Are You Wearing The Wrong Workout Underwear?

A lot of thought, effort and money often goes into people's workout wear, from colour coordinated outfits to supportive footwear. However, how much attention do you pay to your workout underwear? If I'm completely honest, I've never given it much thought before now, but foolishly so, as gym panties can help with more than just comfort in the gym.

 

Supportive sports bras with breathable fabric, and of course matching our shoes, is an essential part of our workout. We all know that lack of support can lead to unnecessary and unwanted sagging, as well as discomfort when working out. All sports shops stock a great range of supportive sports tops for this reason, and the accessibility of them makes it a must-have in our gym kit.

 

For our lower halves, however, many women visit the gym wearing the same underwear they would wear into the office, bedroom or nightclub, as there is less publicity around what is the right underwear to wear in the gym.

 

Wearing lace or silk material is a no go. Moisture can get trapped when you sweat as these materials are not breathable, meaning you are risking getting a yeast infection. Lycra or cotton options are a much safer bet as they allow your skin to breathe. Also, regardless of whether or not you'll have a visible panty line, thongs are not the best option either. Thongs move when you move, meaning, not only can they cause irritation from rubbing, but bacteria from the back can be brought to the front, leaving you at risk for urinary tract infections.

 

It's also a good idea to throw out any old underwear. Those old comfortable faithful knickers are doing you no favours. When the elastic in your underwear becomes exposed, it can lead to a rash: irritant contact dermatitis. Just another excuse to hit the shops then!

 

Generally speaking, undergarments with more fabric are the safer and more comfortable option, preferably in cotton or lycra. There are seamless options for those worried about invisible underwear, and a range of styles, including bikini, shorts and hipster options. There are specific workout panties if you want to ensure you have the best items for the job.

 

Another tip to keep yourself in optimal health is to change out of your workout knickers as soon after your workout as is possible; spending excess time in sweaty undergarments can increase your risk of pH imbalance, leading to infection. We need to be aware that it is a sensitive area and it needs due care and attention.

 

If you forget your workout undies or you don't have anything suitable, nor the desire to purchase anything, there is always the option of going commando. As long as your workout bottoms are a breathable fabric, with moisture wicking capabilities, you should be fine. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist places, so a pair of cotton leggings isn't going to be ideal for the job.

 

Fit ladies, I highly recommend a workout panty shopping trip... any excuse!