Top 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Running Outfits

Typically, there is no general rule as to how you should dress during your fitness training. However, comfort, flexibility and safety should top your list of factors to consider when choosing activewear. Your fitness apparel is entirely your personal preference but buying the right gear will go a long way into making your running sessions quite enjoyable.

With running outfits becoming increasingly fashionable, you are bound to make some common mistakes when buying them. This article will highlight them and give insights on how to select running clothes to avoid these mistakes.

1. Purchasing outfits that don’t fit

In a bid to show off some muscle or hide your body, you may mistakenly choose running clothes that do not fit well. Fitness training requires wearing something comfortable for easy movement. Baggy clothes will increase your chances of accidentally slipping, while wearing a tight fit will relatively restrict your movement when running.

To guarantee your safety, while protecting your muscles from spasms, compression gear should be your go-to choice. They are designed to fit any kind of body, with the benefits of improving blood flow, removing toxins and reducing recovery time.

2. Buying the wrong outfit material

When cotton clothing and socks get wet, they tend to stay wet; leaving you feeling heavy and uncomfortable. Also, avoid plastic or rubber-based materials that don’t breathe. They will trap sweat and keep your body temperature too high.

Select outfits with wicking fibers. These breathable synthetic fabrics move the sweat from your skin, leaving your body feeling cool and comfortable. Look for materials such as polyester, CoolMax and Thermax.

3. Just because you know your size, doesn’t mean it will fit

One of the most common mistakes when buying running clothes is assuming your usual size will automatically fit you. Different brands and clothing styles differ in sizing. While you may know your size, it is wise to fit your clothes before leaving the store or detagging them. This will save you the hassle of possibly returning the outfit.

4. Selecting the wrong kind of shoes

Think of running shoes as a tool to improve your exercise performance, rather than adding style. The wrong kind of shoes will leave you with hip and knee pains or even feet problems.

When purchasing from a new shoe brand, visiting a running specialty store allows you to try the runner shoes first before purchase. Please note that trail running and road running may require different running shoes; therefore, you need to identify the terrain you will be running in.

Check for stability, shoe volume, toe room, snugness, and lace-up the shoe to check for slipping. Be sure to try the shoes on with your running socks to get the perfect fit.

5. Neglecting the sports bra

Your bra may be just fine for everyday routine, but the road will get bumpy when it comes to athletics. Try running for about 200 yards to understand what I mean. Continued intense movement without proper breast support causes stretching of the breast wall, leading to irreversible damage such as drooping and sagging breasts.

A good sports bra offers the best support by minimizing breast movement and regulates sweat. In case your old ones are stretched out, it is time to buy new ones. Before purchasing, try them on and jump up and down. Although it will fit tighter than a regular bra, you should be able to breathe deeply. Also, there should be no bulges in the underarms or wrinkles in the cup fabric. With increased coverage and wider straps, sports bras minimize chaffing and rubbing, leaving the twins comfortable and in place.

6. Forgetting that seasons change

You can carry out indoor fitness exercises with the same training outfit regardless of the season; however, many forget that outdoors is different. When running outdoors, it is prudent to check the weather and dress accordingly.

For example, in hot weather, cool wicking clothes will do just fine; however, dressing warmly in removable and insulating layers is essential in cold weather. For wet or windy weather, a running jacket proves to be quite handy in keeping you dry and warm from the rain. These lightweight and waterproof jackets are found in running specialist stores such as Runners Need.

7. Assuming everyone will see you

An often overlooked running outfit is a reflective vest. When road running, it is crucial to bring a reflective vest along. This lightweight activewear is a lifesaver. Particularly when running in early mornings or dusk, your visibility is important, to reduce the likelihood of being hit by a car.

Fitness is a commitment to your body best achieved when approached with the right gear and mindset. Get your running outfit ready and commit to healthy living.

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