Back in the day, women threw on a pair of sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and some running shoes and went jogging to get their exercise. Today, there are workouts with resistance equipment, kettle balls, and even water. As much as the form of exercise itself has evolved, workout clothing has evolved even more. Modern exercise attire can improve performance, delivering beneficial results that complement our workout efforts. In addition, this clothing looks much more attractive than those old sweatpants.
Increasing exertion
If the goal is to shed some pounds this year, never fear, because there is workout clothing out there to help. Some apparel exerts force against the skin during a workout, increasing muscle exertion by up to 50 percent. The result is that whether the wearer is walking, running, doing yoga, or lifting weights, a bit more energy is expended. Resistance built into some clothing targets problem areas like the thighs and glutes.
Keep your cool
In addition to increasing performance, many pieces keep the wearer cool and dry while exercising. Fabrics wick moisture from perspiration away from the body and store it like a capillary. Bras feature nylon mesh backing rather than multiple layers of fabric, keeping women cooler. Well-made pieces are designed to last and the clothing comes in different colors and patterns. Material is soft and provides the “give” needed during a workout that involves stretching and other movement.
Be environmentally friendly
For exercise during the warmer months, there are no ride-up capris and shorts designed for workouts that involve raising the legs, such as Pilates. Some exercise clothing is eco-friendly, made from fibers like organic cotton, soy, and bamboo. Other clothes include recycled materials and lack synthetic fibers such as Lycra. This allows an environmentally conscious woman to enjoy a workout without worry that the environment was harmed in making her apparel.
Workout gear for every part of you
Clothing that enhances performance is not limited to tops, bottoms, and undergarments. Shoes are also designed to improve a workout. Toning shoes work the core of the body and can be worn during a walking workout or when walking around town. Performance-enhancing workout clothing has become so popular that some manufacturers plan to release a line of swimwear that includes the same features. This will enable avid swimmers to enjoy the same benefits without having to give up their preferred exercise.
The beginning of a revolution
This seems to be just the beginning of a revolution in workout clothing. As researchers discover new fabrics designed to improve comfort and enhance performance during specific types of exercise, the product line will evolve. It is not difficult to imagine a day when each type of exercise has its own designated clothing featuring built-in benefits.
Fitness should be a part of every female’s lifestyle. If the clothing women wear can help improve the results of their workouts, this is a great additional benefit. Though the clothing will not do all of the work for the wearer, it can make exercise more effective.