Exercise Essentials

Trousers

People usually opt to wear leggings or jeggings during an exercise session. But that’s highly discouraged. Your legs need enough space to stretch, and the trousers you wear in no way should come in the way. It doesn’t mean that you wear loose trousers. “When you’re exercising, it’s better if you wear the running tights. Though expensive, you need to understand that fitness is a great thing and you need a lot of motivation for it,” says Grishma, stressing on the fact that seeing the shape of your body while exercising might encourage you more. Not to forget that it absorbs sweats and gives you great comfort. So hold on to your tights!

No cosmetics

Although you work out to look pretty, wearing cosmetics isn't going to help at all. Instead, it blocks the sweat and that may be a problem. "Your skin needs to breathe and you shouldn't disregard its demands," she says. So let it breathe, use the cosmetics to look prettier later in the day or at that party at night.

Shoes

“Shoes are one of the most important exercise essentials,” says Grishma. “It’s something that cannot be compromised with. People try to pass a session with converse shoes, but be aware, it may put a lot of strain on your calves and you may end up hurting your knees,” she explains. Exercise barefoot if you don’t have training shoes. Ask for training shoes which have a good grip on your feet and are extremely comfortable while exercising. You can even buy toning shoes in the market, specifically designed to help in your exercise. A good investment in the shoes can last you up to four years.

Sports bra

The importance of sports bra shouldn’t be underestimated, as it does wonders to you while working. It’s always essential that you wear it while exercising, as it controls the movement of the breasts, reducing pain and absorbing sweat (“Without leaving you with that feeling of ickiness,” she says). It makes you less self-conscious, and more concentrated on the workout. Remember to change it time and again, replace it before it loosens up and loses the purpose of being a sports bra.

Towel

A soft towel to wipe your sweat away may not seem to be of that importance. But then, you need something to attend to that river of sweat while you’re exercising and after. So better keep one by your side.

Tees

While shoes and trousers are a long-term investment, tee-shirts are not so much. Men’s sweat absorbent tee-shirts are found easily, however, compared to women’s. What they can do instead is get a plain cotton tee-shirt, which easily absorbs sweat, and fancy it up. You can give various cuts to it, and even conspire enough to show your sports bra. It’s recommended if you bring out designs in it, to show off the body that you toiled hard for. But as long as you can, invest in a good tee-shirt for a good workout session!

Sweatband

It’s a fancy and funny little essential that you can use to keep your hair in place, and if you exercise, you know how much keeping your hair away is important. This one prevents irritation as it encumbers the hair from bothering your essential exercise time and keeps your mind free to concentrate. “In the worst case scenario, you can use it to wipe away your sweat,” says Grishma.

Grishma Bista

Zumba Instructor, Salsa Dance Academy