It’s January, and that can only mean one thing: people are heading to the gym or out to exercise after the slump caused by Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re one such person, it’s a great idea: not only will you be able to get back into shape, but you’ll also be able to give yourself the best possible chance of spending 2019 in a positive, exercise-friendly frame of mind.
However, there are also some problems involved with this. Setting aside the common problem of motivation waning as January comes to a close, there’s also a question mark over getting the gear you need to safely and comfortably exercise. From compression clothing to the right shoes, there’s plenty to think about. This article will explore the main themes of choosing fitness clothing – and explain what criteria is useful when it comes to buying.
Compression is key
Compression clothing is perhaps the main way to defend yourself against the risks of getting fit. It tends to work by increasing blood flow and hence defending against swelling and other health problems. Getting hold of compression clothing shouldn’t be hard, as there are plenty of compression clothing manufacturers out there. As this Tommie Copper company profile reveals, Tommie Copper is just one successful brand with a wide range of handy products.
There’s a handy additional benefit of buying compression clothing. Given that compression clothing is often designed with fitness fans in mind, it also often comes with useful extras that are great for exercisers – such as wicking technology, which helps to deflect moisture away from the body and keep your sweating under control.
Shoe choice
With the possible exception of swimming, most forms of exercise require shoes of some sort. In some cases, and particularly if you’re a light exerciser, you may be able to get away with using the same pair of shoes for all sorts of exercise jobs. A versatile pair of trainers, for example, can be used for your Sunday morning run as well as your weeknight soccer game – though investing in a good-quality pair makes sense, as you won’t want them to fall apart after a few uses. It’s wise to go to a physical store to try on potential workout shoes so that you don’t buy the wrong size – or, at least, order from somewhere that allows returns. Make sure that the shoes don’t cause any problems, such as blisters, and give yourself time to break them in.
If you’re an intense exerciser, then a pair of specialist shoes could help. Runners, for example, often go for high-end shoes that have features such as additional cushioning for extended runs. By doing your research into what dedicated or even semi-professional athletes in your preferred exercise field choose to wear on their feet, you’ll be able to ensure that you get the right ones.
Don’t forget underwear
It might not be the first thing that jumps to mind when you’re out shopping for cycling clothes or running shirts, but in many ways, the fitness gear that’s most important is the gear that you can’t see! Ensuring that you invest in exercise-friendly underwear is a crucial part of making sure that you don’t injure yourself when you’re out running, cycling or at the gym. Sports bras, for example, are important for preventing ligament damage. For guys, comfortablyfitting boxer briefs could make all the difference. Don’t be embarrassed when you come to fill your shopping basket – and make sure that you don’t put your health at risk by overlooking the basics!
Track your health
In the modern world, there are lots of ways to track your health, and with wearable technology taking off, you can now do everything from monitoring your heart rate to counting your steps as you exercise! While this isn’t as crucial a tool as ensuring that your compression clothing is just right or that your shoes are safe for your feet, itmakes sense for a lot of fitness fans.
The most difficult part of many fitness regimes is gathering the motivation to get going. However, you can make this process much easier by treating yourself to good-quality clothing that makes the exercise experience easier. Having the right sort of fitness clothing on side can also improve your health outcomes significantly, and is often necessary for preventing injury – so from shoes to wearable tech and everything in between, it’s a great idea to get yourself kitted out with everything you need.