Team Franciscan Center: Safe and Comfortable Workout Gear!

Dr. Jack Harless The Franciscan Center Manager

Happy New Year! As the temperature drops it’s important to keep our spirits up and one of the best ways to stay on top of your game is through movement and exercise with friends. I wanted to share some information with you about correct exercise attire that will keep everyone safe & comfortable while they’re having fun this new year. This information is taken from the livestrong.com website:

Proper Clothing & Shoes for Exercising: Exercise is necessary to keep you physically and mentally healthy. When you're working out, you want to be as comfortable as possible. It is important to wear the right clothing and shoes. The purpose of fitness clothing is to keep you comfortable, allow for correct freedom of movement and in some cases, help your performance. Proper clothing will allow you to feel more comfortable during workouts, control your temperature and enhance your performance. Carefully choosing the right fit and style of exercise shoe can prevent you from suffering a lower body injury.

Suggested Workout Clothing: Wear workout clothes that are breathable and movable. Look for clothes that are comfortable and allow a free range of motion. Restrictive clothing or clothing made from synthetic fabrics is typically less breathable than cotton, linen and high-tech fabrics that help wick away sweat and keep you cool while you work out. Try workout clothes on before you buy them to ensure the proper fit and comfort. Take note of any bothersome stitching, tags or emblems that cannot be altered after purchasing.

Suggested Workout Shoes: Whether your workout involves running, walking, sports or gym equipment, a proper sport shoe is a must. Injury caused by inappropriate shoes can needlessly derail your fitness or weight loss attempt. Choosing a proper shoe can help you to prevent foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant and comfortable experience. Good shoes can lessen the impact of your step and cushion the foot from heavy landings.

Finding a Good Fit: Athletic shoes should fit comfortably. When trying shoes on, look for a snug fit in the heel and plenty of room to move your toes around in the front of the shoe, or toe box. The snug heel ensures that the shoe can properly support your foot, and you will also be less likely to develop blisters in that area. A roomy toe box is important because the foot expands during exercise, as blood flow increases throughout the body and the body heats up. If there isn’t enough space in the toe box, the toes can go numb or the toes can jam into the front of the shoe. Choose a shoe designed to accommodate your arches; if they're low, you need more support in the arch area and more foot control, and if they're high, you need more lateral stability and shock absorption