“You’re just going to get it all sweaty anyway.” How many of us have thought this about high-priced or on-trend activewear? It’s normal to question the wisdom of purchasing cute gym clothes to exercise in when they’re just going to get sweaty and dirty.
But research studies and human performance experts agree that what we wear to work out actually does make a difference in both our motivation to break a sweat. Here’s why.
5 Ways Choosing The Right Workout Clothing Can Impact Your Training
Color Psychology is a Powerful Force
Yes, color psychology is a real thing! Different colors affect our mood, energy level, productivity, motivation, and concentration. For example, seeing the color red can literally increase your heart rate. In fashion terms, this means choosing a red outfit for your workout can help boost performance during boxing and kickboxing, HIIT workouts, cardio, or other high-intensity training sessions.
Psychologically, the color black is often linked to thoughts of power and dominance, and studies on professional football teams have shown that teams wearing black uniforms tend to beat teams in non-black uniforms. Slipping on black leggings or shorts and a black tank can boost your confidence and competitive drive, pushing you to work harder and longer than your opponent.
Neutrals, on the other hand, signal the brain to relax and are perfect for restorative workouts like yoga, post-boxing stretches, or active recovery day routines.
Fashion and Fitness Go Hand-In-Hand
Does what we wear affect how we perform? Yes! ‘Dress for success’ is a common phrase for a reason. When we want to rock the job interview or nail the presentation, we button up our sharpest suits and power pumps to look and feel capable and confident.
The same concept goes for working out – the confidence we get from a fierce workout outfit translates to confidence on the punching bag, in the boxing ring, on a run…everywhere! It’s why athleisure has been having such a moment in fashion; we thrive in what makes us feel the most confident.
Newness is Exciting
The key to crushing fitness goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is consistency. But the number one killer of consistency is boredom. Shaking up your workout fashion can help beat the boredom and reignite your excitement about hitting the gym or the heavy bag.
Rotating in new items is also a great way to represent your passions and the brands you stand behind. The FightCamp apparel store not only carries boxing & kickboxing appropriate men's and women’s clothing, the stylized logo design is a perfect conversation starter to let people know you train like a fighter.
But in this age of luxury athleisure, a revolving door of new activewear can do heavy damage to a household budget. If you want to shake up your training wardrobe without breaking the bank, scope out some local or online thrift stores, or start an activewear swap with your fitness besties to keep you excited about wearing your amazing workout clothes!
Sharp Looks Boost Confidence
Fitness experts often point to a psychological phenomenon called “enclothed cognition.” This is the idea that what we wear actually triggers mental changes and can impact our performance and confidence. In short, investing in workout clothes that make you feel strong and confident can actually empower you during your training sessions.
But be warned: It’s especially important not to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to workout clothes. Activewear should feel like a second skin and allow you to focus 100% on your workout – not that itchy material, too-tight sports bra, or see-through leggings.
High-Quality Materials Keep You Safe and Comfortable
Fitness clothing designers spend millions researching, experimenting, and designing clothes that will not only protect athletes but enhance performance, too. It’s time to reframe our relationship with workout clothes. You wouldn’t buy the cheapest pair of sneakers for a marathon, so why cheat yourself on cheap compression leggings or an irritating sports bra?
In fact, high-quality compression wear will increase circulation and blood flow, which in turn sends more oxygen to your muscles. This means less fatigue and soreness, faster recovery, and improved endurance and power.
From sweat-wicking materials to the most breathable cotton, a good workout outfit will help regulate your temperature and prevent your skin from getting itchy from sweat and pore compression. Investing in well-designed and durable materials will pay off in the gym and help prevent injury.
Looking for a strong, powerful style that will have you feeling confident? Get the knockout look with FightCamp athletic wear and apparel. From at-home training to gym workouts, to errands around town, show the world that bod you’ve been working hard for.
Train Like a Fighter
Take your workouts to the next level and train like a fighter with the at-home connected fitness solution used by world champion boxers Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather. FightCamp has everything you need to work out on your schedule, with premium boxing equipment and hundreds of on-demand strength, conditioning, kickboxing, boxing, core, and recovery classes led by real fighters. As Mike Tyson said - “FightCamp is the next level of training!”