Dressing For Sporting Success

Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay

Dressing for success is a simple piece of advice and while it’s well known in your professional and dating lives, have you thought about how it could also work when playing sport or exercising? Do you ever think about the clothing you choose and how it can influence your performance in a match, on the track or in the gym as well as in other areas of your life? It might sound daft as you’re going to get hot and sweaty anyway so why not just throw on a worn out cotton t-shirt and some old shorts? But read on to find out how sportswear can affect your performance.

The Right Clothing Boosts Confidence

If you are happy with the clothes you’re wearing when working out, then there is a higher chance you will want to exercise and push yourself more. When you have the right tools – well-fitted sports clothes that offer support in the right areas are going to make you feel more confident. The confidence translates into better performance.

A Uniform Unites

If you’re playing for a team, then all of you wearing the same uniform, wearing your colors and being proud to represent your team will increase your chances of winning. You can even design your own uniform and get something that makes you look and feel like champions.

Good Apparel Improves Performance

Certain outfits are banned in professional swimming because they can shave seconds off a swimmer’s lap time as they create a more aerodynamic flow in the water. There is also clothing that can improve performance in other sports too, for example, you could get yourself a shirt that absorbs moisture from your body making your morning jogs more comfortable so you can stay out longer. Then make sure you have the right shoes for the right sport, so running shoes that are made for running or aerobics lack the flexibility, lateral stability, and traction required for other games.

The Right Gear Adds Protection and Prevents Injuries

Using improperly fitted equipment is a significant cause of sports-related injuries that can interfere with your workout routine. Choose the right clothing for the right weather; if it’s sunny, wear a cap to cover your head and protect your face. Shoes that don’t fit properly cause blisters, cramps and slipping that slows you down, and high-tops are required for the protection of weak ankles.

Good Clothing Can Improve Movement

Don’t buy the wrong clothing just because it’s cheap; they probably won’t fit well. Paying the full price gets you better value over the long run and can give you freedom of movement.

A tight shirt can restrict your movement and make sure your shorts don’t ride up or slip down when you are jumping. If you do wear a cap – make sure it’s not too tight around your head but also ensure it won’t fall off or slip.

Compression Clothing Aids In RecoveryCompression clothing provides graduated compression to stimulate circulation. The result is a massaging effect which stimulates blood flow. The increased blood flowing through muscles removes the lactic acid produced during exercise, and as a consequence, recovery is boosted, and muscles are less sore and stiff.