There's no question that regular exercise and physical activity can have significant benefits to your overall health. It's an important element of any weight loss goals and boosts heart health and muscle strength. Exercise can also be important for your mental health, as it is a way to release stress, anger, or frustration.
Even knowing the benefits of exercise, it can be hard to motivate yourself to workout. The last thing you want when you are in the middle of a rigorous workout is to be wearing gear that is uncomfortable or doesn't fit well.
High-quality exercise leggings can make a big difference in your overall workout experience. Your workout tights shouldn't be a distraction, they should support you as part of your fitness goal.
Below, we're sharing tips for buying the best leggings, so that you can stock up on workout leggings that work for you. Read on!
1. Go for a High Waist
When you're engaging in any type of physical activity, you want leggings that are going to stay in place and make you feel confident as you move around. The last thing you want is to feel your workout tights slipping down in the middle of a spin class or during a yoga pose.
The best workout leggings have a high waist, and that's what you want to look for when you're shopping. Leggings with a high waist won't slip down and won't leave you uncomfortably exposed. They're also more flattering, which can give you that extra boost of confidence you need to tackle a hard workout.
2. Compare Lengths
Workout tights are typically available in two different lengths. Full-length leggings should hit you at your ankle, while cropped leggings typically hit at mid-calf.
There's no one length that is better than the other, but it is important to know what your preference is and what's best for the kind of activity you do. Some people prefer the look and feel of cropped leggings, while others find that where they hit on the leg is uncomfortable.
You may also want to consider the type of weather you typically workout in. If you workout outside in a cold environment, you may not want any amount of exposed skin, and so full-length leggings would be better. If you're in a hot climate or workout inside, the opposite might be true.
Ultimately, you may have to try both lengths to find what you like the best.
3. Pick the Right Material
Breathability is an extremely important factor in picking the best leggings for any type of exercise. You want to be able to go hard at your workout, without having to worry about getting sticky and uncomfortable or having your sweat show through on your clothing.
Exercise leggings should be made from a breathability material that is also moisture wicking so that you can sweat comfortably and still be confident in how you look. Details like mesh panels also help with this.
Breathability is especially important for high-sweat workouts like hot yoga, so keep that in mind as you shop for workout gear.
4. Know the Benefits of Compression
If you're a competitive runner, you may have seen--or at least heard of--compression socks and armbands. Well, compression leggings extend the benefits of compression wear and are ideal for any type of exercise.
The important thing to know about exercise leggings designed with compression panels is that they will fit especially tight, but that's the point. Compression leggings hold your muscles in place while you work out.
This leads to better blood flow to your muscles during your exercise so you can move better and your muscles won't tire out as quickly. If you know you're prone to muscle fatigue during intense workouts, compression leggings can make a significant difference.
5. Consider the Versatility
For most people, the best fitness regime is one that is varied and includes different kinds of activities. This could include a mix of high-intensity cardio, strength training, and an exercise that focuses on flexibility, like yoga.
If all you ever do is run or do push-ups, you're likely to get bored and that could derail your fitness goals altogether.
If your exercise routine is versatile, your workout clothes should be too. You want to shop for items that can work just as well for lifting weights as they can for spin class. If you're paying attention to fit and material, the best yoga leggings can easily be the best running gear too.
6. Go for Bold Colors and Patterns
Believe it or not, the design of your workout clothes matters. It can actually impact your overall fitness performance. When you like what your workout clothes look like, you'll be motivated to put them on and head to the gym, out for a run, or to a yoga class.
Look for exercise leggings in your favorite colors or fun patterns. Details like mesh paneling and cutouts have also become popular, so that's another option if you like the way that looks. You want to open your drawer and be excited to put on your workout clothes.
They should be as fashionable and stylish as any other item in your closet.
7. Be Comfortable
Ultimately, you need to be comfortable in whatever workout tights you choose. Different styles and different elements will work better for some people than others and will be better suited for certain activities.
Once you've identified what you need from workout leggings based on your personal fitness routine, you'll be able to easily find the best workout leggings for you.
Ready to Shop for Workout Leggings?
Committing to an exercise routine is easier for some than others, but it can be beneficial to everyone. It doesn't matter if you're going for a daily walk, lifting weights at the gym, or training for a marathon--any amount of exercise can result in improved health and happiness.
Whether you're just starting out with your exercise routine or have been a fitness buff for years, having the right workout leggings can make a significant difference in your performance.
For more information on shopping for the best workout gear, please contact us at any time.