I’m a huge exercise fan, so when my gym closed for lockdown, I, like many others had to change the way I exercise. I’ve always been a runner, and have run the London marathon twice (more if I could have got a place in the ballot, having tried for the last 11 years!!), and numerous half marathons, and I’m a regular at my local Saturday morning Park Run. But I have never been one to do gym classes at home. I like going to the gym – I like having other people to motivate me in a class, and I like the social aspect of being a gym member. So finding new ways to get my exercise fix has been really important to me. I have been doing yoga with Adriene on Youtube, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’m not going to stop my regular yoga class when lockdown is lifted, but I also know that I am going to continue with her classes as well as the class I have been going to for over 12 years now.
In my gym I also do Les Mills Grit Cardio, Grit Strength, Plyo and Body Pump, all of which you can find on Youtube. I have pretty much stuck to Grit Cardio and Hiit at home as you don’t need any equipment, and they’ve all been as much fun to do at home as in the gym.
I also think I’ve become a lockdown cliché, as I have also bought a bike. I normally go to a spin/sprint class twice a week, so I wanted to find the next best thing for me. I’m really enjoying going for bike rides. Who knows, maybe they will become my next favourite form of exercise?
So whether you’re going out for a run, cycle, or doing a HIIT or yoga class at home, keeping fit is a great way to stay healthy during lockdown. Comfort is key whatever sport you are doing – always wear something that is easy to move in and doesn’t restrict you in any way.
Different exercises provide different purposes and what you wear for these activities should reflect that. Here are some of my favourites, broken down into activities.
Karen X
Running
As the weather is getting hotter running on a sunny day is a beautiful time to do exercise but not always the easiest to know what to wear. No matter how far you plan on running make sure what you wear is extra comfortable. Look for lightweight fabrics that help keep moisture away from the body, a good sports bra and most important invest in a good pair of running shoes that offer the best support. I would recommend having a Gait Analysis to find the best running shoes suited to you to avoid injury and to help improve your running.
From a slow jog to a sprint or a long distance run. Here are some of the best thing to wear for running.
Tops
Bras
Tights/Leggings
Shorts
Trainers
Hats
Headphones
Socks
Bum Bags
Arm Bands
Water Bottles
Recovery Ball
Yoga
Comfort is key when dressing for yoga. If you’re not comfortable you’re not going to be able to move though the poses very easily. Avoid anything too loose, as loose fitting tops will end up over your head or ride up when you’re in certain poses, and you’ll feel self conscious when you’re back in your yoga class. Seamless sports bras are best as they don’t dig into your back when you’re relaxing. And a good quality yoga mat is really important – it will stop you slipping when holding different poses and moving from one pose to the next.
Tops
Bras
Tights
Sweatshirts
Socks
Yoga Mats
Yoga Straps
Yoga Bag
Water Bottles
Yoga Block
HIIT & Circuit Training
HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a way of training that involves quick, bursts of exercise followed by short recovery period. Ill-fitting and uncomfortable clothes may hold you back and can hinder your performance. You need to be able to move fast as there are a lot of lunges, burpees and mountain climbers, and you will get sweaty. Opt for mesh fabrics and sportswear in stretchy fabrics that you can move well in, and feel supported. A good supported sports bra is key for a high intense cardio class. I tend to wear leggings rather than shorts as they tend to ride up.
Tops
Tights
Shorts
Sweatshirts
Bras
Socks
Hair Bands
Water Bottles
Cycling
If you’re not in a rush, or you’re going on short cycle then you don’t need to wear special cycling clothes. But if you are going out on a slightly longer ride you will need to be more comfortable.
Tops
Shorts
Leggings
Socks
Helmet
