Sprinting, jumping and squatting your way through an intense workout is difficult enough, but it can be much harder to endure when all that time spent outdoors, soaked in sweat, resulted in a terrible cold. Activewear can truly make or break an exercise session, but it can be tough to know what the best options are for outdoor workouts, especially during the colder months. So, here are some simple tips that will help you dress properly and stay healthy:
1. Choose the right materials
For low-intensity workouts, such as yoga or light resistance training, cotton might be a good option, as it soaks up moisture like a sponge, making it appropriate for those exercises when you’re not perspiring a lot. If you can’t stand that sticky feeling of sweat, workout clothes made from nylon, spandex, bamboo, and polypropylene are all known for their ability to wick moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate, helping you keep your body temperature down during workouts in warm environments. The right fabric is especially important for outdoor workouts when you’re battling cold weather, which is when a moisture-wicking polypropylene base combined with a fleece layer for extra warmth might be the best option.
2. Layering is essential
Dressing in layers isn’t only reserved for fashion enthusiasts. Actually, athletes are the ones that can benefit the most from peeling off and piling on thin layers of clothing. Wearing spandex leggings underneath a pair of sweatpants is a great way to shed a layer while working out, and then covering up once the exercise is complete. Layering a breathable cotton t-shirt or tank top under a spandex, polyester, nylon or fleece sweatshirt or hoodie will also provide a couple of barriers for colder weather, while still helping you avoid overheating. When the temperatures start to drop, it’s essential to find a great thermal jackets offer and get an additional layer of outerwear that will keep you warm and dry during harsher weather.
3. Find the perfect undergarments
For women, a comfortable sports bra is crucial, even though it might be hard to find the perfect one. In general, there are two types of sports bras to consider: compression and encapsulated. Compression bras secure breasts with pressure, making them perfect for high-impact exercises, but they work best if you wear an A or B cup, while encapsulated sports bras have individual cups for each breast, and are a good option for larger breasts, as they provide proper support, while helping keep sweat at bay. As your entire body sweats during a workout, it’s important to opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics for your underwear as well, which will pull sweat away from your skin and reduce the risk of chafing or infections.
4. Don’t forget about accessories
If you want to stay healthy while exercising outdoors during the colder months, accessories should be an essential part of your workout gear. Most importantly, make sure to cover your head and hands, as most of your body heat can easily escape this way. A tight-fitting hat or beanie, either knit, woven or fleece will keep your head warm and can be easily removed whenever necessary or desired. Similarly, wearing gloves will help keep your hands warm, therefore keeping the body temperature comfortable. Wearing thick and warm, yet breathable athletic socks is another way you can ensure that your feet and toes don’t suffer from frostbite while exercising outside during the winter.
Apart from choosing the right clothes and the right fabrics for your outdoor workouts, never compromise fit for style. Make sure all of your clothes allow freedom of movement, without restricting your range of motion, in order to maximize your outdoor workout experience.
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