Many sports companies do their best to persuade you to buy a staggering amount of sports wear and gear. While some are obviously necessary as others are obviously flashy, some items’ necessity is less clear. How do you know if expensive brands and seemingly-useful clothes are really worth it? These tips will help you find comfort and maybe help save your exercise and fitness budget.
Running Shoes
The “perfect” shoes for running aren’t real. Every runner has different needs, and the athletic footwear market tries to market to all these needs. However, a study by the U. S. Military proves that, despite their marketing, these shoes aren’t as linked to injury–or the lack of–as people believe. So how should you choose your running shoes? Ultimately, it boils down to comfort. The heel should be snug and the ball of your foot should be able to move, as should your toes. So if you don’t feel great in those $200 Nikes, put them back and go for something that works for you.
Safety Features
Many biking and running clothes come with safety features like reflective tape or designs. However, while these are completely necessary for exercising in the dark or dim lighting, they’re redundant if you only bike in the middle of the day, or if you run indoors on a treadmill.
Compression Wear
If you’re a long-distance runner or your workout focuses on endurance, compression gear is not for you. However, if your chosen sports or fitness routines call for explosive movements like sudden sprinting, leaping, or jerking away, compression gear can be great for you and your performance. Even then, it may be better for recovery rather than taking part in your exercise itself. In this case, you may look for less expensive versions or alternate methods to compress your muscles and keep down swelling.
Special Fabrics
Many companies tout their special fabrics, when for some exercises it seems like a cotton T-shirt and shorts will do. Wicking fabrics do prevent chafing and rashes, and they certainly take care of the grossness of sweat, which can encourage bacteria growth. But if sweat isn’t as big a concern for you, plain, breathable cotton may work for you. It’s not for every workout, but if it hasn’t become uncomfortable yet, you can probably stick with it to save your budget!
If you do want special exercising fabrics, rely on your personal comfort more than name brands. Theremay not be much of a difference between these brands and generic but still effective clothing. Plus, you only need one or two exercise outfits, rather than several you’ll only wear on occasion.
Supporting Clothing
Most exercises don’t require special support. But there are those that are a heck of a lot better with support than without. For example, many women are much more comfortable exercising and running with a sports bra. And long-distance cycling is much more comfortable with padded shorts. However, as long as it breathes and wicks away sweat, you probably won’t need specific clothes for simple running or weight lifting.
Again, comfort takes precedence over “special” clothes, and especially over pricey brands. Sometimes, these brands may work for you, or they match your style. But most often, generic brands that use the same fabric and support can work just as well, and save you quite a bit of money! What have you found that works well for your exercise routine?