Choosing the Right Support Styles for Your Fitness

Making the decision to get to the gym requires discipline and will power. So how can you make it a bit easier on yourself? Get excited to get dressed in your new workout clothes! Athletic apparel comes and all shapes and sizes, and there is a piece of clothing for nearly every body type and type of workout. So how can you navigate the waters of workout wear? Take a look at this style guide for workout support clothing:

Sports bras
When it comes to clothing items that are difficult to buy, sports bras are right up there with party dresses and bathing suits. So how can you ensure you are making the right decision on a sports bra? The tip is to buy according to your body type. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and thankfully, so do sports bras. Your sports bra should be outrageously comfortable, so don’t settle for anything less. After all, your workout should get you out of your comfort zone (In a good way), not your athletic clothing. Here are important considerations when shopping for a sports bra:
• Material
• Cup Size
• Level of Support
• Racerback/Wide Straps
• Compression/Encapsulation
• Pullover/Back Clasps

An Athletic Shoe for Every Outing
You wouldn’t wear heels when walking your dog, and you wouldn’t wear boots to the beach – these are pretty basic rules of footwear. You probably also know that you should wear athletic shoes when working out; however, it may surprise you to know that type of shoe matter significantly on the type of workout you are taking part in.

Runners
It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one that if you are planning on going running, you should wear running shoes. These shoes typically feature a significant amount of cushion on the bottom and inside the sole area. They are designed to reduce the impact on your knees and joints and to keep you comfortable when running medium to long distances. While most people know that running shoes are good for running – they make the mistake of wearing running shoes for other athletic endeavors.

Cross Trainers
Have you ever taken a group exercise class such as Zumba or high intensity interval training? These can be excellent to increase your flexibility, endurance, and to keep you motivated. However, if you plan to make fitness classes a part of your normal routine, then purchasing a cross training shoe is a must! They offer a stable surface for complex movements, jumping, and body weight exercises. Although running shoes can be used in this type of environment, they are less effective and present a higher risk of injury.

Weightlifting Shoes
The most stable of all of the training shoes, weightlifters are the perfect shoe to wear on strength training days. If you think that these shoes are only for bulky powerlifters, think again. A great weightlifting shoe will give you the stability to lift more weight and activate the muscles you are trying to work. How can I put this in simple terms? Weightlifting shoes give you the stability to perform squats with challenging weight and great form – which is the key to a better butt.

Compression Shorts
Whether you are running, biking, lifting weights, or any other physical activity, compression shorts can have a variety of benefits. Besides being ridiculously comfortable in almost any situation, compression shorts can help you to look and feel thinner, support your glutes, and wick the sweat away from your body. Remarkably enough, compression shorts can also have an effect in helping your muscles recover from a workout. They have been proven to have an effect on reducing pain and swelling and reducing recovery time after workouts by removing lactic acid.