FitSugar

Gear Review: Ibex Wicking Clothes

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:07 PDT

If you're looking for some new wicking gear, then you've got to check out the Balance Seamless Collection made by Ibex. Made from sustainable merino wool and a hint of Spandex, these base layers are soft, stretchy, and flattering. With cooler temperatures heading our way, it is time to think about layering for outdoor exercise.

Pictured on the left is the Balance Sports Top ($59). It has a built-in shelf bra that's great for A through C cup sizes, but only for medium- to low-impact sports. So I wore the Balance Support Bra ($69) underneath for a nice long run. Wearing a bra and top made of wicking material is incredibly comfortable because they pull sweat off your skin and let it breathe; I felt dry and fresh throughout my entire workout. I also love the racerback straps that stayed put on my shoulders. The fabric is seamless, so there weren't any irritating ridges rubbing on my skin. They both fit snugly and contour to your body, keeping everything tight and making you feel supported and strong.

Just when I thought I couldn't be more in love with this bra and top, I looked on the inside and noticed that these words were knitted in the material, "I am sick of four walls and a ceiling. I have a need for the sky. I have business with the grass." Talk about inspiration.

To hear more about the rest of the collection

read more. Check out the pics below to see what other tops and bottoms you can get made of this incredible wicking material. Most of them come in a few different colors so check out the Ibex website for more details. Wicking intimate base layers are a must if you're active because they can prevent rashes, chaffing, and yeast infections. I know these aren't cheap, but isn't your comfort worth it?

View 14 Photos ›

If you want to hear more about fitness gear or share about gear you have, check out the Good Gear/Bad Gear Group.

Winterize Your Running: Wicking Clothes Are a Must

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:00 PST

Don't let the cold weather keep you from running. You just need the right gear to stay warm. And that gear should be made of wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin. They help keep you dry and warm. Start the slideshow to see some of my faves.

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Best Practices: Extend the Life of Your Workout Wear

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:43 PST

You splurged on $70 capris, but since they make such a difference in the way you feel during workouts, you'll never go back to cheapo clothes again. Because you've shelled out a lot of dough for these items, it's best to know how to take care of your workout clothes so they'll last. Always check the label or the brand's website for care instructions, and to answer a few common concerns about washing wicking-wear, we spoke to a few of our fave brands to get the skinny on the matter.

Go With Cold
We spoke with Zobha, Lululemon, and SmartWool, and they all agree: wash your technical and wool workout garments in cold water. No need to hand wash either! Just drop your clothes into the machine. But Lululemon adds "avoid washing with fluffy clothing (i.e. big cotton sweatshirts)" so your favorite leggings don't end up with a bunch of unwanted lint as decoration.

Say No to Bleach and Fabric Softeners
Bleach does not play nice with technical fabrics, so these brands say to avoid it. When it comes to your woolens, SmartWool recommends avoiding fabric softeners "because they coat the merino wool fibers and reduce the fibers' ability to naturally manage moisture and regulate your body temperature."

To Tumble Dry or Not
When it comes to drying your gear, all these brands agree: it's perfectly acceptable to tumble dry your clothes on low. Lululemon does provide the caveat that "hanging to dry will help prolong the life of the garment." I find using the dryer helps lessen the stink factor that affects some of my workout wear. Plus it saves time - I hate when I grab a pair of air-drying capris for my morning workout and they're still damp.

If you have more questions on washing your fave pieces of gear, read up on how to wash workout clothes for more tips.

Be Your Best at Every Workout With the Right Prep

Leta Shy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:17 PST

When it comes to exercising, the more you do it, the better you get at it - as in, you become stronger, faster, or more flexible, and not only that, you are able to exercise longer (and losing inches isn't anything to sneeze at either). But no matter how long you've been committed to fitness, make sure you know how to prep to be your best at every workout.

A plan: You've suited up, stuffed your bag in your gym locker, and made your way to the floor only to think, "I wonder what I should do today?" Don't waste your time with an ineffectual workout or halfhearted commitment. Figure out an exercise plan before you start with our tips on how to build a workout routine.

A happy belly: Cramping or a grumbling stomach can make a workout a complete misery. Keep your stomach happy by fueling up with a small snack before you exercise or by giving yourself a few hours to digest a big meal before working out. Find out which foods you should be eating (and when) before you work out.

Read on for more ways to be your best at every workout.

Finally! A Maternity Workout Line You'll Love Wearing

Kate Stahl — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:23:36 PST

Everything a mama-to-be reads says that her workout routine shouldn't stop the minute she gets pregnant. In fact, keeping active during pregnancy has tons of benefits, as long as the mama listens to her body and gets the OK from her doctor. My OB gave me the thumbs-down for my favorite workout, hot yoga, but encouraged me to continue a regular yoga practice, which helped me feel healthy and relaxed during my pregnancy. The only complaint I had about my routine: finding cute workout clothes that covered my expanding belly during my Downward Dog and happy baby poses!

Next time around, I'm definitely investing in new line Via Privé Mamma, which launched this Fall. Founder Sarah Vazirani, a mom of two, was inspired to create the line after trying - and failing - to find great activewear during her own pregnancies. Not only are the styles cute, but they're made with eco-friendly fabric Quadracore, which has a four-way stretch and also wicks away moisture. Keep reading to see Via Privé Mamma styles. Now you really have no excuse not to get yourself to that prenatal yoga class!

Winter Running Woe: Burning Lungs

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:22:30 PST

Temps across the country are plummeting, but a little cold (or even snow) won't keep die-hard runners indoors. Layering up with wicking clothes is the key to staying warm and dry while sweating it out, but what about breathing in that frigid air? It's not only painful to inhale, but since the air is often dry, it causes your airways to narrow, making it harder to breathe.

If running in the cold makes your lungs burn or causes you to cough, try this simple solution: wear a moisture-wicking neck warmer, like this Smartwool Neck Gaiter ($25), over your mouth. It'll not only keep cool air off your neck, but the gaiter also traps the natural water vapor you exhale, making the air you inhale moist and a bit warmer, which is easier on your lungs. A regular scarf could also work, but who wants to wrestle with slowly unraveling loose ends, especially on a windy day? Another benefit is that a neck warmer can be lowered below your chin or easily slipped off, bunched up, and stored in your pocket after you warm up, while a scarf is much too bulky.

When temps dip really low, you'll probably prefer a balaclava that covers your nose, mouth, ears, and head. It may look a little scary, but at least you'll be warm and comfortable. Plus it's a great option whether you breathe through your nose or mouth, although you might find breathing through your nose may ease the burning in your lungs - just bring along tissues in case your nose runs.

Keep reading to find out other ways to relieve your burning lungs.

Get Outside! Cold-Weather Exercising Tips For Winter

Michele Foley — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:07:17 PST

Going for an outdoor run or bike ride when it's 40 degrees outside might not seem like your idea of a good time. The treadmill offers warmth, but exercising outdoors breaks up the monotony of the gym, increases calorie burn, and can also help performance increase. Follow these cold-weather tips for exercising outdoors, and you'll find that Winter workouts aren't as daunting as you think.

What to wear: Sure you'll work up a sweat, but it's important to dress warmly when exercising in cold weather. In the Winter, it's all about layers (like these cute long-sleeved tops). You also want to make sure that your bottom layer of clothing is moisture-wicking. To avoid overheating but still stay warm, dress like it's 20 degrees warmer than the true temperature outside. Here's a checklist of what to wear for cold-weather workouts.
How to warm up: It's important to warm up before any workout - outdoors or otherwise. It can be even harder to do in cold weather; muscles feel extra tight and the last thing you want to do is brave the elements. Get blood flowing and muscles loose by warming up indoors first. Here are warmup ideas that can be done indoors (even in a small apartment space!).

Keep reading to see more tips on exercising outdoors during the Winter!

Tales From the Fit Community: Unintentional Naked Yoga

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:03:22 PST

Here is a hilarious yet totally embarrassing hot yoga story from reader FunSally, who shared her wardrobe malfunction in our Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

This is a little story of my first hot yoga class. I was surprised to see mostly men there and, out of a class of 20, only three other women. I was already sweating before we even got started. It was really hot, and it wasn't long before sweat was dripping off me. My mat had a pool of my sweat on it, and I was really having trouble not slipping as I did my moves. For one move, I was sitting on my mat, and we reached for our big toes, spread our legs apart as far as we could, and rolled onto our backs.

I was feeling really exposed. When we stood up again and turned to the front of the room. I saw myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe it. My white Danskin was just that - a skin. I was embarrassed that my shorts and top were totally see-through. It was as if I was doing the class naked in front of everyone; everything was in full sight. My nipples were bare, my ass was completely visible, and my lower lips were open and on full display for the entire class to see. I was so shocked to see that every time I turned around. The men around me all smiled and seemed to be loving the show.

I was so humiliated. Finally when the class was over and I had to turn in my mat, my instructor smiled and ask me how I liked my first class. I told him I was so embarrassed. He told me not to worry about it and that it happens to a lot of first timers. I left the building still wet and exposed. I will never forget the moment when, as I was leaving, all the men said, "It was nice to see you."

Are you worried about experiencing a major wardrobe malfunction during a hot yoga class? Read our tips on how to avoid dressing for an unintentional naked yoga class after the break.

Keep Your Post-Gym Trek Sweat-Free

Leta Shy — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:21:24 PST

There's nothing worse than heating up at the gym only to be met by frosty cold temps outside when you're done. If you're not making a pit stop in the locker room to get street-ready, you're met with a problem: you're too hot and sweaty to brave the cold outdoor air without feeling uncomfortable. If you're skipping the shower at the gym, here are two simple reminders to make sure your next trek outdoors post-workout isn't uncomfortable and cold.

Wait it out: Don't just hop off the treadmill and grab your stuff. When you're exercising regularly, it can take several minutes for your heart rate to go back down from peak to resting rate (the normal heart rate recovery rate is a decrease of 15-20 beats per minute) so if you go outside too soon, you'll still be pumped up from your workout. Use the time to cool down properly with post-workout stretches and foam rolling instead.

Always choose moisture-wicking: I've worked out in any old T-shirt and I've worked out in gear designed for working out, and there's definitely a difference. To keep yourself from being uncomfortably soggy under those Winter clothes, use performance wear designed to wick away sweat and keep you dry. And always bring a similarly sweat-wicking cover-up to layer under your coat before you head outside for even more protection. Here are some lightweight cover-ups that would work well under your puffy outerwear.

How do you brave Winter weather after sweating it out at the gym?

Running With a Bun in the Oven

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:30:06 PST

When I became pregnant with my first, it was important to keep up with my healthy lifestyle. Running was always a big part of my exercise routine, so if you were an avid runner who now has a baby on the way, here are some tips for keeping up with your running routine.

As soon as you find out you're expecting, talk to your OB about continuing with running. Chances are your doc will encourage you to stick with it, but it's always good to be cautious when it comes to your growing baby.
Don't expect to do what you used to do pre-pregnancy. You'll probably need to slow down your pace, take it easy on hills, stick to even terrain to prevent falling, take breaks often, and decrease your distance.
Along the same lines, don't push yourself too hard physically. This is a time to maintain your fitness level, so signing up for your first full marathon isn't the best idea.
Listen to your body from day to day. Throughout your pregnancy, there may be days (or weeks) when you may not be feeling well or energetic enough for a four-mile run, so wogging - doing a combination of jogging and walking - may be a better option. Run (or wog) on days you feel like it, and walk on days you don't.
Your body is going through many changes physically with all the growing and expanding it's doing, so while running, stop if you feel a pull, twinge, pain, or cramp.

For more tips on running while pregnant, keep reading.