4 Benefits Of Wearing a Base Layer for Exercise

by Marnie Bii | November 25th, 2014 | Accessories, Exercise Wear
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jogger (400x400)With the winter months quickly approaching, it just makes sense to don an additional layer of clothing during outdoor exercise activities. In addition to keeping you warm, an extra layer will wick sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and prevent rashes. Furthermore, if you use tight compression type garments, you will enjoy blood flow improvements, which deliver oxygen to your muscle tissues and organs faster to keep your endurance and strength levels up. Read on to learn more information.

Temperature Control

Pure cotton and polyester fabrics, which are frequently used for exercise wear, have tiny gaps between the threads that allow a cold breeze to whip right through. As a result, you definitely feel the chill as you jog, run or bike down the street. Unfortunately, if you double up thick cotton materials, you might feel way too hot after warming up for your exercise routine.

Thankfully, purpose built cotton synthetic exercise wear blocks wind chill while still allowing your body to breathe. Many types of layered exercise clothing are rated for certain temperatures. The different ratings indicate the thickness or thread spacing patterns used for that particular garment. Consider average temperatures in your region during your normal exercise time to find the best rating for your situation.

Sweat Removal

When you sweat during exercise, the moisture may accumulate until you feel damp or even soaking wet. When this happens out in the cold, your clothing may stick to your body and send a chill deep into your bones. If you wear tight cotton synthetics garments under your normal workout outfit, however, you will notice a marked reduction in sweat accumulation. These garments actually pull moisture away from your body and allow it to evaporate into the air fairly quickly. As a result, you stay completely dry even after an intense hour-long run or bike ride around your neighborhood.

Rash Prevention

Seams, tags and clasps on clothing can rub you the wrong way during workouts, causing a rash to develop in that area. The rash may burn and sting, which could derail your regular exercise routine for several weeks. In the long run, it makes sense to prevent rash development by investing in the proper workout clothing.

Tight fitting synthetic blends lack the thick seams, scratchy tags and sharp clasps that chafe your body during intense, prolonged movements. In addition, the ability to wick away moisture also tends to prevent rashes from developing in sensitive areas, like the underarms, inner elbows, back of the knees and between the thighs.

Blood Flow Improvements

Since compression garments were designed to improve blood flow and prevent clots in high-risk individuals, wearing them during exercise offers the same effects. As oxygen quickly moves through your bloodstream, it energizes your muscle fibers and organs for greater stamina and strength. You may even notice shorter recovery times and improved lap times while wearing your tight exercise garments underneath the rest of your workout attire.

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All health and fitness information is provided for educational purposes. Please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise regimen.