So, we’ve covered how to lift, how to eat, who to lift with, and even how to keep training while you’re injured. Now, learn the basics of what type of training gear you should wear when you’re working out.

 

Your Head- hats and headbands are good options for keeping sweat out of your eyes if you’re going to be doing intense workouts. If you are wearing a hat, make sure it is one that a) fits will and will not move around when executing lifts, b) does not impair your vision or your range of motion, c) will not be offensive to others working out. You don’t need anything special and headbands are a simple, functional, and stylish option (ex: the Adidas 3-Bar Headband is only $3.99 and it comes in Black, White, or Scarlet- http://www.wwsport.com/adidas+3+Bar+Headband/tabid/487/SKU/AD3BH/Default.aspx).

 

Your Upper Body- the most important thing to remember is to dress for your environment. If you are wearing training gear that is too warm for where you are working out, you run the risk of overheating and falling short of your best effort. However, if your training gear does not keep you warm enough your muscles will be tighter and you’ll need to put more time into warming up and there will be an increased risk of pulling or tearing something. Ideally, dress in layers with a moisture wicking tee as your bottom layer so you can keep your muscles warm enough to function well without overheating (ex: the Asics Core Shirt comes in a variety of colors and sizes- http://www.wwsport.com/ASICS+Mens+Core+Run+Shirt/tabid/487/SKU/MR501C/Default.aspx). It is also important not to wear anything too baggy that will hinder proper form or make it hard for your spotters/training partners to watch you.

 

Your Lower Body- The same rules apply for your lower body that do for your upper body; keep your muscles warm but not too warm, don’t wear anything too baggy, and moisture wicking is a plus (ex: The Shamrock Strength and Conditioning Short is a standard mesh short that allows ease of movement with a comfortable fit- http://www.wwsport.com/Shamrock+Strength+and+Conditioning+Short/tabid/487/SKU/SSCMS01/Default.aspx- and the Cliff Keen MSX Loose Shorts wick sweat off your skin- http://www.wwsport.com/Cliff+Keen+MSX+Loose+Shorts/tabid/487/SKU/MXSHORT/Default.aspx).

 

Your Feet- When people are thinking about training gear, one of the last things they think about is their feet, but you should not overlook the importance of wearing the right socks and shoes. Simple cotton socks are fine as long as they fit well and they provide enough cushioning and support so they do not move while you are working out (ex: The Champion High Performance Sock has been marked down to only $4.99 for a 3-pack-http://www.wwsport.com/Champion+High+Performance+Low+Cut+Socks/tabid/487/SKU/K1973/Default.aspx). Socks designed for runners are actually an even better option for anyone who is active since they are designed for movement. There are many brands, cuts, and styles, to choose from, but my top pick is the Asics 2100 Low Cut Running Sock- http://www.wwsport.com/ASICS+2100+Low+Cut+Running+Socks/tabid/487/SKU/ZK509/Default.aspx. This sock is light weight and has a mesh-like top to promote cooling.

            The most important thing to consider when selecting shoes to lift in is the sole- you want a flat sole that will not slip. Many Cross-trainers, Running Shoes, Basketball Shoes, etc have a highly cushioned, raised heel. This is a necessary feature for those activities, but when lifting you want to keep your feet as flat as possible while maintaining support and mobility. There are shoes that are designed specifically for powerlifting that you might want to look into if you decide to start training competitively for that type of competition, but if you are an athlete focused on another sport and you are lifting to enhance your strength and abilities to improve in that sport, a decent pair of wrestling shoes fits the bill as well. You can choose from a split sole model, like the Asics Ultratek, that provides support with a little more flexibility through the foot- http://www.wwsport.com/ASICS+Ultratek+Wrestling+Shoes/tabid/487/SKU/JY800/Default.aspx- or a flat sole model, like the Asics Rulon, the provides more stability- http://www.wwsport.com/ASICS+Rulon+Wrestling+Shoes/tabid/487/SKU/JY500/Default.aspx.

 

So there you have it, the top to bottom essentials for your training gear. Clothing may not seem important, but being equipped to workout at your best is just as important as showing up to do the work. Keep active, keep focused, and always remember-

 

Strength is a matter of a mind made up,

 

Dickie