Choosing the right sportswear for your workouts

Did you know that the right sportswear can improve your performance? Wearing the right clothes is a vital part of any workout session. There’s a lot more to it than fashion, too. Sportswear is almost a science, with incredible technology designed to make your workouts feel extra good.

If like many others, you’re looking to get back into your fitness regime this year, then it’s a good idea to look at your current gym kit and see if it needs a refresh. That includes your trainers; wearing supportive shoes while running or lifting weights can prevent injury and help keep your body stable as you push it to its limits.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right sportswear for your workouts.

Does it have sweat control?

Sportswear that can prevent sweat can make your workout smoother. Look for qualities like ‘wicking,’ ‘quick-drying,’ or ‘mesh paneling.’

British fitness coach Adrienne Herbert says, “Wearing the right sportswear can make people more focused on training. The details of the clothing, such as sweat-wicking fibers, will help sports performance.”

How does it feel?

When you’re wearing your gym leggings, they should not restrict any movement or get in the way of exercising. Look for clothes that advertise as ‘seamless’ or ‘flexible’ to ensure they’re comfortable; these are designed to feel as if you’re wearing nothing, making your athletic performance considerably better. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider speaking to a sportswear manufacturer. The worst thing is clothes that feel tight or uncomfortable.

Comfort and confidence

Another factor to consider is how good you feel in the clothes; this can make a difference! Sportswear can come in many colors and patterns, so have fun with your look and choose a great coordinating look.

Also, consider the fabric – some leggings, for example, have a tightening effect that compresses the muscles and provides an additional benefit to workouts.

How does it fit?

When trying on your sportswear, get a good idea of how it moves and fits your body by moving around in the changing room – or at home if you bought it online. Try some squats and lunges, even if this feels silly! It’s essential to get a feel for the material and design to have the lightness and flexibility you need during your exercise. For example, suppose you’re an avid runner. In that case, you want to ensure your leggings are made from a lightweight and stretchy fabric, so you don’t have any added weight and experience maximum mobility.

Does it offer the best support for you?

If you require a sports bra, you need to consider what type of experiences you’ll be doing to ensure you get the proper support. Sports bras have different support levels, so for yoga or walking, you might opt for a low to medium-support bra with no cups that won’t press tightly on your chest. However, for high-intensity activities like a HIIT workout, you will need a bra with a high degree of support, reducing the movement of the bust.