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Running ApparelThis page aims to take away some of the questions you may have about running apparel. If you’re a runner that’s been pounding the pavement for years then you know what apparel works best for you. Just started running and want to get the most out of your workout? It's sometimes hard to take a recommendation on apparel from a sales clerk who keeps looking at their watch counting down their mall escape so read on... Be comfortableOne of the most important things to remember about exercising is being comfortable. You wouldn’t buy an item of clothing too small just so you could slim down and hope to fit into it. The same goes with running apparel, don’t buy something too big because it hides anything. You want your running apparel to fit but not be too snug. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a fresh face on the road, it's always important to shop around to find out what you like and what fits you best. Men and women and even children perform their best when they feel comfortable. We will take a look at running in different seasons, we’ll look at what to wear and what not to wear. Ladies and gentlemen, lace up your shoes... Springtime is the prequel to getting ready to run. They show commercials of runners. They tell you how important it is to get fit, just in case you’re not. Secretly you tell yourself, this is the year. The flowers are blooming, the temperature starts to rise a little higher each day, and your favorite television show is winding down, what better reason to get some of that winter dust off you by running. Summer is a great time to run, it also a great time to sweat. Running ShoesIf you’ve just started running then you know a good pair of shoes is essential. The ones you mow the grass in or stomp mud puddles with have their place. You should own a pair of running shoes, but where do you find the “perfect” pair. An easy start is to look at the brand currently on your feet, if you’ve kept them for a while and are happy with them, then it is probably not a bad idea to stay with that brand. When buying running shoes you need to make sure you buy the right shoes for your foot type. Without knowing it, you could be an underpronator or overpronator... Whoops, did I just lose your attention? Go to my running shoes section for some more explanations and plenty of pages of shoe reviews.Running SocksRunning socks are important too, avoid cotton and go with a wicking type of material. Wicking is when moisture moves from one place to another, it basically moves up and away, much like a wick on a candle. You want to keep your feet as dry as possible to make sure you avoid blisters. Click here for Reviews of Men's Running Socks Click here for Reviews of Women's Running Socks Running TopAnother piece of important running apparel is a comfortable top. Again, don’t opt for your cotton t-shirt, it’s made to absorb. You’ll be wringing out sweat like you just pulled it out of the rain. You might as well keep a chamois handy while you run, you’d need it. The best material is mesh, it’s made to breathe, and CoolMax makes some of the best ones. The price ranges from $30.00 - $50.00. I love my running tops, they are so lightweight. After you have put them in the wash, you need to just hang them outside for a very short while and they are dry again; and that's exactly how you want your running top to be. The difference with cotton is huge. Tough boy and go shirtless in summer? If your man opts to go Matthew McConaughey just suggest some sun screen; I’d rather nurse a sore leg muscle than a sunburn any day. Summer always gives us an excuse to wear less clothing, take the precaution and cover bare skin areas with waterproof sunscreen, an SPF used at the beach will be fine for running in the sun. Running BrasLadies will need extra support up top when running. The goal is to minimize movement but not to restrict blood flow. A sturdy sports bra should be an asset; it should help keep you supported front and back. Running Shorts and SkirtsRunning shorts are a basic that everybody needs. Again, going for cotton to keep you warm is fine but not very comfortable while running. So you want to chose breathing materials for your shorts. Again, CoolMax is a good choice. Also note that for ladies there are some cute running skirts, also referred to as running skorts, available. Check out the Running Shorts for Men Reviews Check out the Running Shorts for Women Reviews If you’ve gotten through the summer months and now that fall is approaching and you’re still running... You’re going to need to change your running apparel. Gone are the days of less is better, now you’ll need to start thinking about layers and headwear. Dressing for winter running is no different then dressing for winter itself. You’ll be spending more time outside, so the elements, along with your running schedule, are important factors to consider. Running TightsTo keep your legs nice and warm you need running tights or running pants. If you are not really into tights, then you will probably give the pants a go. Tights do have some benefits though: The compression of the tights helps to support your muscles. Studies have shown that your muscles tire less quickly when you are wearing running tights, so they are performance enhancing. Another benefit would be that leg chafing is less of a problem when you are wearing tights. Running Tights for Men - Reviews Running Tights for Women - Reviews An alternative to tights are running pants. Have a look at some running pants for men or running pants for women. Now onto the upper body. Your upper body is where you house your vital organs. Start with a lightweight top and then add another lightweight layer. Each layer is designed to move moister away from your body. One layer of cotton in there and you'll start soaking again. Cotton will keep you warm, but when you sweat it doesn't allow any moisture to escape and evaporate. Running GlovesSince your extremities are exposed more during the winter months you’ll need to look at getting some gloves. Remember your hands will sweat too, your body doesn’t want the extra moisture and to keep your core temperature cool it will disperse sweat from every gland. Find a pair that fits and has some breathable material. Running HeadwearNow, let’s use our heads for a minute. If you watch football then you’ll always see the cameraman pan over to the bench of a football team who’s playing in a stadium where a roof is a luxury. If they have their “hats” or helmets off you’ll see steam billowing off their domes. No, they’re not hotheads, the heat they generate while playing football is escaping through their heads. In winter you need something on your head to keep the warmth in, in summer you need to protect your head against the sunshine. There is some debate about what to wear, ladies like a ball cap so they can pull their pony tail through the back, guys tend to go for the ski cap, its cotton, its warm, and it covers the ears. I’m going to let you decide on this one. Again, whatever feels comfortable for you. You’re the one running, sweating and/or panting. The most important thing about running apparel is buying when you need it. Unless you’ve got the desire to plan on qualifying for the next Olympics, buy what you need when you need it. It’s best to work your way up to the apparel that will maximize your workout. Fitness has become a profitable industry and for a good reason, the materials are state of art, a lot of science goes into creating running apparel that people will buy, talk about and even recommend. As with normal clothes shopping, whenever you can, go for the off-season to get some bargains. Gotta love a bargain! Just to summarize, when it comes to running apparel there is one big rule as you may have noticed in this article:comfortable, breathable clothing. So I hope you use that rule and find the apparel and running gear that is good for you. Wish to get more running tips? Subscribe to the Best Running Tips Newsletter or to my site blog! Go from Running Apparel Page to Best Running Tips Homepage Running Apparel Running Shorts for Men | Running Shorts for Women | Running Tights for Men | Running Tights for Women | Running Socks for Men | Running Socks for Women | Running Pants for Men | Running Pants for Women | |
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