Guest Post - What to Wear This Autumn/Winter

By Richard Meadow:
​Richard Meadow is a freelance writer that works closely with OneAthletic sports
clothing.  He enjoys researching and writing about health/ sports and how they can benefit
everyone in day to day life.

The cold seasons are upon us! For most, it’s a happy festive time of the year with lots to celebrate, but for others, its colder and darker and doesn’t help motivate a healthy lifestyle.  A lot of people can struggle with what to wear whilst exercising this time of year, sometimes  gym joggers and a hoody aren’t the comfiest ideas. Here is a guide to some essentials for men and women to wear in the colder months of the year.

Thermals

​If you’re out running this is probably your most essential kit to buy, Thermal shorts and leggings are designed to help regulate your body heat and keep you warm whilst exercising. The help reduces stiffness and fatigue but in recent years the technology that goes into thermals has advanced. In leggings, for example, you’ll notice that some pairs have different designs on them and it isn’t just for aesthetics anymore, leggings have compression sections to help muscles during and after exercise. The compression sections have a tighter hold on different parts of your legs to help with supporting your exercise with leads to better recovery periods also. Leggings are available for men and women alike, the supporting in the leggings will differ due to average body sizes but the benefits are the same. Wearing them to the gym can also help performance during weights and cardio sessions.

LightWeight Jackets

​Now that you have your thermals wearing a lightweight jacket should help with your performance, wearing a heavier jacket whilst training can affect your movement and cause you to overheat. Combining thermal tops and a light jacket keeps your body temperature ideal and body movement fully available. A suitable lightweight jacket should be hooded and waterproof ready for the rainy weather, the hood is also beneficial to those who might get cold face and ears and doesn’t particularly want to wear a hat whilst running. 

​Accessories 

​Not the most important item on the list but and makes that difference in certain circumstances. First on the list is socks, like the compression thermals socks can offer extra support on the foot and ankle which can really help during distance running. Headbands all help for several reasons keeping hair in place but also help retain some heat that normally leaves through your head if you find thicker head wear uncomfortable. Finally, gloves whilst exercising (running especially) whilst help a lot. Hands can often get number whilst running and outdoor it can feel uncomfortable and distracting if they are also cold, thin gloves can make all the difference whilst running.

​High-Visibility

​Wearing Hi-Vis clothing in winter is crucial, as mentioned before the evenings are getting darker a lot quicker so your visibility to traffic may change from the start and finish of a run.
This safety measure is promoted by most sports labels, so buying a hi-vis garment should be easy and affordable, a jacket is usually the best options as it is the most visible but reflective trainers, hats, armbands, and bottoms are all designed by most brands.

​Trainers

Your current trainers are probably fine, but if you're anything like me once you find a pair that you run and exercise well in you stick with them. Checking the grip on your trainers is the best approach in the colder periods, trainers receive a lot more physicality then regular’s shoes so if the grip seems worn it might be best to invest in a new pair to avoid slipping anywhere dangerous. 

​Most of these garments come in affordable and luxury prices, so have a browse around but you should be able to find suitable products that will suit your exercise habits and keep you motivated in the winter months.