Keeping fit is important, but for many of us, so is sticking to a budget. The good news is that it is possible to kit yourself out with sportswear that can help you get the best out of your training sessions without having to spend a fortune.
You might be wondering whether you even need to buy special sportswear. While not doing so can seem like a good way to save money, that is a false economy. For one thing, when you exercise, you will be sweating a lot and that means you need clothes that are going to be comfortable in those conditions. And by having a dedicated set of workout clothes, you can get properly into the mindset of getting physical.
The most important principle when buying sportswear on a budget is not to fall for the idea that you need expensive branded specialist equipment. There are certain items that can help you get more out of your exercise sessions, but even those need not be expensive, and for most of your sportswear, you should be focusing on fabric, support and comfort.
General fabrics
One of the most important factors when choosing exercise clothes is selecting the right fabric. You need material that is effective at drawing sweat away from the body, to prevent rashes and chafing. For example, if you find that you develop rashes in your armpit region after exercising, you may need to look for clothing made of an alternative material, and definitely avoid tank tops.
The key is to find affordable clothes made from fabrics that draw perspiration away from the skin (wick) and that are breathable. Into this category goes anything produced from polypropylene, polyester blends, spandex or wool. Cotton is less desirable. Although it ticks the breathable box, sweat does not evaporate quickly from cotton and it can become increasingly heavy during a workout.
Choosing the right fabric can involve a little trial and error, but the key to it is comfort. If a fabric leaves you feeling uncomfortable, try something different until you get the right one.
Underwear fabric
When it comes to underwear, cotton is definitely not the right choice. You need fabrics that are breathable and that disperse sweat, as not only will these be more comfortable to wear, they won’t promote bacteria growth, making them better for your overall health.
Another option is to avoid underpants completely and go for fitness shorts or tights that come with a built-in crotch panel. With these garments, it isn’t necessary to wear underwear, as this would detract from the benefits of the fabrics used in the panel.
Support garments
When it comes to choosing garments that offer support, the key elements are construction and style. With support garments, generic brands are no better than budget items, so focus instead on what you think looks good and is durable. Some garments, such as women’s compression shorts can help offer muscular support during exercise. Others such as sports bras and padded cycling shorts are also important for comfort, but again, durability and preferred style should be the focus, rather than recognizable brand names.
One of the most common areas of expense is running or exercise shoes. You may feel that you need to get a pair of trainers with a famous branded name, but in reality, all that matters is comfort and durability. The rest is just marketing.
Specifics and safety
There are some exercise clothes that include helpful features, which can make exercise more enjoyable and comfortable, and again these need not attract extra spending. For example, you might be able to find a pair of running shorts with a pocket that will take an iPod. This kind of adaptation is not strictly necessary, but exercising can be hard work and any additional comforts can be helpful for your motivation.
Some exercise equipment is important for safety, such as running shorts with reflective tape that are easier to see at night or cycling shorts to ensure your trousers don’t get caught up in the bike mechanism. But even with these more specialist items of clothing, you will usually be able to find budget options that won’t make a dent in your bank balance.
Conclusion
If you are keen to exercise but are daunted by the prospect of having to spend money you can’t afford on expensive equipment, then don’t worry. The most important aspects of choosing exercise clothes are comfort and durability. You don’t need to spend extra on over-priced branded items to get fit, and to look good in the process!
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