Exercise clothing and shoes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

When exercising, what you wear can be just as important as what you do. Having the right footwear and clothing for your sport can give you both comfort and safety.

Thinking about where and how you exercise can help you choose the best clothing and shoes for your workouts. You can find many of the items you need at your local sporting goods, department, or discount stores or online.

When choosing exercise clothing, consider both fabric and fit.

FABRICS

You can enjoy longer workouts and avoid overheating or getting too cold by choosing the right fabrics.

To help you stay comfortable and dry, choose fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly. Many quick-drying fabrics are synthetic and made of polyester or polypropylene. Look for terms like moisture-wicking, Dri-fit, Coolmax, or Supplex. Wool is also a good choice to keep you cool, dry, and naturally odor-free. Some workout clothing is made with special antimicrobial solutions to combat odor from sweat.

Socks also come in quick-drying fabrics that absorb sweat. They can help you stay cool and dry, and avoid blisters. Choose socks made with a polyester blend or other special fabric.

In general, it is best to avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and does not dry quickly. And because it stays wet, it can make you cold in cooler weather. In warm weather, it is not as good as synthetic fabrics at keeping you cool and dry if you sweat a lot.

FIT

In general, make sure your clothing does not get in the way of your activity. You want to be able to move easily. Clothing should not catch on equipment or slow you down.

You can wear loose-fitting clothing for activities like:

• Walking
• Gentle yoga
• Strength training
• Basketball

You may want to wear form-fitting, stretchy clothing for activities like:

• Running
• Biking
• Advanced yoga/Pilates
• Swimming

You may be able to wear a combination of loose and form-fitting clothing. For example, you might wear a moisture-wicking loose t-shirt or tank top with form-fitting workout shorts. You can choose what is comfortable for you. Just make sure the material you choose helps pull sweat away from your skin.

The right shoes can make all the difference between feeling refreshed and having aching feet after your workout. It is worth the extra money you may need to spend for a good quality athletic shoe.

Make sure your shoes fit your activity.

• For running, buy running shoes. They are light, flexible, and supportive for simple forward strides. Make sure they have good arch support and cushioning for impact. For walking, choose stiffer shoes with good support and thick soles.
• For strength or CrossFit training, choose training shoes with good support and rubber soles that are not too bulky.
• If you are playing a sport like basketball or soccer, get shoes that match your activity.

Every foot is different. You may have wide or narrow feet, low arches, trouble areas, or flat feet. Even in adults, foot size can change, so get fitted every year. Also, you will need to replace shoes when they start to feel uncomfortable or the soles look worn.

Your shoe salesperson can help size and fit you for the right athletic shoes. Many stores will allow you to return shoes if you find they do not work for you.

If it is cold, dress in layers. Wear a fitted layer that wicks sweat away. Add a warmer layer, like a fleece jacket, on top. Wear gloves, a hat, and ear coverings if you need them. Take off the layers as you warm up. If you will be out running or walking, you may want to add a backpack. Then you can take off layers as you heat up, as well as carry a water bottle.

In the rain or wind, wear an outer layer that protects you, like a windbreaker or nylon shell. Look for the words “waterproof” or “water-resistant” on the label. Ideally, this layer should also be breathable.

In the hot sun, wear light-colored clothing that dries fast. You can also buy clothing made to block out the harmful rays of the sun. These clothes come with a sun protection factor (SPF) label.

When exercising in the evening or early morning, make sure your clothing has reflective parts so drivers can see you. You can also wear a reflective belt or vest.

Protect yourself from Lyme disease if you exercise in wooded areas. Wear long sleeves and pants and tuck your pants into your socks. You can also use an insect repellant containing DEET or permethrin.

Fitness – exercise clothing

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: FootCare MD. 10 points of proper shoe fit. www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/10-points-of-proper-shoe-fit. Reviewed 2018. Accessed December 1, 2022.

Divine J, Dailey S, Betz BE. Exercise in the heat and heat illness. In: Madden CC, Putukian M, McCarty EC, Young CC, eds. Netter’s Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 21.

Riddick DA, Riddick DH, Jorge M. Footwear: foundation for lower extremity orthoses. In: Chui KK, Jorge M, Yen S-C, Lusardi MM, eds. Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.

Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun-protective clothing. www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/. Reviewed June 2019. Accessed December 1, 2022.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Choosing the Right Workout Clothes

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After a hard workout, you’ll feel exhausted, tired, sore, fantastic — and will probably be covered in sweat. Believe it or not, the clothes you wear for a workout can make a difference in how you feel after exercise. Several factors can affect how comfortable your workout clothes are, including the fabric they’re made of and whether they’re right for the type of exercise you will be doing.

Workout Clothes: Pick “Workhorse” Fabrics

Some fabrics are designed to pull sweat away from your skin during exercise and others absorb it. When it comes to workout clothes, some choices are better than others.

• Think wicking. There are many breathable synthetic fabrics that “wick” the sweat away from your skin, which can help it to evaporate quickly and keep your body cool. Clothing made out of fabrics containing polypropylene or fabrics such as COOLMAX® and SUPPLEX® are a good choice for exercise and other activities in which you are likely to sweat a lot, as they allow the sweat to be evaporated from the skin but do not soak clothing and leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
• Consider cotton. Cotton shirts and pants, on the other hand, absorb the sweat, and they don’t pull it away from the skin or help it to evaporate quickly. That’s why cotton workout clothes can feel heavy and wet as you exercise.
• Avoid fabrics that don’t breathe. Never wear clothing made out of rubber-based or plastic-based materials, which keep sweat from evaporating and keep your body temperature too high during a workout.

Workout Clothes: Get the Right Fit

To make sure that your workout clothes fit your body and the workout that you have planned, consider these tips:

• You should wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. But if you are running or biking, avoid wide-leg or loose pants that could get tangled up in the pedals or your feet.
• For activities such as yoga or Pilates, stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat are a good choice.
• In general, keep in mind that you don’t want any clothing that gets in the way of the activity.

Workout Clothes: Change With the Seasons

If you exercise outdoors or play seasonal sports, what you wear may have to change with the seasons. Keep these tips in mind when dressing for outdoor exercise:

• Hot weather. During warm summer months, be sure to choose fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and wick sweat away. Dress in clothes that are cool and comfortable, and allow you to move freely.
• Cold weather. When it’s very cold outside, you’ll need to dress warmly, but keep in mind that you’ll be exercising and boosting your heart rate and your body temperature. Dress in layers that you can remove, and always dress for weather that’s warmer than what the thermometer outside says. Keep sweat-wicking clothing on your inner layer, and put an insulating layer on top of that. Always cover your head, ears, and hands to protect them from the cold.
• Wet or windy weather. Nothing can ruin an outdoor workout faster than getting soaked in the rain or caught in a strong wind. Wear an outer layer that protects your skin from the elements.

Just remember that no matter what the temperature, you’re still likely to work up a sweat during a workout. Keep yourself as comfortable as possible with clothing designed for heavy exercise that wicks sweat away from the skin. And keep the weather in mind if you’re exercising outdoors, and dress appropriately.

Consider these options for comfortable, year-round workout clothing for both men and women.

Activewear Item for Women

Fabletics High-Waisted Sold Powerhold Legging

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What to wear to training? – DiscoverStyle.ru

Girls want to look stylish in any situation, and playing sports is no exception. The right comfortable training uniform will not only help you look good in the gym, but also improve the quality of your workouts. In addition, stylish sportswear will be an additional motivation for training. In this article, we will talk about convenient and comfortable sets for sports.

Long top

To begin with, it is worth noting that training clothes should be purchased in specialized sports stores. It is made mainly from synthetic fabrics, taking into account the type of sport these clothes are intended for. For fitness training, the training uniform should be light and comfortable. Its task is to absorb sweat well and not hinder movements. For these purposes, tight sweatpants are perfect in combination with a short, tight-fitting top that supports the chest well during exercise. If you’re not ready to show off your midriff yet, wear a long top over this set. Don’t forget comfortable shoes. For group activities, sneakers with a hard thickened sole in the heel area are suitable. 9Nike Leggings For lovers of step and aerobics, a set of shorts and a t-shirt is also suitable. During intense activities, you may need a sports headband to keep sweat out of your eyes. Be sure to pay attention to the quality of your sportswear. Make sure that the shorts are not too tight, do not press, and do not cause discomfort during training, but they should not slip either.

Nike T-shirt

Nike Shorts

Nike Sneakers

Casual

Loose sweatpants and a comfortable T-shirt are suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. A set of this plan is also suitable for running in cool weather, but in this case, it is better for you to choose pants and a trowel with wind protection.

Freddy T-shirt

Nike sweatshirt

Nike Sneakers

Sweatshirt

With the onset of spring, the number of those who want to work out on the street increases. For comfortable sports, choose clothes according to the weather. A stylish windbreaker made of modern breathable materials is an indispensable thing. It will protect you from drafts and will not let you catch a cold.

Allegri Capri

ASICS Sweatshirt

Nike Sneakers

Longsleeve

Fitted 3/4 track pants and a bra top are the go-to combination for fitness, long sleeves and comfy trainers make for a comfortable running set. Don’t forget to take your sports bag with you. It should be large enough so that you can put a change of clothes and a bottle of water in it.

Nike Sports Bra Top

Roxy Leggings

New Balance Trainers

Sports breeches

Sports breeches with short top are a good combination for yoga. These tight-fitting clothes will allow the trainer to monitor the correctness of the exercises. When going to a workout in cool weather, put on a sweatshirt over the top. This warm and comfortable item will allow you to comfortably get to the fitness center.

Grishko Capri

Tommy Hilfiger Denim Sweatshirt

Nike Sneakers

Comfortgymgymsportsweartrainingconveniencefitness

What to wear to fitness for a girl and a man: 22 photos

Sport is a culture that has its own unspoken laws and rules. They concern not only the diet and behavior in the fitness club, but also the appearance of the athlete. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve been attending workouts every day for 10 years, or just about to take care of your own body. The question of what to wear to fitness is not at all idle: properly selected clothes reduce the risk of injury, increase endurance and increase motivation.

Article content:

1. How to dress for fitness?
2. We select shoes
3. Accessories
4. How not to dress in a fitness club?
5. What to wear to fitness for a girl: photo
6. What to wear to fitness for a man: photo

How to dress for fitness?

Fitness clothing must meet 3 requirements. Be:

• . Matched in size, and not taking into account the planned weight loss by 2 sizes or, conversely, hanging, as if on a hanger;
• practical . Natural fabrics are good in everyday life, but not in the gym. Cotton T-shirts and pants are quickly soaked with sweat and stick to the body. In addition, they are easily stretched on the elbows and knees. High-quality sportswear is made from mixed fabrics with the addition of elastane and polyurethane. Such fabric perfectly stretches, does not constrain movements and brings sweat to the surface without absorbing it;
• beautiful . Where, if not in the gym, you can afford bright colors and prints that are out of place in everyday life.

Minimum fitness kit: 2 T-shirts or T-shirts, 1 pants, shorts or leggings, 1 pair of running shoes. Girls additionally need to purchase 2 sports tops or bras.

Upper body

Mandatory element of a sports bow – T-shirt or T-shirt. It is worth picking them up in such a way that the clothes smoothly fit the body, but do not hinder movement. And if men can afford some negligence in the selection of T-shirts, then girls should be more careful with a deep neckline: it will distract both you and those around you from work. Checking if the T-shirt is suitable for training is very simple: bow in front of the mirror in different directions.

A hoodie or sweatshirt is considered by many to be an extra purchase. This is not true! Even on a summer evening, it is dangerous to immediately leave the hall to the street – the chance of catching a cold is too great. You can’t freeze in the club either: it’s better to put on a sweater for a warm-up period, stretching, or while exercising on a simulator that stands right under the air conditioner.

When buying T-shirts, pay attention to the seams. Ideally, if they are external. But in any case, the seams should be flat, soft, not have bumps. A great option is seamless t-shirts. Yes, they do not look as stylish as we would like, but they certainly will not cause discomfort.

Girls with small breasts should additionally purchase a pair of sports tops so as not to injure the thin and delicate skin of the breast. Busty young ladies are more suitable for sports bras. They will tighten the bust a little, and provide excellent support.

Do not exercise without a bra or in your everyday underwear. Firstly, it is inconvenient, especially during active classes. Secondly, without receiving proper support, the chest can then hurt for a long time. With proper care, a quality sports bra will last about 2 years. The fact that it is time to change it will be signaled by the material of the product – it will become rigid and unyielding.

Lower body

Capri pants and leggings are the most suitable women’s options for the gym. Best of all, if they have a high fit, so that when bending over, you don’t have to think about peeking sides and underwear. Please note: there are never any elastic bands in the belt of quality products! It simply consists of several layers of stretchy but tough fabric. And please: during the fitting in the store, check if the leggings are visible when bending over!

Men can choose long shorts or leggings. The latter are good for their elasticity: in them, even lifting heavy weights, you don’t have to worry that the clothes will simply burst at the seams. Long, and even wider trousers in the gym are simply dangerous: they can catch on the protruding parts of the equipment, and either lose your balance or injure your neighbor.

Socks are an important piece of equipment. Sportswear is never made from 100% cotton. Synthetic fibers are required: thanks to them, the socks do not slip, and they remove moisture well. It is very important that the seam is thin and flat: this way you will definitely not rub your fingers, which is especially common with novice runners and athletes.

We select shoes

The main rule: no walking pseudo-sneakers, ballet flats and moccasins! Sports shoes only. Moreover, their variety should correspond to the type of training that you have chosen:

• for work with heavy weights weightlifting shoes are the best option: lightweight, breathable, but at the same time very durable shoes. It is distinguished by a solid sole and a plastic heel, up to 20 millimeters high. The weights are absolutely non-slip, and make it easier to perform a deep squat;
• beginner weightlifters and powerlifters can recommend high top sneakers. They allow the foot to press firmly against the floor, and securely fix the ankle;
• crossfit is a training that includes elements of running, gymnastics, and weightlifting. And all these exercises should be comfortable for the athlete to perform. Therefore, shoes will need to be universal: stable, breathable, with a hard sole;
• for running and cardio training running shoes are suitable. You can recognize them by the elevation in the heel area. Moreover, for running on the street, you need to choose models that are heavier, with a thick sole. And in the gym it’s good to train in lightweight sneakers with mesh inserts;
• step aerobics requires high running shoes. They perfectly fix the ankle and protect the ankle joint.

Every year, new directions appear in the fitness industry: yesterday, girls went to fitball en masse, today they are fond of Zumba, and tomorrow they will be crazy about tai-bo. Such addicted ladies should pay attention to sneakers, on the sole of which there is a turning point – a circle located directly under the thumb. In such models, it is easy to perform dance movements and turns.

Accessories

In addition to the right clothes, to visit the fitness club you will need:

1. Sports bag . Large and roomy so that you can safely put everything you need into it: not only leggings, a T-shirt and shoes, but also a shower towel, flip flops, maybe even a container with a healthy snack. It’s great if the bag has pockets for keys and watches, a phone and a shaker. And in general, it’s great if the model is equipped with a holder for the rug: who knows, maybe in a month strength training will seem too complicated for you, and you will want to diversify it with yoga or stretching. Before buying a bag, you must definitely try it on: so that both the size fits and the belt does not cut into the shoulder.
2. Towel and shower accessories . The first will be needed not only after training, but also in the process to wipe sweat. You can argue about the need for shower accessories. But if the fitness club is located on the other side of the city or a meeting is scheduled after the class, it’s better to take shower gel and rubber slates with you.
3. Water bottle. It can be ordinary, or it can be special – “sports”. The main thing is that every 15-20 minutes you can take a couple of sips. A professional bottle is not just a beautiful accessory! It is easily opened with one hand, and allows the athlete not to fall out of the training process. This is especially true in group classes. The bottle has a convenient handle and notches that allow you to control the amount of water you drink.
4. Gym gloves. Men appreciate them for effective slip resistance and increased grip strength. Women – for the absence of calluses on their hands after training. And sports doctors insist on the use of gloves in all strength exercises in order to reduce pressure on the fingers, maintain joint mobility and fine motor skills in everyday life.
5. Fitness bracelet. Its main task in training is to control the heart rate. On the very first day of visiting the gym, the trainer will definitely help the beginner determine his maximum heart rate and training zone. If you fall below the recommended threshold, the lesson will not give any results. Above is dangerous to health.
6. Athletic belt . No coach supports the rampant fashion for such an accessory. The athletic belt was created for very specific purposes:
   • turn off well-developed abdominal muscles when doing certain exercises, such as dumbbell presses;
   • provide gentle support to the lumbar spine. This is necessary, for example, with pathological lordosis, hernias and protrusions. Or when doing heavy exercises: deadlifts, lunges and squats with weights.

   In both cases, if not professional, then very experienced athletes. And the appointment of hard belts is generally the competence of a doctor. As practice shows, 90% of fitness club visitors, on the contrary, need to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and the intensity of their training is such that they simply do not need an athletic belt.

   There is an opinion among girls that an athletic belt will help you not to lose your waist. Indeed, an incorrectly selected program increases the girth of the torso. But, if you do not intensively pump up the oblique muscles, this problem can be avoided. But turning off the press from the training process unequivocally leads to the protrusion of the abdomen, which is often observed even in slender, thin girls.

7. Hair band or headband . Loose hair and long bangs in the gym are unacceptable, unless, of course, you came to work out, and not post photos on Instagram. And even then, they are unlikely to be successful: any neat braids and tight buns look much more advantageous than wet, sweaty, disheveled curls.

   At least half of the visitors come to the hall with a player. For novice athletes, it is better to give up music: it will not let you hear the coach’s recommendations in time and will only distract. At first, it is important to concentrate on the technique of performing each exercise: the correct position of the body and breathing.

How not to dress in a fitness club?

If the recommendations on what to wear to training are always concise, then the list of mistakes of beginner athletes can be continued indefinitely. Here are just some of the blunders of fitness club visitors:

• Striptease instead of training . For the most part, this applies to beautiful girls who do not hesitate to expose their breasts or endless leg length to the public. But every time I put on short shorts and top with a large neckline remember that athletes are men too! And, looking at the neckline, they can be seriously injured.

  In addition, clothes that reveal most of the body are simply unhygienic. By touching the simulators with a sweaty naked body, you simply show disrespect for others.

  Men can also arrange a striptease if they wear shorts with wide legs. A number of exercises in the gym provides for a position: lying on your back. In it, there is a high probability of demonstrating to others more than we would like.

  It is strictly forbidden to train barefoot or bare-chested in decent gyms! The foot must be securely fixed to avoid injury. A T-shirt will allow you to leave the bench completely dry.

• Casual wear instead of sportswear . Professional clothing for sports follows the contours of the body, removes moisture from it, does not restrict movement and does not ride up at the most inopportune moment. Ordinary clothes behave exactly the opposite! Cotton T-shirts are heavy with sweat. Denim shorts dig into the body at the slightest tilt. And the laces and rivets on the pockets of the pants cling to the simulators. Just remember: dressing in old, stretched out pants and battered T-shirts is unacceptable!
• Wide trousers . Yes, oversized is still in fashion, and wide legs perfectly disguise breeches and imperfect calves, which is so pleasing to overweight women. But such clothes will definitely cling to the bars and vultures. And if you still don’t guess with the length, an injury on an exercise bike or a treadmill is guaranteed! Pants of this style also have one more disadvantage: they make it difficult for the trainer, who must always see how this or that muscle works.
• Slates . For some reason, they are chosen by the vast majority of men who begin their journey in sports. They realize their mistake quickly – at the first fall on the leg of a kilogram dumbbell. It will be a great success if the matter is limited to a bruise, and not to crushing bones.
• Lace underwear, thongs, push-up bras. Sportswear brands are not limited to creating leggings and T-shirts. In their assortment there are always cotton slips and sports bras that provide excellent support. In such underwear, you will think about training, and not about where the strap has slipped.
• Nylon tights for shorts . In a fitness club, no one will look closely at how perfect the skin of your legs is. Therefore, there is no need to wear tights, which will only hamper movement.

  For girls who want to look perfect everywhere, it is very difficult at first in the hall: makeup flows and smears, and their favorite perfume sounds suffocating.