In the past, women would throw on a pair of sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes and go for a run to get some exercise. Today, there are workouts with resistance equipment, Russian balls, and even water. Just as the form of exercise itself has evolved, training clothing has evolved even more. Modern exercise clothing can enhance performance and deliver beneficial results that complement our training efforts. Also, these clothes look much more attractive than those old sweatpants.

increasing effort

If your goal is to lose a few pounds this year, fear not, because there are workout clothes to help. Some garments exert force against the skin during a workout, increasing muscular effort by up to 50 percent. The result is that whether the user is walking, running, doing yoga, or lifting weights, a little more energy is expended. The resistance built into some garments targets problem areas like the thighs and buttocks.

keep your mood

In addition to increasing performance, many pieces keep the wearer cool and dry while exercising. The fabrics wick moisture from sweat away from the body and store it as a capillary. The bras feature a nylon mesh backing instead of multiple layers of fabric, keeping women cooler. Well-made pieces are built to last, and clothing comes in many different colors and patterns. The material is soft and provides the “give” needed during a workout that involves stretching and other movements.

Be respectful of the environment

For exercise during the warmer months, there are no capris and shorts designed for workouts that involve raising your legs, like Pilates. Some exercise clothes are eco-friendly and made from fibers like organic cotton, soybeans, and bamboo. Other garments include recycled materials and lack synthetic fibers such as lycra. This allows an environmentally conscious woman to enjoy a workout without worrying about the environment being harmed by making her clothes.

Training equipment for every part of you

Performance-enhancing clothing is not limited to tops, bottoms, and underwear. Shoes are also designed to enhance a workout. Toning shoes work the core of the body and can be worn during a walking workout or when walking around town. Performance-enhancing training apparel has become so popular that some manufacturers plan to release a line of swimwear that includes the same features. This will allow avid swimmers to enjoy the same benefits without having to give up their preferred exercise.

The start of a revolution

This seems to be just the beginning of a revolution in sportswear. As researchers discover new fabrics designed to improve comfort and enhance performance during specific types of exercise, the product line will evolve. It’s not hard to imagine a day when each type of exercise has its own designated clothing with built-in benefits.

Fitness should be part of every woman’s lifestyle. If the clothes women wear can help improve their workout results, this is a great added benefit. Although clothing will not do all the work for the user, it can make the exercise more effective.