How to Choose the Best Women’s Activewear
As you go through your full body workout, you want to push yourself and feel the burn; the last thing you need to worry about is a shirt that doesn’t fit right or pants that ride up. Workout clothes for women are a crucial part of the exercise routine, both for comfort and confidence. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology1 found that clothing influences attitudes and behavior. So, the women’s exercise shorts or sports bra you wear to Curves may affect the results of your gym session.
To help you find the women’s activewear for your best workout, here are some tips:
Don’t underestimate the importance of women’s activewear
The clothes you wear during a whole body workout affect how you feel before, during, and after your exercise routine. You may be tempted to throw on an old concert t-shirt when you head out for a run or to the gym, but the wrong top or other piece of clothing can leave you chafed and drenched with sweat. There are a few factors to keep in mind such as the way the garment fits (loose or tight) and the fabric performance (wicking or not) to help make your decision on what to wear.
Start with a strong base
Beneath every women’s training shirt is a quality sports bra holding it all together. Sports bras can help minimize breast discomfort during a full body workout and can help prevent sagging, which can result in damage to the ligaments supporting the breasts. Look for a well-constructed sports bra that fits snugly for maximum breast support. If you’re busty, look for a sports bra with thicker straps that encapsulates each breast separately. For smaller busts, padded sports bras with thin straps work best.
Consider the wicking power of your workout shirts
If you plan to exercise in hot conditions or to sweat to the max during your gym workout, you’ll want to go with fabrics that wick the sweat away from your skin. Wicking helps sweat evaporate, which helps keep you cool and prevents a soggy post-workout shirt. Look for women’s exercise shirts and other workout clothing made from fabrics that contain synthetic materials, like polypropylene.
Make sure your workout clothes fit your exercise routine
In general, you want workout clothing that is comfortable. For the Curves Circuit, you may want to avoid exercise pants that are too baggy or wide-legged. Your athletic wear should never get in the way of your gym workout. If you’re running, biking, or using workout equipment, you’ll want clothing that fits tightly enough to not get tangled. For yoga or pilates, wicking fabrics that are soft and stretchy work best. And although it won’t affect your workout, if you choose activewear that fits your body type and flatters your shape, you’ll feel comfortable and confident.
Don’t forget shoes
A quality pair of sports shoes coupled with breathable cotton socks will help you feel more energized and protect your feet from injuries. For a gym workout like the Curves Circuit, look for cross-training shoes that offer arch and ankle support without heaviness or bulk. If you have flat feet (low-arch), look for a shoe that provides heel control and mid-foot support. If your arch is high, look for a shoe with added cushion to absorb shock.
Get the most for your money
Whether you’re shopping for workout leggings, yoga pants, shorts, or shirts, you’ll discover that women’s activewear can be expensive. But you don’t have to break the bank to get quality. To stretch the value of your dollar, keep an eye out for semi-annual sales at the end of the season, check out outlet stores, and look for activewear in the larger department stores you typically shop.
Of course, shopping for the best workout gear for your exercise routine is fun, but remember, looking and feeling good in your new women’s activewear or yoga pants is only part of the battle. It’s what you do in your workout gear that makes the biggest difference in your fitness and health.
At Curves, we live stronger, but more importantly, we live stronger together! For more information about Curves women’s gyms and our full body workout on the Curves Circuit, visit ‘Why Curves’. You can find your local Curves gym here.
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