5 Essential Pieces Of Workout Apparel For Men
Anyone who has ever tried to go for a run in a pair of jeans can undoubtedly tell you that what you wear matters when you are working out. Your body exerts itself and often sweats profusely when you exercise.
Everyday clothing cannot stand up to these activities. If you’re looking to find the best workout apparel, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to these 5 essential pieces of workout clothing.
1. Footwear
Not wearing proper footwear is one of the most common ways that runners injure themselves. You need to ensure that your shoes are giving you the appropriate support.
Before you purchase new workout shoes, you need to determine if you pronate or supinate. Both terms refer to the ankle leaning inward or outward, respectively, when your foot contacts the ground when running. Armed with this information, you’re already ahead of the curve. Add to that the fact that there are many websites that have already done the research for you, and you should have no problem at all choosing the right pair.
You also need to ensure that the shoes you choose fit you properly. Many people inadvertently select shoes that are too large or too small for them, leading to blisters and other problems. When you are wearing your shoes, you should be able to press your thumb down on the toe without hitting your toes. If you leave more space or less space than this, then you are leaving yourself susceptible to issues.
Finally, you need to ensure that your shoes are breathable. Allowing moisture to buildup in your shoes as you exercise can also lead to blisters and other unenjoyable issues.
2. Socks
Socks are often an overlooked piece of workout equipment, but wearing the wrong kind can make you uncomfortable at best or give you a disease like Athlete’s Foot at worst. Make sure that the socks you choose are moisture-wicking socks that keep your feet dry.
Exercising in socks that trap in sweat is one of the quickest ways that you can give yourself Athlete’s Foot, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other risk factors for this fungal infection include being a man, sharing clothes, mats, and other fabric materials with someone who has Athlete’s Foot, and walking barefoot in damp areas such as pool decks, saunas, and bathrooms.
3. Underwear
Underwear is another piece of clothing that most people don’t put much thought into. However, if your body is not adequately supported, you will likely be uncomfortable and unable to push yourself to the limit. Just like socks, it is essential to wear underwear that breathes and keeps your body dry.
Form-fitting underwear is also a must to limit chafing and keep you comfortable. Most popular options are made from a combination of spandex and polyester that keeps your whole body dry and comfortable.
4. Shirts
Many guys just grab a cotton T-shirt when they are heading to the gym, but this may not be the best option for them. These shirts can often cause chafing because they don’t dry nearly as quickly as other materials.
Polyester is one material you should consider over cotton. Many companies have released fabric specifically designed for working out, such as Dri-FIT shirts. This material is a microfiber, polyester fabric that works to keep the wearer comfortable and dry all workout long.
If you are exercising outside, you may actually want to go with a light-weight long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. Sunburns are no joke. Wearing a shirt with UV protection is one of the most surefire ways to avoid them. Certainly, sunscreen can be of great help, but often when exercising, the substance is sweated off faster than you can replace it.
5. Shorts
When thinking about what shorts you want to wear for your workout, consider going with options that are made from materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex. Cotton can also work well if it is mixed with some of these other materials.
Your shorts don’t need to be skin tight, but they should be form-fitting to a certain degree so that they do not cause chaffing. Most men opt for shorts that go down to their knees with some space for movement.
Conclusion
If you really want to reach your full potential at the gym, then you need to ensure that what you are wearing is not holding you back. If you are comfortable, then you will be able to push yourself much harder. However, if your apparel is ill-fitting and doesn’t keep you dry, then you will be much more focused on that rather than reaching personal records.
Gym Clothes | Posted on | Publishing : | Updated : Posting Categories : Categories Fitness Blog, Gym Gear For Men
