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

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.

Source

How to Manage Sweat During Your Workout

Leta Shy — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:06:31 PDT

I love a workout that makes me sweat - it means I'm helping my heart stay healthy and burning calories at the same time. But a sweaty workout does have its downside. Here's how to manage your sweat while you work out.

Save your pores: You know to towel off after a particularly grueling workout, but it's also important to have a clean face before you start your workout; sweating through dirt and makeup on your face can lead to clogged pores. If you're getting ready for a midday workout, make sure to use face wipes before you set out to class, and keep your hands away from your face after handling dirty equipment. Read on for more ways to keep sweat from causing breakouts here.

Choose the right gear: Moisture-wicking, lightweight materials that are known to pull sweat away from your body - if you're looking for natural fabrics, merino wool and bamboo are good options - and make sure your clothing includes details like mesh panels to keep you cool. If you're running in the Summer heat, your shoes need to keep your feet sweat-free too; try airy, minimalist options to keep your feet feeling like they can breathe, like the Adidas Climacool Seduction shoes ($100).

Sweatiquette: If you're a regular at your gym, you know you're sweating among dozens of others, so make sure you keep things hygienic by carrying a towel around with you so you can wipe down machines and equipment before and after you use it. If your gym doesn't offer towels, try this cute antimicrobial double-sided towel from Towelmate ($25).

Brides and Bacne: What to Do

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:30:19 PDT

Everything is going dreamily. You found the perfect wedding gown for the big day. You've been exercising regularly to make sure it fits just right. The problem is, all that sweating you've been doing makes you break out, and not just on your face - on your back and shoulders too.

For starters, do not stop working out. All that exercise is great for relieving stress, and there are many things you can do to prevent bacne from ruining your special day.

Always wear clean workout clothes.
Make sure to wear a sports bra and top that are made of wicking fabric to pull moisture away from your skin. Avoid clothes that don't let your skin breathe.
Take a shower immediately after exercising to wash off sweat and bacteria.
When you shower, use Cetaphil or some other antibacterial cleanser on your back since exfoliating helps unclog blocked pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Use either an exfoliating scrub or bath gloves once a week.
After showering, allow your skin to dry completely and then apply a topical cream that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to treat and prevent blemishes. Be careful of bleaching your clothes if you go the benzoyl peroxide route.
If your problem persists or you have severe body acne, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

Healthy Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

Leta Shy — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:18:05 PDT

Hopefully by now you've been able to file your taxes (if you haven't, don't worry, you still have one more day!). If you're lucky enough to be getting a tax refund this year, here's how to use those dollars to fund a healthy routine.

Stock up your home gym: No time to trek to the gym every day? With the right home gym equipment, you'll have no excuses to skip a workout. To help you get started, check out our favorite home gym essentials for you to pick and choose from.

Invest in a wardrobe: You can work out in almost anything, but once you feel the difference with clothes that are made to help keep you cool and comfortable while you exercise, you may not want to. Use your tax refund to invest in a few key pieces that'll up your workout wardrobe ante. Find the right supportive sports bra (read tips for how to pick the right sports bra here), choose a few pairs of flattering, sweat-wicking capris or pants, and stock up on tops that keep you cool. Check our workout clothes posts here for workout gear ideas at any price point.

Get that gym membership: The right gym can motivate you to stick with your routine. Use your tax refund to join a gym with the perfect amount of amenities to keep you excited for your workouts. Need help choosing? Here are some tips for picking the gym that's right for you. Stretch your dollars even further with these tips on how to get deals on fitness classes.

5 Places to Find Cute, Cheap Workout Clothes

Leta Shy — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:22:50 PDT

Having killer workout gear can help motivate you to stick with a routine, but that doesn't mean you have to invest in an all-Lululemon wardrobe. If you're looking for activewear that's cute, cheap, and somewhere in between a ratty old t-shirt and whole-paycheck performance wear, here are five inexpensive options.

Old Navy: The retailer known for cheap basics has an activewear line that also lays the foundation for your workout wardrobe. Old Navy workout clothes include colorful tanks and tees and basic black leggings and capris, all in material that's made for fitness, like compression fit and moisture-wicking material.
We like: Fold-Over Yoga Pants ($20)

Target: Target's C9 by Champion collection is one of my favorite low-cost options for many reasons. The simple staples are comfortable and made of a sweat-wicking cotton blend that never feels too tight, and the cuts, while looser, always look flattering. Not only that, but all the basics come in a wide range of colors - perfect for stocking up.
We like: C9 by Champion Power Workout Tee ($10)

Keep reading for more affordable workout clothes options after the break.

When to Replace Your Exercise Essentials

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:17:00 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

To get the best results from your workout - and stay safe, too - you can't keep ignoring the necessary upkeep and replacement of your most important items. "It's worth it, especially since most gear is fairly inexpensive and other gear may have useful upgrades," says Corey Twedt, NordicTrack Research and Development Manager. "You should always check your items for tears, cracks, or yellowing, and replace them so you can prevent injuries." Here's how to know when it's time to pony up the dough for a better performance.

Tanks, Pants, and Other Apparel

When to replace them: Varies

Must-know info: The lifespan of your apparel depends on each garment's type of material and the manufacturer's specific instructions (which can be found on the tag, the information/price tag, or inside a pocket). Fabric softener diminishes the breathability, water repellency, and wicking ability of performance fabrics - so those items will lose their power within months if you don't care for them properly. You should line-dry these items as well, when possible.

More details on replacing gear after the break.

Tips For Tackling Long Runs

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:37:21 PST

Many people sign up for races and marathons in the Summer, so Spring is the time to be training for them. If you're not used to running longer than three or four miles, here are some tips to help tackle longer distances.

Don't skimp on gear. Splurge on good wicking socks to prevent blisters, a durable and comfortable pair of sneaks, wicking clothes that are seamless to prevent irritation and chaffing, and a supportive sports bra. Good gear is so worth the extra dough.
Follow the 10 percent rule. The rule states: never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent from the previous week. This means you want to gradually work up to that 18-mile run you have in your training schedule, rather than jumping right into it.
Slow down your pace. You may be used to running eight-minute miles when you run the three-mile loop in your neighborhood, but it'll be hard to keep up that pace when taking on a 10-mile run. As your body gets used to the increase in mileage, you can gradually begin to increase your speed.
Don't be afraid to take walking breaks. Longer distances mean you're on your feet for longer periods of time, so you'll notice your muscles becoming fatigued. Continuing to run with a tired body can lead to muscle damage or another injury. Allow your body time to build up endurance and have some time to recover by including short walking breaks at regular intervals.

Keep reading for more helpful tips on running long distances.

Spring Clean Your Fitness With These Tips

Leta Shy — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:06:54 PST

It's almost time to Spring clean, which means dusting off, editing, and organizing every aspect of your life. What you wear and use during your workout is no different; here are three tips for Spring cleaning your fitness.

Inspect your gear: You may never give up that old college T-shirt, no matter how threadbare it gets, but there comes a time when you need to retire old workout gear. Go through all of your gear, from wicking headbands to running shoes, and get rid of clothes that aren't doing it for you. Stretched-out sports bras and pants, too-thin socks, or smelly shirts should be retired. Invest in a few new pieces for Spring to enhance your current collection, and be strategic about the old stuff: once you get a new pair of running shoes, save the old pair for rainy runs or around-town errands and make sure to donate anything that's still usable.

Clean your equipment: Whether you have a stellar home gym or just a few dumbbells and a yoga mat, chances are some of your equipment may be due for a clean. Luckily, a safe, effective, and great-smelling cleaner is just a few minutes of DIY away. This yoga mat cleaner, just a mixture of water and a few drops of tea tree and lavender or peppermint oils, is a safe, nontoxic way to kill germs on anything from your yoga mat to your dumbbells.

Organize well: Once you've cleaned and edited your workout wardrobe, it's time to organize all of your gear. Keep your workout clothes somewhere easily accessible: this will help save time when you're putting together your gym bag. Bonus if you can store them somewhere where you can see them - when you're greeted with cheery workout clothes every time you open your closet, you may be less tempted to skip a workout!