Scratch's Guide To Fall Fitness Clothes
The weather is getting colder, but the Cave is heatin’ up. Fall is my favorite time for outdoor exercise. The temperature is great and after exercise it’s easy to justify that pumpkin beer! If you’re gonna go exercise, you’re gonna need clothes(FYI you need clothes to go anywhere). I thought I’d help you take advantage of my “rock bottom” prices and choose the appropriate apparel for your fall workout. Read on!
1. Pick Wicking – Some fabrics are designed to pull sweat away from your skin during exercise and others absorb it. Choose a fabric that is moisture wicking. Look for a synthetic fiber that will allow your skin to breathe by wicking–drawing the sweat away from your body. This will help keep your body cool while you exercise. Polyester, Lycra and spandex work well. I’d also recommend you avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat, and doesn’t pull it away from the skin or help it to evaporate quickly. That’s why cotton workout clothes can feel heavy and wet as you exercise. Ladies should especially avoid cotton underwear as that can lead to yeast infections.
2. Get The Right Fit For Your Activity – If you are running or biking, do not wear long pants that might cause you to trip or get stuck in the pedals. For activities such as yoga or Pilates, stretchy, fitted fabrics that wick away sweat are a good choice. You don’t want your clothes to get in the way of achieving the correct pose. Also don’t choose anything too loose or revealing or rides up the wrong way – if you’re always worrying about how you look, you won’t get the most out of your workout.
3. Keep The Weather In Mind – During the fall, just remember one thing when dressing to workout: layering. The weather might be chilly when you leave the house, but you’ll warm up as you start to exercise. So always dress for weather that’s warmer than what the thermometer outside says. Keep sweat-wicking clothing on your inner layer, and put an insulating layer on top of that. Always cover your head, ears, and hands to protect them from the cold.
4. You’ll Need Some Support – Women should look for a good sports bra that offers support and flexibility, and men will want to look for a protective cup if they are playing contact sports as part of their workouts.
5. Remember Your Accessories – Make sure you have comfortable workout shoes that support your feet and ankles. If you’re outside, remember to grab sunglasses and a hat. Don’t wear excessive jewelry. Anything that dangles could snag on equipment.
