The Importance of Wearing Proper Gym Attire

When it comes to exercising and working out, a lot of people don’t put gym attire high on their list of priorities. It is often seen as an unnecessary expense purely to showcase sculpted physiques. But beyond just making people look good, activewear provides benefits that can enhance performance and help you reach your fitness goals. Here are a few reasons why those cutting-edge compression tights may be worth your money.

1. Helps Prevent Injury

If you don't want to shell out on new gym attire, the least you should do is ensure that you're wearing clothes that fit comfortably when you work out. Our ‘TOP 10 TIPS TO AVOID INJURIES IN THE GYM!' post detailed how wearing clothing that is too tight restricts your movement and increases the risk of injury. This is because a tight piece of clothing could put your muscles under extra strain. If you’re attempting new exercises as your gym routine progresses, comfortable clothes will allow you to try new ranges of movement safely.

2. Prevents Overheating

Sweat-wicking clothes aren't just marketing ploys — there are real scientific benefits to breathable clothing! Dermatologist Heather Summe states that the fabric allows sweat to easily evaporate from the skin, which in turn prevents people from getting overheated.

Sweat-wicking clothes are a good staple to have whether you are working indoors or outside. The good news? Almost every piece of gym wear now comes in sweat-wicking fabric, from tops to shorts. And for every budget.

3. Gives You Support

Most modern gym attire is designed to help support the body. Compression shirts, leggings, and pants can help with your workout by stabilizing and putting pressure on your muscles. They are also tight fitting which prevents any chafing. Compression garments can also help with recovery as they improve circulation post workout.

For women it is important that they wear a sports bra. A sports bra helps make movement much easier, and will prevent the breasts from moving which could cause pain and injury. The more vigorous the exercise, the more support needed. The only pain you should be feeling is muscle soreness.

4. Protects You From The Weather

The cold weather is one reason why people skip training during the winter, but you should be exercising no matter the weather. Verywell suggests layering up when you're exercising during winter, even if it it's just a jacket over a compression shirt. Proper preparation is all you need to exercise all year-round. Lots of sports brands also offer lightweight jackets that you can wear when it's raining. These jackets tend to come with reflective stripes as well, in case you prefer to exercise at night.

Having the right clothing for hot weather is another important consideration. Clothing that constricts you in the heat and doesn't protect you from the sun will only hamper your performance, and possibly lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Sweatbands, visors, and lightweight shorts should be essentials in your gym kit during spring and summer. Sunscreen also shouldn't be forgotten when working out, as you may be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. On Pretty Me’s guides section they often publish informative articles, with a recent one emphasizing that it is best to reapply sunblock at least every two hours. This ensures that we keep ourselves protected from UV rays when exercising outdoors. Making sure you're protected from the sun through clothing and skin products ensures that you make the most out of your outdoor workout.

5. Gives You Confidence

Many gym-goers say that wearing the right gear makes them feel more confident and excited to work out. The proliferation of activewear brands means that it’s easy to find the gear that suits you. Instagram favorite Outdoor Voices is known for its women’s wear, but also offers good options for men. While big sports brands like Nike and Adidas will always remain popular, the growth of the fitness industry means there are a lot of activewear options for every budget.