The days when people interested in exercising could buy a pair of five-dollar sweat pants and be at the top of their game are gone. Recent innovations in exercise clothing include everything from synthetic materials that control body temperature during exercise to separate designs for men's and women's apparel.
Materials such as Dri-Fit by Nike and ClimaCool by Adidas take moisture away from the skin for rapid evaporation, so the wearer stays cool and comfortable, according to the companies' Web sites. These materials are made primarily of polyester and dry faster than cotton.
On the Nike Web site, 222 separate products are listed as containing Dri-Fit fabric. The new technology runs $39.99 for a pair of men's running pants and $44.99 for a women's long-sleeved thermal top.
According to the Adidas Web site, ClimaCool runs $70-$90 for sneakers and $45 for men's soccer pants, with about 215 total products listed.
Dave Rubino, a running instructor and area coordinator for the University's Physical Activity and Recreation Services, said he always tells runners to dress in layers. He said he's seen Dri-Fit clothes worn in the Student Recreation Center, and he recommends them. For example, someone might wear a Dri-Fit shirt under a long sleeved T-shirt topped with a windbreak. Rubino said this is a better choice than cheap sweatshirts and sweat pants because "in the long run, you're going to be much more comfortable."
Amanda Matti, Athletics Department manager and floor manager at Copeland's Sports in Eugene, said Nike Dri-Fit women's yoga separates are big sellers because they are both attractive and good at keeping people warm. Currently, many athletic clothing companies also design lines of clothing that are gender-specific rather than unisex. Marisa Hastie, assistant fitness director at the Student Recreation Center, said many women benefit from athletic clothing that is designed specifically for female bodies.
"It does enhance your per- formance even if it's not a technological thing, just a comfort thing," she said.
Susan Verscheure, now a faculty member and certified athletic trainer in the University's human physiology department, did her masters research at the University about sports bras, an important aspect of exercise apparel for most women.
"I hate knowing that there are so many women out there who don't know what to look for and wind up getting frustrated and may choose not to participate in certain activities," she said.
Verscheure found that while traditional elastic compression sports bras may work for small-breasted women, a better option for women whose breasts are C-cups or larger is an encapsulated design that looks more like a standard bra with cups and a clasp, but provides extra support with thick straps not made from elastic.
"The encapsulated design ... was the best of both worlds, meaning it was most effective at reducing motion and more comfortable," she said.
Verscheure also noted that sports bras sized individually (e.g., 36C, 38D) provide better fit than sports bras sized small, medium, and large, and that straight straps provide better support than t-back bra designs.
Regardless of the technological advances, simply feeling good is a priority for many exercisers. Hastie, an aerobics instructor, said she encourages her students to wear whatever they are most comfortable in.
"I think a lot of people think that, to go to a gym, you need to wear the most 'in' clothes," she said.
"I think being comfortable is
more important."
evasylwester@dailyemerald.com
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