WHERE TO START CHOOSING SPORTS?
In the last decade, there has been a literal explosion of people visiting gyms. Many have realized that it is important and useful to take care of your body and health. Individual and group workouts are held in parks, embankments, outdoor sports fields and indoor gyms. There are people of different ages among those actively present.
Instructors don't always focus on what clothes to train with. Therefore, for many, the main thing is that their clothes are just comfortable. Of course, comfort is an important criterion for choosing fitness clothing, but it is far from the only important criteria. After all, slippers are very comfortable, but running on slippers or skiing in plain sports pants and a jacket would not be very appropriate and can even be dangerous to your health.
In this article we will look at two important questions, the answers to which will guide you where to start when choosing sportswear (or how to choose the right clothes for sports and outdoor activities). The information will be useful for both beginners and those who visit the gym regularly.
1. What types of fitness clothing are there?
2.What are the criteria for choosing sportswear?
WHAT KINDS OF FITNESS CLOTHES ARE THERE?
Sportswear and fitness clothing are things with special functionality. When we talk about the types of sportswear, we mean its classification:
- According to the season - this is a winter sports set and summer (spring / autumn);
- According to sports: for fitness, cycling, snowboarding and so on;
- By prior arrangement: training clothes and sportswear;
Classification of fitness clothing according to the season
Summer fitness clothing includes T-shirts, shorts, pants, tops, leggings and more. The main requirements for clothing: air permeability, vapor permeability, hypoallergenic and UV protection.
Winter sportswear - sportswear, such as ski suits, vests, thermal underwear. The basic requirements: the clothes must be light and warm, to prevent getting wet, not to interfere with the thermoregulation of the body and not to restrict movement.
Demi-season sportswear (spring / autumn) - thermal underwear, tracksuits, vests, windbreakers. The requirements for clothing are the same as for winter, but given the instability of the autumn-spring weather, it is better to dress, following the rule of 3 layers of clothing.
1. The basic (thermal underwear) should well remove moisture from the body and prevent hypothermia.
2. Middle layer - warms the body and transfers moisture from the base to the outer layer of the garment.
2. Upper (jacket) - protects from rain and wind, removes excess heat and moisture outside.
Classification of sportswear by sport.
There are a huge number of sports in the world. In Bulgaria alone, 53 Olympic and 97 non-Olympic sports are officially recognized. And each discipline has its own equipment, which requires special requirements, dictated by both the specifics of the sport and the rules of the sport.
Let's skip the sports rules and analyze the requirements for sportswear, using some examples.
1.Sports uniform for yoga.
Preference is given to cotton products with the addition of synthetics. Here you need to focus on the ratio of ~ 90%: 10%. Such clothes have positive energy (from the point of view of yoga philosophy), breathe well, elastic, resistant to wear, soft to the touch, maintain their perfect shape. It is not recommended to buy products made of pure cotton. The fabric does not stretch well, so things can swell and slip. In addition, cotton absorbs sweat well, becoming wet and heavy. And with frequent wearing and washing: shrinks, deforms and acquires an incorrect appearance.
Sportswear for cycling (running).
Cycling is one of the most energy-intensive sports. The body is actively sweating, so:
Clothes should remove sweat well and dry quickly without overcooling the body when descending with good headwind;
Clothes for cyclists should be "breathable" without overheating the body.
The choice of clothes (T-shirt) and cycling shorts (shorts or sports pants, if we talk about running) should be made of polyester, polyamide, lycra, elastane, spandex and windbreaker membrane, breathable materials. They are able to keep the body dry for a long time, providing effective moisture removal and excellent ventilation.
Clothing for snowboarders and skiers
Skiers choose tight-fitting clothes, and snowboarders choose a loose, ergonomic cut so that nothing interferes with movement when performing tricks. In both cases the requirements for the suit are almost the same and come down to the following:
- The outer fabric of the garment must be waterproof and with a breathable membrane.
- The warm lining can be on a synthetic filling, such as Thinsulat or Holofiber.
- All seams are taped and the outer zippers are waterproof and rubberized.
- Clothes must have a large number of outer and inner zippered pockets.
- The jacket and trousers must have ventilation valves.
- Comfortable hood that can be removed with drawstrings for maximum adaptation to the size of the head.
- Collar with neck and chin lining.
- Adjustable cuffs on the trousers and double adjustable cuffs on the sleeves of the jacket provide good protection from wind and snow and dry quickly when wet.
Compression sportswear.
High quality compression garments are made of synthetic polyurethane and spandex fibers. They are intertwined diagonally to provide reinforcement and muscle support. Such clothes fit well on the body and have a pronounced compressive effect (compression). This intensifies every movement of the athlete, storing and sparing energy, while the muscles stretch and contract. As a result:
- reduces the load on the heart.
- injuries are reduced.
- increases endurance.
- reduces fatigue.
- Strength is restored faster.
- sports achievements increase.
The market offers a good selection of products: compression pants, sweaters, shorts, leggings, socks, sleeves. This type of equipment is suitable for all kinds of sports and activities where high intensity and strength exercises are expected.
Fitness sportswear.
Fitness includes several programs: strength programs, aerobic training, dance, Body & Mind (yoga, aero yoga, stretching), wellness fitness (weight exercises: Pilates, shaping, gymnastics, fitball), water sports. / p>
For high-intensity fitness (eg bodybuilding, powerlifting, aerobics, etc.), synthetic or blended clothing is used. For less intense fitness (stretching, yoga, Pilates, etc.) - natural fabrics with a small percentage of synthetics (90-95% cotton 5-10% synthetics) or mixed fabrics (50/50 or in other proportions). p>
Synthetic fibers make sportswear comfortable, elastic and breathable. Below you can get acquainted briefly with the most popular materials from which fitness clothing is sewn: T-shirts, tops, shorts, leggings, leggings, sports pants and sweatshirts.
Footer LUX and stretch cotton (cotton + elastane) - soft fabric with a strong base, not afraid of active use, does not shrink, does not wrinkle and does not rub delicate skin. Provides excellent breathability and elasticity.
Stretch (elastin + lycra) is a thin, durable, elastic jersey that perfectly maintains its shape, does not shrink, does not fade and does not cause allergic reactions.
Supplex (lycra + nylon + microfiber and lurex) is a synthetic knitted fabric that perfectly removes moisture on the surface of the product. The main feature is the elasticity, the ability to fit the body effectively and not hinder movement. The material is very thin and light, durable and resistant to wear, dries quickly, does not wrinkle and does not see through.
Classification of sportswear by purpose: training and sportswear.
As you already know, training clothes are always: technological materials, anatomical cut, special seams, minimum weight and volume, various compression, ventilation and reflective inserts. And unlike everyday clothes, here it is mandatory to be comfortable and functional in addition to being fashionable.
But given the growing popularity of sports style in fashion, prominent designers thought: "Why compromise between beauty and functionality?" This is how sportswear came into being - aesthetically beautiful, modern, comfortable and versatile: for the home, city, outdoor activities and sports and is perfectly suited for comfortable physical education. A striking representative of such clothing is the tracksuit.
The best home sets are made of suede and soft jersey. Such models stretch well, and are very practical and comfortable in everyday life.
ON WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD WE CHOOSE SPORTSWEAR?
Sportswear should be chosen based on four factors:
1 type of sportswear.
2 material for sportswear.
3 size sportswear
Sportswear.
Sports top (bra).
Universal friend of the girls. Clothing reduces chest vibrations in different directions and provides adequate support.
Models with wide T and V straps also relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. Thorpe is made of dense, elastic, breathable synthetic material. There are models with a classic cut (for small breasts) and cups (for large breasts). There are 3 design options: compression countertops, encapsulated and combined. Read more about what tops are and how to choose a sports top for fitness.
Fitness T-shirt
This is the male version of the top.
The products for everyday wear are made of cotton and knitwear, and for training - of polyester, neoprene and other modern synthetic and semi-synthetic fabrics. Clothing must have good hygroscopicity, be pleasant to the body, not restrict movement and not impede air circulation.
Leggings, shorts and running tights.
Thin clothing provides comfort during fitness, jogging, cycling and allows you to show off your beautiful figure. It is made of elastic synthetic fabrics and therefore they absolutely do not impede movement, which allows you to perform any exercise.
Shorts can be either snug or loose. For running, choose the latter option, preferably with a net inside. The main condition for such clothes is good air permeability and removal of moisture.
Ski clothing.
Ski jacket and trousers, one-piece overalls, semi-overalls - these are three options for special clothing for active winter sports (cross-country skiing and alpine skiing, freeride, snowboarding, sledding, etc.).
Light, functional and warm clothing provides reliable protection and comfort on the ski slope.
Windproof clothing.
Windstopper membrane pants and jackets with minimal weight and volume reliably protect against wind, rain, cold and snow. These clothes are ideal for all types of aerobic activities: running, cycling, hunting and fishing, skiing and snowboarding, mountaineering and hiking.
SPORTS CLOTHING MATERIAL
The main question that all novice athletes ask is: "Cotton or synthetics?"
Both options are suitable for sports. The only question is in which cases to use this or that material. For low-intensity activities, choose "cotton" or blended fabric (cotton + synthetics). For high-intensity training - definitely only "synthetics", for example: elastane, polyester, etc. They are breathable and perfectly remove moisture, keep the skin dry and prevent hypothermia. In contrast, cotton gets wet quickly and retains moisture on the surface of the fibers, which affects comfort. In addition, natural fabric is afraid of frequent washing, quickly loses its shape and elasticity.
WHAT SHOULD THE SIZE OF SPORTSWEAR BE SIZED?
The rule here is simple - sportswear should not press, rub the skin, hang or fall. The options to "gain weight" or "lose weight and climb" become the greatest discomfort and eventually lead to reluctance to train.
Do not buy things without a name (ie without a name, unknown manufacturers), such clothing does not guarantee the declared functionality. Pay attention to the composition of the fabric and the size chart - each brand has its own. Read customer reviews - you can often find answers to your questions in them.
WHAT COLOR SHOULD WE CHOOSE FOR SPORTS CLOTHING?
Everyone knows about the benefits of sports, but not everyone has enough willpower to exercise regularly. One of the motivations for visiting the gym or going out for a morning run can be beautiful sportswear.
Manufacturers offer very bright, "light" colors and prints. Feel free to experiment with color. Just keep in mind that it visually changes the shape of the body: light and warm tones give a little volume, and dark and cold tones take away from the volume of the body. Color also affects mood, behavior, and even character.
- Gray is the color of calm and balance.
- White - always attracts attention.
- Yellow - cheers up, brings joy.
- Black - stimulates self-confidence.
- Blue - inspires confidence, gives the impression of reliability.
- Red is the color of beauty and love. It is suitable for the most active athletes.
- Green - relieves fatigue, improves tone, ideal for recovery.
We hope your sports debut is a success! And don't forget to check out the catalog of sportswear and outdoor activities ladiesworld.eu - there are many great sports items from the popular English brand!
