Women who had not been to the gym for a while used to ask me what they should wear to the gym. “What are women wearing these days,” I had more than one new gym member ask me. As I looked around the gym, and thought of my own workout wardrobe, I developed some guidelines for work out clothes that can be used by all women, whether they work out in the gym or outdoors.
How to Buy Clothes for Winter Workouts
The main characteristics of what you should wear to work out are always the same, no matter the season or the current trends.
Winter Workout Clothes Must be Layer-Friendly
Whenever you buy winter workout clothes, they must be comfortable. In the winter this could mean buying a combination of body-fitting warm pieces plus buying a couple of larger pieces which can accommodate multiple layers.
When clothes do not fit right, bunch up or ride up, it does not make for a comfortable workout.
Outdoor workouts will require outer layers as well as ear warmers, hats and gloves. Turtleneck bodysuits are better choices than scarves, which can get caught on things while running or exercising outside.
For indoor workouts, you may feel like running around in just a tank top, but remember to keep a sweatshirt with you for cool down periods, or while lifting weights. Pack extra socks and a hooded sweatshirt for post-yoga or pilates meditation.
Breathable Fabrics for Winter Workouts
It may be cold outside or cool in the gym, but layered clothing should still allow your body to breathe and cool and itself. Opt for cotton or cotton blends over polyester.
Long Over Short Clothes for Winter Workouts
One way to deal with the periods hot and cold you experience with indoor and outdoor workouts is to layer thinner fabrics. Wear dance leotards or a cotton yoga unitard under a pair of shorts, and add sweatpants or workout pants. The multiple layers will help keep you warm.
Outdoor exercise tends to involve a lot of lower body movment and leg activity, so be sure to dress the upper body in extra layers.
Padded Gloves for Winter Workouts
If your winter work out involves outdoor activities or a outdoor fitness parks, purchase a pair of padded gloves. The gloves will keep you warm while enabling your grip when using fitness park bars and poles.
Fingerless gloves should be saved for indoor workouts.
Ear Buds and Head Warmers for Winter Workouts
Don’t choose headphones over hats or head warmers when dressing for winter workouts. A pair of small ear buds will easily fit under a head warmer that wraps around your head and covers your ears.
Waterproof Everything for Winter Workouts
Any waterproof outer layers you can buy will benefit you during your winter workouts. Even if the sky is blue, ice, snow and cold water can splash up at you while running or walking.
