From The Benches – “Finding the right gear to hit top gear!”

It is a joy to be back in the office.

There is nothing quite like an overpriced Costa coffee, nor the banter that comes with your office friends. It may simply be that old routine that you thought you would never miss. 

I know Miguel feels similar joy to returning back to the office. Although, that may be more the freedom that comes with working outside of ones own living room. 

Yet, this week has been hot! Or, as my innate Australian-ism wants to say; It is too bloody hot to be wandering around Central London in a suit. 

As the sun bares down upon me as I walk the streets and travel on that steam-box that is the tube, all I can feel is that horrid sensation of sweaty clothes that gives rise to an unwanted discomfort. Yet, with such a feeling, I had a thought – why not write about the importance of wearing the right clothes and gear when exercising for this week’s blog. As there is nothing worst than wearing the wrong shoes, or an ill-fitting item to the studio and quickly realising that the session will now be a struggle in ways it ought not be.

So, what advice is there on the topic? Or plainly, what do we want in our get-up? –

Well, we want clothes that can breathe, and no I mean not literally!

We sweat when we exercise, and when we do, we want our clothes to work with our body to not hold the full volume of sweat we incur throughout the session. If our clothes hold onto the sweat, they feel uncomfortable and heavy, which in turn undermines the experience. If we get the right clothes, with the right fibres, we wont carry the weight of a sweaty session with our clothes, nor will we end up with stinky, sweaty and moist clothes that scream bacteria growth if not cleaned with relative speed! (*Cough* *Migs*)

Now, durability and flexibility!

We want our clothes to last as we push both our body to the limit! You need that flexibility to match the changing motions of your body, and to be durable enough to last as you continue to chop and change as you go! Together, clothes that are both durable and flexible will ensure comfort, which is equally important!

To wear shoes that do not fit correctly is to guarantee blisters, as much as a bad fitting sports bra or tight-fitting shorts will always dig and rub into your body causing great discomfort. At the end of the day, we simply wont put on our shoes and go for a run if they cause us pain, and to do so, we would be denying ourselves the necessary exercise our body requires.

Additionally, in the heat, it is important to add that we want our clothing and gear to protect our body against the environment we are working out in. If outdoors in the sun and heat, clothes that protect our body from the UV (as well as UV smart gear such as a hat and sunglasses), are loose fitting and breathable are imperative. As it is always smart to put on sunscreen, it is perhaps also a good idea to think of brighter colours to drown out any sunscreen smudges and to reflect the sun’s friendly rays away from your body.

In winter, additional layers or lengths are often necessary to keep your body warm, however, one must be mindful of allowing easy regulation of your body temperature. It is ideal to have layers that are easily removable as you get going and heat up, and again, breathable to negate against any build-up of sweat!

However, my advice is not perfect, and when it comes the best advice, it’s always best to get it from Miguel, who suggests –

“the right clothing can turn an average workout into a great one as it increases your comfort and allows you to focus on the training. We in fact have some different Vests, T shirts, shorts and even Leggings (for when its colder) that are very comfortable, light weight and breathable and do a magnificent job all available at front desk! (not to mention excellent branding).

But the most important thing is that everyone that joins the studio is comfortable for every moment they are here. I know our blogger has gone through the many important aspects of what makes the ‘right’ clothing for exercise, but there will always be that elephant in the room known as ‘fashion’ that can place unnecessary anxiety on getting ones outfit right. It can often create a sense of perhaps dread or stress if the outfit does not feel as trendy as somebody else’s, or as new and clean. I just hope that our studio is that safe environment for everyone to come and feel safe and not have any added pressure to wear something that does not make them feel as comfortable as I hope they can be for the studio sessions. The right gear is always comfort before all else, and that is why I love it! – and this message will always be the one we practice in our studio.”

There it is! If you get your clothing right, you will always have a comfortable session and be able to direct your full attention to the job at hand – reaching your peak!

Thank-you,

Miguel & The Team, 

Peak Physique Studios