Move
PICKING THE RIGHT CLOTHES FOR EXERCISE Whether you’re looking to buy some new activewear or thinking about what you have available already, fitness consultant Craig Wise has some advice.
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f you’re like me, you look around any store that sells activewear and feel a bit bewildered. Can’t I just go for a run in my shorts and t-shirt? The simple answer (and I am a simple man) is “yes”. There are, of course, some “buts”. PLANNING AHEAD
While everyone has different needs for their own activities, there are some simple guidelines. Firstly, consider your chosen activity and what will be most practical to wear throughout the session. If you’re heading to a spin class, then shorts or tight leggings are more suitable than loose-fitting leggings. (People will recognise their own struggles when they see someone fighting through the pain to keep going in a spin class, but no one will ever forget the guy whose
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Summer 2020
leggings got caught in the pedals.) A loose, strappy top may work well for a yoga or Pilates session, but if you plan on getting moving with a high-intensity interval workout, then look for something more formfitting and flexible that gives plenty of support. Also, be aware that some facilities may have their own clothing standards, so be sure to follow these. FABRIC TYPES
Over the years, we’ve all watched as the hallowed All Blacks jersey has changed from a baggy, cotton oversized rugby top to a body-hugging, tackle-slipping barely there t-shirt. That’s thanks to men and women in lab coats and millions of dollars. Thanks to those same lab-coat wearers, the options for us mere mortals just going for a run in an old cotton t-shirt and shorts have also changed. Now don’t get me wrong, that old cotton t-shirt has its place in the grand scheme of activewear – but only if you don’t plan on working up a massive sweat. Let’s take a closer look at fabrics. Cotton
As a natural fibre, cotton is great. It allows the body to breathe and has some natural wind-breaking
properties. However, it also absorbs sweat and soon becomes heavy. If you’re out for a light workout where you won’t be pushing your limits (think spring morning walks by the river or playing at the park with the kids), then cotton is great. But if you’re planning on stepping the activity up, then you might want to think beyond the old faithful cotton. On the plus side, research has shown that odour-causing bacteria from sweat don’t cling to cotton in the same way they cling to synthetic fibres. Bamboo
Yes, that stuff the pandas chew all day! If you’re keen to stick to a natural fibre, then bamboo is a great alternative to cotton. It’s been shown to have antibacterial properties, it’s strong, and it’s moisture wicking. (It’s what? We’ll come to that later.) Spandex (AKA Lycra)
Lycra is actually a brand name for spandex, but some excellent marketing has led many to believe that it’s something different. While, for many of us, the thought of going out in public in spandex and showing off our extra rolls can be a little intense, spandex is one of the most common and versatile materials in activewear.
