to the gym while wearing an ordinary shirt and Capris is hardly inspiring. Now, envision yourself wearing a stylish workout crop top or a cute sports bra and matching high-waist compression leggings. With such a great-looking get-up, you’ll definitely feel more confident and empowered to exercise.This connection between what you wear and how you feel while working out is no coincidence, either.
According to the results of one study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, clothing impacts a person’s behavior and attitudes because they hold symbolic meaning. In the same way that you feel like a boss when wearing an expensive business suit, wearing activewear makes you feel like an athlete. Your mind readily shifts to “exercise mode,” triggering your motivation and helping you concentrate as you complete your fitness routine. You will also feel more confident performing your chosen physical activity when you look the part.
It Can Make You Feel More Comfortable While Working Out
Your cotton tracksuit may feel comfy when you’re relaxing at home, but it can be problematic when you’re exercising or doing other sports activities that make you sweat excessively. That’s because cotton tends to absorb and retain moisture rather than wick it away from your skin. When you sweat, your cotton outfit will end up getting damp, heavy, and sticky, which could then lead to discomfort and overheating.
That said, maximizing your comfort is another reason why opting for activewear is worth the cost. High-quality and well-designed sportswear are made of light, breathable, and sweat-wicking materials that draw moisture away from your body. As a result, you feel dry and more comfortable even if you exercise for long hours.
It’s worth noting that there are also garments manufactured using intelligent fabrics that help regulate and maintain your body temperature. Essentially, they will cool you down when your body is heating up or warm you up if you’re feeling cold. By wearing outfits that readily adapt to ensure that your body is always at the right temperature, you’ll feel more comfortable while running, jumping, stretching, and doing all sorts of physical activities.
It Helps You Perform Better
Wearing high-quality activewear also helps improve your performance. If you’re doubtful about it, try biking in casual shorts or leggings, and see how long you can last. Chances are, you’ll stop biking after a while because of the discomfort from the wind, heat, and sweat.
On the other hand, when you bike while wearing cycling shorts, you will most likely ride faster and for much longer periods without any issues. That’s because bike shorts have padding in all the right places to provide you with extra comfort. They’re also made from stretchy materials to minimize air resistance and allow a full range of motion as you ride your bike.
Generally speaking, reputable activewear manufacturers invest time, money, and effort into their research for the best fabric, design, and technology that will bring out the best in the wearer. Every time you opt for good quality activewear, you are wearing the results of this intensive study—not just clothes that look and feel good.
It Will Give You More Support and Protection
Do you feel uneasy and in pain when you jog or do jumping jacks while wearing a regular brassiere? Besides the discomfort, constant movement can damage the breast tissue and lead to premature breast sagging.
This just goes to show that women need more protection and support when exercising, and these needs can only be addressed by wearing the right activewear. You can wear the most comfortable bra you have in your closet, but it will never offer the level of support that a well-fitting, high-quality sports bra can provide.
That said, there is no substitute for sports bras when it comes to supporting your breasts against pain and stretched ligaments. Although they cost a lot more than ordinary bras, they are undoubtedly worth every penny. Be sure to find the perfect fit and the most suitable type for your activity level and body shape.
Apart from ample breast support, you may be worried about what to wear when you’re on your period. The bad news is that ordinary leggings or shorts offer minimal protection against stains.
Fortunately, you can also experience maximum protection during that time of the month by wearing period-proof activewear. That’s because period-proof leggings, shorts, or tights are made with absorbent and leak-proof layers to provide the ultimate protection against embarrassing period stains. Some period-proof activewear can even work as a substitute for a tampon or pad so you can exercise without worries.
Given the reasons above, it is clear why investing in high-quality activewear is always worth the price. More than merely providing stylish fabrics to cover your body, the right workout clothes offer lots of comfort and protection. Additionally, wearing an eye-catching pair can boost your motivation and help you enjoy every exercise session.
So, stop feeling guilty when you decide to purchase a high-end sports bra, a pair of top-quality leggings, or a pair of sneakers specially designed for your chosen activity. Remember: they aren’t frivolous luxuries. Instead, think of them as necessities to ensure your safety and improve your physical performance.
