Clothes That Fit, Will Help You Stay Fit!

Did you spring-clean your home but forgot about those worn-out sneakers and old workout clothes living in your closet? Spring is a good time to update your exercise wardrobe, especially if your current clothes and shoes have seen better days.
 
You might think your exercise attire is not all that important! However, wearing the right kind of clothing can optimize your workout.

Many people believe that what they wear during a workout is not as important as the workout itself.
It’s true that the main focus should be your routine. Certainly, it is not necessary to be fashionable or trendy while exercising. But wearing ill-fitting clothing or garments made from wrong materials that chafe or irritate your skin can impact your comfort, flexibility, and performance. And, in some cases, they can even cause injuries.

When shopping for new exercise apparel this spring, pay special attention to the material, functionality and fit:

• “Cotton is a wonderful fabric for every-day wear, but not for a workout. It traps sweat and perspiration, weighing down your garment and clinging to your skin. So-called performance fabrics made of polyester and / or Lycra blends are a much better choice not only for clothing itself but also for socks, hats, and even underwear.”
• “Materials are very important but so is the fit – your clothes shouldn’t be so tight that they constrict you or limit your range of motion. Usually, garments that have some stretchable spandex will be most comfortable during exercise.”
• “Make sure your clothing is activity-appropriate. Baggy pants might be right for running but not for cycling. Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with Capri leggings and a fitted top – they are great for any type of workout or sports activity.”
• “Feet can make or break your exercise routine – there is nothing worse than working out with painful blisters or other foot injuries.  That’s why a pair of comfortable, well-fitting workout shoes should be your top priority. It is recommended to replace your workout footwear every five to six months, and you don’t have to pay big bucks for toning shoes. There’s no proof that these expensive sneakers provide a better workout than traditional sports-specific footwear.”

The bottom line is, that if you wear appropriate clothing, you will get much more benefit out of your workout.

To Prevent Colds and Flu, Cough up some Exercise!

It’s the middle of winter and you are under attack by a silent enemy that invades your nose, throat and lungs, reducing you to a sneezing, sniffling and aching mess.
       
Yes, the flu season is here again, ready to strike our bodies and make us feel miserable for days or even weeks.According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza normally peaks in the United States in January and February, spreading like wildfire across the country. Along with the common cold, flu is the most contagious condition this time of year.   Unfortunately, it takes more than an apple a day or a bowl of chicken soup to keep these nasty viruses away.

But while we can’t stop the spread of influenza, we can avoid getting sick by strengthening our defenses against the invading viruses. In fact, there are several ways to increase our immunity against the flu. Vaccination is the best protection, but there are other preventive measures you can take in addition to getting the shots. Basically, it’s a matter of boosting your immune system so it can stop viruses before they attack your body. This is where exercise is very effective.
       
Recent studies showing that exercise creates disease-fighting cells in the immune system, making it more resistant to colds, flu, and illnesses in general. And, these studies have also reported that while brisk activity is recommended, we don't have to work out to the point of exhaustion in order to get the immunity benefits of exercise.
       
Research proves that even people who work out moderately at least 30 minutes five days a week, increase the number of immune-system cells that circulate in the body and kill viruses and bacteria. These folks have 46 percent fewer colds than those who work out only once a week or not at all. And even if they do get ill, their symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, coughing, and runny nose are much less severe.
       
The message here is clear: If you work out on a regular basis, your immune system will heal your body quicker, with fewer complications. Sometimes, simplest things really do work best!

There are other good preventive measures besides exercise that protect our health during disease outbreaks. For example, eating vitamin-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, washing our hands frequently, and avoiding crowded public places that are real germ-fests, will also help. It all comes down to common sense, good judgment, and a healthy lifestyle.