This
is the fun part! Shopping can be so much fun, and shopping for
sports gear is double the pleasure. Not so fast. When it comes
to finding
the right clothing for exercising and sports, you’ll need
to pay close attention. The wrong shoes or the lack of a sports
bra
can cause serious injuries and that won’t be fun. So, even
if something is just so cute (those platform sneakers? the adorable
pink tank with no support?), make sure it’s sports-friendly
and will protect you when you need it.
Sneakers are a major part
of how you perform in your sport, or how you keep in shape with
your exercise routine. When you go to
the
store, see the different sections for all types of shoes for each
sport or activity. Pay attention to this. Companies make shoes
designed for different activities, with extra support in places
that are specifically
needed. For example if you’re a runner, you don’t want
to get hiking boots. And if you’re a volleyball player, running
shoes aren’t going to do the trick either. If you’re into all types of exercise, maybe weight-training,
walking and running, you might want to get a pair of cross-trainers.
Also be sure to find the best shoe for your foot type. For example,
there are shoes with extra support in the ankle, if you have weak
ankles. Sometimes when you buy a new pair of shoes, they will be
uncomfortable at first and might even cause blisters. After a few
weeks, your feet will become used to the shoes and you shouldn’t
feel any more discomfort. If you do, those might not be the shoes
for you.
Sports bras are really important. They contain your breasts
and keep you from “bouncing” during high energy sports
or lots of running. You don’t want to confine your chest,
but instead you want to find a sports bra that has a good fit and
allows for
some movement. Regular bras will not provide the support needed
from a sports bra. Also, if you don’t wear a bra at all,
you risk problems later on with sagging, and all of that bouncing
will be very
uncomfortable. Find the right sports bra for you by picking out
your favorite color, finding a comfortable and breathable fabric,
and
getting the right size. As far as size goes, you don’t want
it to be so small that it is uncomfortable or causes chafing … but
you also don’t want a sports bra that is too big because
you won’t get the best support.
Clothing is less important for
exercising than shoes and sports bras, but it still makes a difference.
Find
clothes made of light, breathable
material to prevent chafing and to keep your body aired out and
help with sweat. Dress for the weather, and this might mean bringing
layers.
Sometimes you will have to practice or play a game or match in
really cold temperatures. Bring extra layers and even spandex
and long underwear
to prevent yourself from getting sick and to keep your muscles
warm. Talk to your coach about the policy for wearing leggings
and shirts
underneath your uniform. In the summer, make sure you wear light
clothing and drink plenty of water. Sometimes, girls think that
if they wear extra layers on hot days and exercise, they will
burn more
calories. This is dangerous because it could cause overheating
or heat stroke. |
