My Recommended Cycling Clothes and Accessories
Whether you are actually getting out there on a bicycle or in an air-conditioned room for spin class, it is important to assess your clothing and accessories when cycling for health purposes and to just feel comfortable. Well, as comfortable as it can be while working out your body anyways. As with almost everything, climate, scenery, and personal choice helps dictate what is comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, popular opinion has its hand to play as well. When deciding what to wear while exercising, in this case cycling, it is important to pay closer attention to the former items like comfortable fit and climate. While some clothing might be more popular than others, it is more important to be comfortable with yourself. After all, that is generally the goal of those who exercise.
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No matter what the climate is, it is important to make sure that the clothing is breathable. While there might be temptations to wear a sweater to sweat more calories out while spinning or cycling, it is definitely not recommended. Any extra weight lost by wearing a sweater in the first place will most likely contribute to water weight loss, which isn’t helpful by any measure anyways. You’ll likely gain all of the weight back within days, so it’s best to be safe than in a hurry. Secondly, it is rather dangerous to go cycling during the summer in a sweater because of the dangers of being a heat casualty.
On that note, once you are a heat casualty, it is the general rule of thumb that you are in danger of becoming one again. This is why it is important to stay hydrated before any strenuous exercise. Your body needs time to cool down, and a sweater doesn’t help provide the time it needs to do that. In fact, when someone becomes a heat casualty, one of the things that others should do to help that person is to loosen their clothing, even take their shirt off so that their body can cool. So, breathable clothing is definitely a must when exercising. When cycling, it is appropriate to put on a fitting shirt, instead of a baggy one, to help with the aerodynamics of the entire process, and to feel comfortable while exercising. The excess sweat usually feels much worse in a baggy shirt.
Next, the pants you wear while cycling is also important to consider. You should try to wear pants that are below your thighs, so that your thighs don’t rub terribly against the seat or bicycle, especially if you intend to cycle while standing at any point. If possible, wear cotton exercise pants that go all the way to your ankles in case of an accident. Every little bit is important when safety is an issue.
The last clothing item to consider is your shoes. It is important to wear comfortable shoes, especially while cycling. Running shoes are appropriate and necessary because cycling can just be strenuous on the feet as any other running workout or sport. Appropriate shoes are also necessary in case your foot gets caught in the pedals for even a second. Toe-shoes are absolutely not appropriate when cycling, again in case of any kind of accident, so be sure to not wear them.
Lastly, it is important that all clothing: shirt, pants, and shoes, be reflective, especially if you intend to exercise at night. Being safe and noticeable outside is of the upmost importance so that others can see you. Whether you have a bright white shirt on, or reflective shoes or a belt, it is important to not forget these at home. Reflectors on a bike are also a useful accessory. As said previously, safety is truly of upmost importance. An important accessory likewise is your helmet. If available, you should get an appropriate helmet for cycling. Making sure it fits properly around your head and the straps as well, is necessary for cycling.
Back to speaking about climate, it is necessary also for the cyclist to consider the weather conditions before beginning exercise. No matter what the weather is like, be sure to pack a water bottle to drink between breaks to avoid dehydration. Wear warm, but breathable clothing if possible during colder weather conditions. If it is raining, make sure that your bicycle still has the appropriate amount of treads, and that the brakes work. As far as the brakes go, it is important to give yourself distance to break whenever the weather is bad.
While cycling might not be the most dangerous sport, it is definitely strenuous. Bright colors are good to wear, but if the material is stretchy, be sure to keep it to darker colors so that your sweat doesn’t show up too badly. Keep in mind that wearing black can make you retain more heat so that your body doesn’t cool as fast. Your body can only sweat so much to keep your body cool.
Finally, you’re ready to go cycling. Be sure to stay hydrated and hydrate the day prior to give your body the energy it needs. If you will be cycling at night, keep those reflectors in mind, and if during rainy weather, make sure to apply proper caution to the exercise. Your clothing should be comfortable and wearable. Wear clothes close to your size so that the fit isn’t too tight or too loose. As you become a professional cyclist, you can wear more sleek designs that add to your aerodynamics as you race down a track.
Most professionals that you see generally keep to the rules written above. They wear brightly colored (almost neon), fitting shirts and capris, and generally wear glasses so that glares don’t surprise them as they are riding. They are always drinking water when taking a break, and for females, generally keep their hair tied back under their helmets. If you are interested in how you are progressing, buying a stopwatch or sports watch is also recommended. Good luck.