3 Things Not to Wear to the Gym
By Corrie Pikul
All-Cotton T-Shirts
Let's disregard the fashion statement you're making by wearing an old, stretched-out shirt. The most important reason to leave this beloved tee at home is that cotton absorbs sweat and doesn't quickly release it through evaporation. Wearing heavy, wet cotton against your skin can give you the chills and cause irritation. Opt for technologically advanced fabrics that hold moisture away from the body, like CoolMax, Capilene or Dri-FIT. If you aren't comfortable in the clingy fit of these stretchy fabrics, this Reebok double-layer top offers two shirts in one. A supportive tank made of Play Dry wicking fabric is covered by a looser cotton tee with flattering ruching on the sleeves.
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Untested Tanks
Your tank top may look modest when you're standing up, but it becomes X-rated as soon as you bend over to do push-ups. To avoid flashing everyone at the gym, check your top view from a variety of different angles before leaving home. Bend forward, reach and lean sideways and do jumping jacks to assess the bounce factor. Even non-impact activities require support, says Taj Harris, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Crunch gyms in New York City. "I had a woman in one of my spin classes who was rather busty," she says. "Her sports bra didn't fit, and riding the bike was causing her breasts to spill out all over the place. It was very distracting to everyone in the class-including me!" This cleavage-proof Sakti tank from Athleta has a higher neckline that stylishly limits indecent exposure. For those who require extra support, Bounce offers an option for DDD athletes.
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Silver Threads
Nanosilver is said to fight bacteria, molds and fungi, so a few years ago, companies began incorporating nanosilver particles into fitness apparel. It seemed like a flashy way to keep sweaty gym clothes from smelling stale. But the antimicrobial benefits may not last long. Researchers at Arizona State University found that after about four or five washings, nanosilver-treated fabric lost about half its particles, which then washed out into the water. Although the long-term effects of these ingestible particles on wildlife is still unknown, environmental groups have started sounding the alarm on nanosilver's ability to neutralize positive bacteria in some ecosystems. Until conclusive studies are released, save the money you would have spent on anti-odor clothing and put it toward laundry detergent instead.
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