As kids and parents get busier as we all gear up for a return to school, I wanted to pass along a few tips from my wife about workout gear and wearable clothes. For guys, workout gear and school clothes can pretty much be one-in-the-same but not so much for girls I guess. My wife said that finding multi-purpose clothing for her and my daughters is challenging so here are the highlights from our conversation last night {see babe – I took notes}:
Multi-purposed workout gear
1. The combination should be multi-purposed for both parent and kid. This could mean from school to training or from training to study hall. However, it is helpful if you find these types of styles for everyone in the {busy} family.
Travel friendly workout gear is key
2. The combination should be travel friendly. If you’ve ever traveled abroad, spent any extended amount of time backpacking, or had to exist off of a few outfits for many occasions you’ve learned that clothes should wash, dry, and wear easily and should be able to change style based on accessories.
Keep your feet a priority
3. The combination should be supportive where it matters most – your feet! You can shop at resale stores and wear hand-me-downs for all things, but shoes are something that, if at all possible, you should never wear second-hand. Why? Because shoes conform to the feet of the person wearing them. Tips for soccer boots and foot care.
Donate used gear here
Not everyone has the opportunity to have new gear, but those who need will receive with great appreciated. Our local players often donate gear to a North Texas group called Mission Arlington where we have also run free soccer camps to less fortunate kids.
One of the first times I went to Arlington to run a camp with about 30 kids. I was warming them up through the speed/agility ladder, I noticed something I’ll never forget. I guess because it was in person and one of the first times I had helped homeless kids through sports. But anyways, one of the girls was wearing dress/church shoes at a soccer camp, which means that is obviously the only pair of shoes she owns.
Some bonus material
There is actual research out there that says motivational, inspirational, and clothes that fit properly actually promote a better workout. Some examples of this might include the following {or for a greater selection, check out this Pinterest page}:
1 workout gear to avoid
The one type of workout gear I think all athletes should avoid is that of the large plastic trash bag {or the expensive version of it that is sold in stores}. People often wear this to lose weight quickly, build up heat endurance, or just because they were told to wear it for training by a coach. This is not only ridiculous looking but it’s not safe or healthy.
The only true weight loss it produces is water loss and especially in hot climates, this is not a healthy or wise fitness move. So make sure you think before you do things like this! There is no quick fix for weight loss and weight loss alone won’t fix speed. Dedication to your craft in and out of season is the only true way to achieve success; small choices over time will add up to your success.