Gym Apparel: 5 Reasons for Wearing the Right Workout Clothes

We all know that exercise is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. However, many people struggle to make working out part of their daily routines. Some find it difficult to start, while others claim that the hardest part for them is persevering and making it a life-lasting habit.

Whatever aspect of exercising you may find challenging, the solution can be as simple as wearing the proper gym clothes. People react differently to hearing this. Some say that nothing will stop you from achieving your fitness goal if you have a strong will. But everyone who has endured keeping a regular workout schedule knows this isn’t true, and sometimes there are bigger issues than being determined to succeed.

While many people find buying gym apparel an unnecessary splurge, research has shown a direct correlation between what we wear and how we perform. It also has a lot to do with our motivation levels and the likelihood of sports injury. These are five reasons why wearing workout clothes is so important. Some of them may surprise you.

It Helps Prevent Injury

Most sports injuries happen because of a lack of sports equipment, including clothes and shoes. Wearing the right workout outfit is crucial for preventing these injuries, whether you’re a beginner or an avid exerciser.

Beginners, for example, often start working out unprepared, thinking that a simple cotton shirt and cotton shorts or leggings should do just fine. Often they’re not very familiar with the movements and strength that certain activity requires. This leads to their clothing getting in their way and causing injuries. On the other hand, for those who work out regularly, the intensity of exercise is the main problem if not choosing the right sportswear.

Whichever activity you choose to engage in, opt for clothing that is suitable for that particular sport. What’s more, buying a quality exercise outfit will provide the protection you’ll need against impact, strain and overheating. Compression fitness clothing and the right exercise shoes make a world of difference in protecting you from getting yourself hurt.

It Makes You Feel Comfortable

Comfort is one of the most obvious reasons for wearing fitness clothes. Activewear that is comfortable in terms of fabric and style can add motivation, while discomfort can kill any desire to work out. What is the best material for sports clothes?

Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is cotton, as it’s breathable and feels comfortable during casual activities. However, cotton is not the best option as it absorbs sweat and retains moisture. This can make you feel damp and heavy. High-quality polyester fabrics with moisture-wicking properties are the way to go. These fabrics draw moisture away from the body, making you feel dry and comfortable. Many of these also prevent bacteria from growing and sweat glands from clogging, making them the best option for feeling fresh. Avoid cheap fabrics that can irritate the skin, causing rashes and itching.

Choosing the right sportswear can make you feel comfortable no matter the weather or environment. For example, if going for a run on a hot summer day, you should choose loose clothing made of breathable fabrics in lighter colours. This will help your body keep cool, so you don’t get overheated. If going for an outside sports activity in winter, consider layering on to keep warm. A breathable shirt underneath an outer layer with ventilation properties will help regulate your body temperature. When not sure, consider a mid-layer, such as a lightweight hoodie.

It Allows for Better Movement

Why not hit the gym dressed in a pair of skinny jeans? You could obviously do that, no one can forbid working out in jeans. But, how would it feel? Will you be able to move easily and perform the exercise well? Jokes aside, this should be the major reason to buy a high-quality exercise outfit that allows you a wide range of movements.

Well-designed activewear made out of lightweight materials should feel like a second skin. It should provide you with the total comfort you need for focusing on exercising. Pick up a seamless kit that won’t rub or irritate your skin. There’s no fun in a sports bra digging into your back or wrong shorts, making your thighs irritated. And the blisters you get from the wrong pair of sports shoes are the worst.

It Improves Performance

It’s clear that when you feel more comfortable wearing clothing that optimises your body temperature, your workout will be more effective and last longer. You can perform better and get better results by wearing quality gym wear. It seems that the ‘dress for success’ principle equally applies to sportswear as it does to workwear.

Some activewear properties can affect performance. For example, certain swimming outfits create a more aerodynamic flow in the water. These were banned for competitive swimming, as the competitors of those who wore them complained about the unfair advantage they created for them. You might not be a competitive swimmer, but wearing such outfits can boost your performance in your weekly swimming exercise.

It Boosts Confidence and Motivation

Workout clothes often come with enhancing properties. They can mask body imperfections and highlight your best-looking body parts. While looking good is greatly related to feeling good, wearing activewear can be empowering. It can raise your self-esteem, boosting your confidence levels. Isn’t this the feeling we all want to have when standing in front of the many gym mirrors?

Buying gym wear can be the right thing to do to turn exercise into a life-lasting habit? How, you may ask? The psychologists explain how the clothing cognition phenomenon works. The British Journal of General Practice says that in psychology, ‘habits’ are defined as actions that are triggered automatically in response to cues that have been associated with them. The process of putting on workout clothes can be the right cue for creating a working out habit. Once you put your clothes on, following through with your workout enables neurons to create a pattern.

It takes at least 21 days to form a habit and 66 days to make it automatic. Dressing up in your workout clothes can be essential for the habit-forming trick to work. So, put on your gym attire and go become your best self.