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

increasing effort

If losing a few pounds this year is your goal, fear not, because there are workout clothes to help. Some clothing exerts force against the skin during a workout, increasing muscle strain 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. Built-in resistance in some garments targets problem areas like the thighs and buttocks.

keep your humor

As well as increasing performance, many pieces keep the wearer cool and dry while exercising. The fabrics draw 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 necessary “give” during a workout that involves stretching and other movements.

Being environmentally friendly

For exercise during the warmer months, there are no capris and shorts designed for workouts that involve lifting your legs, like Pilates. Some exercise clothing is eco-friendly and made from fibers such as organic cotton, soy, 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 harming the environment by making her clothes.

Training gear for every part of you

Performance-enhancing clothing is not limited to tops, bottoms, and underwear. The 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 workout clothes have 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 every 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 the results of their workouts, this is a great added benefit. Although clothing will not do all the work for the wearer, it can make exercise more effective.