The importance of right gym or exercise wear is underrated. When a person feels good about what he or she is wearing, it serves as motivation for the workout routine. It is understandable that style is important, but style should accompany comfort. It is best to choose clothes which are custom fits for the type of exercise that you will be doing. Fitness expert at Sculpt Gym-Gurgaon, Yashmeen Manak. gives us a low down on what’s right and what’s not as gym wear in your fight to stay fit:

Lower Body

What to wear: Shorts, three-fourths, full length track pants. The shorts you choose should not be too tight. They should fit you well and not restrict exercise movement. The three-fourths' or track pants should be blended cotton (for stretching comfort) or 100 % cotton fabric. The waistband elastic or drawstring should be covered and not too tight so that it doesn't pinch and irritate your skin.

What not to wear: Jeans aren't appropriate at all. The material is not conducive to exercising and exercises such as squats, lunges will be difficult to execute. Low-rise track pants that aren't good for stretches and bends will expose your underclothes and derriere, and are definite no-go's. The same applies for very short and loose shorts; such shorts can be very uncomfortable and are a big no no.

Upper Body

What to wear: Dry fit T-shirts, cut –sleeves or basketball jerseys, sweat shirts (with sleeves or without sleeves will depend as per the weather conditions), athletic tank tops for women. The best fabric to choose is dry fit, as it wicks moisture and keeps the skin dry.

What not to wear: Layered shirts; some men layer their clothing to appear bigger. This is not appropriate at all as it attracts too much heat (and looks funny too!). Baggy tops or T-shirts are also not a good idea as they will only get into the way while executing the workout moves and may prove hazardous by getting stuck onto some equipment.

Footwear

What to wear: Gym trainers, Cross training shoes, running shoes. No flip-flop,sandals,barefeet

Headgear

No fancy stuff required except for a head band for females to avoid hair coming on the face while working out. Bandanas and caps may look cool but not a good idea as you don’t want sweaty and smelly hair. Let your skin and hair breath.

Undergarments for Women

A supportive sports bra is very important to avoid damage to the breast tissue during intense exercise. Wearing improper bras can cause sagging. Choose a supportive branded sports bra for your type of breast size. If you have large breasts, go for racer backs with thick straps. Women with small and medium chests should look for a comfortable snug fit. The sports bra should fit you well and let you move freely during the exercise. It should not be so tight that it makes breathing uncomfortable. Underwear should also be breathable and made of cotton. Do not wear G-Strings and avoid tight thongs made of synthetic material.

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