Believe it or not, what you wear to the gym can make or break your workout routine. How? Because the correct gym attire is supposed to be designed in such a way, that it facilitates movement, absorbs sweat and protects your body parts from high impact that can be caused due to rigorous “jumpy” training.
When we think gym clothes, some of the things we tend to prioritize are the pattern and colour, how fat or thin it makes us look, and sometimes even how sexy the design or fabric makes us feel. Rarely, do we get down to what should ideally be at the top of our checklists – efficiency. Hence, it’s no wonder that we find ourselves spending more time tugging at our t-shirts to ensure there’s no inappropriate skin show, pulling up our pants to feel more secure and snug, and settling our bra straps, to make sure the “girls” are in place; instead of focusing hard on the workout we’re doing.
Remember ladies, the right ensemble for the gym, is one that doesn’t distract you from your goal, but enables you to perform better. The clothes you wear impacts the performance you give. If you want to know more about how what you’re wearing to the gym is affecting your workout, this one’s for you…
1. Comfort and recovery
Though you may compromise comfort over style at times, let us tell you, the gym is definitely not the place to do it. Fitness clothes are created using a specific fabric that is not only soft to touch, but is also made from a breathable, sweat absorbing material. These, usually come with high to medium compression, which actually helps you recover after an intense session that makes your muscles sore.
2. Effortless movement
Sometimes, in pursuit of a good deal, we pick out clothes that may not be of the best quality and design. When it comes to athletic wear, especially sports bras in this case, it is of top most importance to ensure that a ‘sale’ doesn’t get in the way of functionality. For women, there are tons of options available in stores, and we urge you to focus on free movement rather than appearance. The apt sports bra allows you to skip, jump, squat, bench press freely, without having to worry about your boobies jingling or hurting on impact. It also helps you maintain your original body shape, avoiding the possibility of sagginess, that can very well be a result of high intensity workouts, without enough support.
3. Prevents injuries, improves performance
Underestimating how the right clothes can protect you during a hardcore workout is a mistake. For instance, gloves to cover the hand can be a great way to prevent calluses on the palms, just like a pair of socks can prevent your feet from getting blisters. The right shoes will provide enough cushioning and minimise any blow on your feet. You get the drift… invest wisely! Needless to say, if you have the right outfit and accessories in order, your performance will not take a hit.