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High-Tech Workout Apparel…does it really work?

Submitted by Linda Pramshafer on Wed, 2011-11-02 09:37
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I am not an avid runner, so I will usually grab any old pair of shorts, bra top and t-shirt and head out, however, my sister has the latest in high-tech running pants with anti-chaffing, moisture wicking material, reflectors and little pockets for I-pods and other gadgets/keys. Does she really have an advantage over me, when out on a run? I thought I would do some research and here’s some of what I found:

“There’s no doubt that better-quality, more comfortable athletic clothing can have benefits, from both a physical and psychological standpoint,” says exercise physiologist Thomas Altena of Missouri State University. “It’s like cars: Until you get into the high-tech gear, you don’t really know what you’re missing.”
 
 “To start, the right material will help regulate your body temperature. This can affect heart function, which in turn influences how difficult you perceive an activity to be”, says exercise physiologist Delia Roberts, with the American College of Sports Medicine.
 
“If you want one item that’s guaranteed to decrease [athletic performance], that’s letting your body get too hot,” she says, explaining that the newest generation of synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene, wick sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate, for a cooling effect. Cotton, on the other hand, “will absorb moisture and wetness and keep it close to the skin,” which can be uncomfortable, and cause chafing, blisters and other skin irritations.
 
What about all the hype regarding compression garments? Roberts adds that compression garments, which claim to improve blood circulation to a particular area of the body, may also boost athletic performance — although probably not for the reason manufacturer’s state.
She said that according to research published this year in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, there’s no evidence that positive effects of compression tights are due to increased blood flow; instead, it appears that any benefits may stem from the fact that these tight pants, shorts and other clothes reduce muscle vibration and provide additional muscle support during a workout.
 
And if motivation is a problem for you, research suggests that if you are uncomfortable during a workout, you are most likely not going to do it the next day or the next. Better fitting outfits that make you feel better will give you an overall better workout experience, which will help you to keep at it. I guess it’s time for me to go shopping!
 

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I think it works so good. You

Submitted by bill65 on Mon, 2012-05-14 14:16.

I think it works so good. You are able to get so much from it. The technology will help your workout so much. I hope to see more in the future.
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About Linda Pramshafer

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Linda is currently an Area Promotions Director/Presenter for Powder Blue Productions promoting TurboKickTM, PiYoTM & Hip Hop HustleTM. She is a Zumba instructor teaching at top clubs as well as corporate facilities, where she also helps to facilitate Zumba fundraisers for schools and local charities.

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