Selecting the right outdoor clothing for pregnancy

Selecting the right exercise clothes

Good health, toned bodies and the feel good factor that comes from working out are just some of the positive results we can achieve through a regular exercise program.  Choosing a sport or form of exercise that suits you, your body and your lifestyle and one that you really enjoy, is key to your success. Just as important, is having the right equipment and clothing.  From running shoes to swimsuits, it`s vitally important for comfort and enjoyment to think carefully about your clothing requirements and the job the clothing needs to perform. As women, our bodies go through many different stages and our clothing has to meet those needs at every stage.

Running/Aerobics/Gym work/Cycling

Will you be working out on a treadmill, in the gym or outside come rain or shine?  If it`s outside, you need to consider warmth, comfort and safety.  There are a multitude of flexible, waterproof, breathable fabrics on the market these days to choose from.  If you're running in the dark you will need to make sure that your clothes have reflective strips for safety so that your visible at all times to road users.  Choose fabrics that allow air flow or that wick away sweat; these will help to keep you cooler in summer and warmer in winter.  Running shoes are of vital importance to give the correct support, as are sports bras! No woman should undertake any form of high impact exercise without one.  There are many available, so look for a suitable support level for the exercise you are choosing.  Take into consideration your specific needs.  If pregnant, you will need to re-assess the size and strength of the bra that you need and even when not pregnant you may find that at certain times of the month you may need a more supportive bra, to help with sore and heavy breasts. Coverage and flexibility is very important, so make sure you try out a few moves to see that the top or trousers stay in place whilst working out. Adaptable clothes are also useful to consider, such as jackets that you can remove sleeves from and don`t forget to look for useful extras such as zip pockets in trousers for those all important keys and MP3s. Choose styles that won`t get in the way or get caught in  gym equipment or wheels when cycling.

Walking/Yoga

Clothing for lower impact forms of exercise still need to perform, but there are fewer requirements for support and more of a need for comfort and flexibility, so choose them carefully.  Make sure that when bending forward or stretching legs that the clothes stay in place and that they are comfortable to sit in.  For walking consider layering clothes, especially if it`s a little cold, as you can remove a layer when you start to warm up.  As with running, make sure that fabrics have reflective qualities for safety at night. Obviously if you`re pregnant, look for a suitable range that offers the specific fit for that time, with the style that you are looking for.

Swimming

Consider if you would rather swim in goggles or without and make sure that the swimming costume is long enough in the body for you. Will it still be comfortable when reaching forward.  For tummy control, look for one that has a strengthened tummy panel, there are many on the market and if you`re pregnant, don`t worry.  There are a wide range of companies now offering maternity swim wear in many different styles for you to choose from.