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Fitness Equipment Apparel - Your Gym Garb Guide
from: Rika SusanWhat to wear, and what not to wear to the gym? When this
million-dollar fitness equipment apparel question presents
itself on gym days, even the strongest muscles turn to jelly.
Fitness equipment apparel has the potential to become the
make-or-break factor in a fitness program - especially if you
are just starting out with your get-in-shape routine.
The idea isn't to make your fitness equipment apparel part of
your workout-routine. This can easily happen if you are
constantly lifting straps, instead of weights; tying laces,
instead of being tied up at the workstation; doing pull-downs,
instead of pull-ups; or giving an entirely new meaning to doing
push-ups.
You don't want to be wrestling to improve the flexibility of
your fitness equipment apparel, instead of your body's. If your
clothes have some stretch in them, it will be much easier to
stretch yourself to the limit!
Let's start with fitness equipment apparel fabrics. To make the
most of your time in the gym, you have to feel completely
comfortable. Dryness, tear and abrasion resistance, stretch,
ventilation, ease of movement, and durability are all factors to
keep in mind.
Look for labels with references to materials such as Supplex,
Lycra, Spandex, Cotton, Polyamide, Coolmax, Dri-Fit, or a
combination of these. Cotton on its own is usually not the best
choice. It tends to hold on to moisture, becoming unpleasantly
clammy and heavy. Who goes through the workout effort in order
to g��n weight?
If you want to keep your cool, it is important to choose
light-weight, tight-fitting fitness equipment apparel. The
materials should have the characteristic of pulling sweat away
from your body, transporting it to the outside of the material.
The moisture can then evaporate, leaving you dry and comfortable.
An example of this is the Nike Dri-Fit range, where a
high-performance microfiber polyester fabric with this quality
is used. On a hot day, you wont need more than this. On a cold
day, a base layer can be added for extra warmth.
For superb ventilation, knit-in mesh panels under the arms, and
at the back are incorporated into some fitness equipment apparel
ranges. Make sure you have no excuse to throw in the towel
during those first, demanding weeks, by checking for tubular
seamless body construction, and flat stitching. You don't want a
seam chafing you raw in an unmentionable place!
The bottom-line in fitness equipment apparel usually consists of
shorts. If you don't feel comfortable in these, choose
easy-to-wear calf-length or full length workout pants. A good
choice is Moving Comfort's range. DriLayer fabric, a mixture of
Polyester and Lycra, will keep you cool, and it remains almost
pill-free even with repeated washing.
You can also try the Adidas fitness equipment apparel range.
Their �Mind Body� Moisture-Wicking Pants, will
keep you cool and dry. These come with an elasticated waist, and
a drawcord. It has handy on-seam pockets. The hem is open for
comfort.
A fitted t-shirt or tank top takes care of the top half of your
fitness equipment apparel search. Try a stylish, Nike Rock 'n
Sport Top for women. A nice touch is the sleek racer back.
A vital part of your fitness equipment apparel is your shoes.
Cross-trainers may be your best choice for the gym. Look for
good support, flexibility, and cushioning.
The Optima is a good shoe to start with. It is durable and
receives excellent reviews. It offers a 5mm sole. The breathable
canvas upper ensures comfort, and a good fit.
Another sensible choice would be New Balance. With ABZORB
cushioning in the heel, you are assured of excellent shock
absorption. Leather upper offers comfort and breathability.
Durability is improved with the solid rubber outsole.
The Nike Shox range includes lighter, flexible shoes in their
fitness equipment apparel. These are excellent for workouts.
Nike concentrated on cushioning and impact protection in the
design. Internal stitching, and a one-piece tongue and
innersleeve prevent chafing.
The four Nike Shox columns are made of a resilient foam that
enhances the durability of the shoe. The shoe has an extremely
responsive feel. Lightness is added with a lattice design.
It is a good idea to keep the color scheme of your fitness
equipment apparel on the dark side throughout. This will give
you a more streamlined look. A loose t-shirt for before and
after the workout, may also lessen any self-consciousness. All
the major manufacturers such as Adidas, Reebok, and Nike, offer
quality, moisture-wicking gym wear.
When you buy fitness equipment apparel, little thought goes into
the research behind the brandname. Nike's laboratory, for
instance, has some of the most sophisticated scientific
equipment to enable researchers to come up with the best designs
and materials for peak performance.
The processes involved in testing include motion analysis,
kinetics, foot-pressure measurement, ankle range of motion,
heart-rate monitors, high-speed video, temperature sensors, and
much more. All this to bring you the best possible shoes,
shorts, or tops.
If you are partial to a particular equipment range, why not show
your loyalty by wearing fitness equipment apparel with their
brand name? Companies such as Cybex and Nautilus offer all you
need to be able to make the most of your time in the gym.
Nautilus offers the Dri-Release� range, with shorts,
tanks, and other apparel choices for your workout.
You have to feel so comfortable that you are able to forget
about your attire. You can't work on your own flexibility if
your clothes doesn't show some flexibility first! Your fitness
equipment apparel has to be able to MOOOVE with you..
For more information visit
About the author:
Rika Susan of
researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web.
Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be
reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left
intact.
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