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      How To ‘Spring Clean’ Your Fitness Gear For Better Workouts

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      By Gina Beretta
      Ahh, the circle of life (for your fitness gear). Like the milk in your fridge, even your favourite sports bra has an expiry date.
      Serious question… when was the last time you cleaned out your fitness gear? You really do put your workout wear through it’s paces. All that sweating, washing and vigorous wearing will ultimately compromise your comfort and performance. So, here we’re giving you the tools you need so that you’ll know when it’s time to ‘throw in the towel’ — or, rather, your bra, tops and socks.
      READ MORE: 11 Best Workout Tights To Give You All The Gym Inspo
      Compression Garments
      Life span: Six months to one year
      Designed to help increase circulation, compression tights, socks and sleeves may help speed post-workout recovery too, research suggests. Inevitably, though, they stretch over time and lose efficacy.
      Time to tossCompression clothes should have a super-snug, almost uncomfortable fit. If it’s getting easier and easier to slide them on or if fibres are coming out of the fabric, you’re probably not getting the full benefits.
      Make ’em lastWash after every (yes, every) wear, since body oils and dirt can compromise their compression. Don’t machine-dry and avoid wringing and twisting.
      READ MORE: Your Best Guess – Three Easy Ways To Wear Jewellery
      Sports Bras
      Life span: One year (or less, if you’re doing high-impact workouts)
      Supporting the girls is no easy task: the physical stress of stopping boob bounce degrades a bra’s elasticity.
      Time to tossYou’re starting to chafe, the bra rides up when you raise your arms or your boobs move more during workouts.
      Make ’em lastCleaning by hand is ideal, but if you do use the machine, fasten hooks first, put the bra in a mesh washing bag, then drip-dry to avoid warping.
      Swimming Costumes
      Life span: Six months to two years
      Pool chemicals break down the fibres, making your cozzie lose shape; this creates drag, which can slow you down.
      Time to tossBaggy crotch, faded spots or tiny white fibres popping out.
      Make ’em lastRinse with tap water post-swim. Squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry.
      READ MORE: The 18 Best Swimwear Pieces That’ll Flatter Every Figure
      Socks
      Life span: One to three years
      That thin fabric can hold up to your stepping and sliding only so long, leaving you prone to painful friction and blisters when it gives out.
      Time to tossThey’re stretched out, you see holes in the heel or around the ball of your foot, or you get more blisters than usual.
      Make ’em lastWear them only during your workout. Dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage.
      READ MORE: 6 Ways To Melt-Proof Your Make-Up This Summer
      Moisture-Wicking Tops
      Life span: Six months to five years plus
      These shirts draw sweat away from your skin to help regulate body temp. Most synthetics are chemically treated or have technology woven in that lasts 25 to 50 washes.
      Time to tossIt can be hard to tell, but gradually they’ll become less effective at keeping you dry.
      Make ’em lastFollow washing directions religiously to prevent wicking power from fading prematurely.
      Waterproof Jackets
      Life span: Five years plus
      A good topper can protect you in two ways: the layers block moisture so it can’t penetrate and they also prevent sweat from getting trapped. The result is breathability and dryness.
      Time to tossYou’re sweating up a storm (because the coat is trapping moisture and heat), water seems to seep into the fabric, or the jacket is starting to smell (even when clean).
      Make ’em lastIdeally, wash no more than twice a year to keep the chemical finish intact (but if the coat is visibly dirty, more cleaning is okay). Tumble dry in heat, which reactivates the surface repellent. More

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      11 Best Workout Tights To Give You All The Gym Inspo

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      When it comes to working out, motivation to get up and go plays as big a role as anything. And there’s nothing like new fitness gear to get your workout juices flowing. Enter: these workout tights, which are hella comfy, sweat-wicking and gorgeous enough to convince you to get off your butt and into the gym. Motivation? Acquired!

      Cotton On Bobby shortie short, R279

      High-waisted, patterned and pretty, these are the exact kind of pants that’ll get the job done in the summer sun for parkruns, beach workouts (that inevitably end in a post-sweat dip) and backyard workouts. And you’ll feel as happy as a flower, too.

      Puma Exhale leggings, R525

      We love a forgiving, high waistband and these Exhale workout tights from Puma do exactly that, with a lighter colourway that feels fresh, like a breath of fresh air.

      Koko Active lemon leggings, R340

      This fun print makes us want to dance around in the gym. Cop the bra, too, for a really fun ‘fit.

      READ MORE: The 18 Best Swimwear Pieces That’ll Flatter Every Figure

      JUST BREETHE leggings, R1790

      Specifically engineered to never ride down during squats or Vinyasa, these are made to last. JUST BREETHE workout tights are made with a four-point hold around the glutes, thighs, calves and waist, so you’re never adjusting, just going hard.

      Burnt Tribeca tights, R839

      This v-shaped waistband is über flattering and the fabric is supremely soft. Pair with your denim jacket and flow from CrossFit to coffee dates.

      adidas Thebe Magugu leggings, R1699

      adidas teamed up with Thebe Magugu in this collection, honouring South Africa’s vibrancy. This collection comes in plus sizes, hoorah!

      READ MORE: “Here’s How I Got My Fitness Back After The Pandemic”

      Kheper Vpop leggings in white marble, R599

      What’s not to love about this marble print and high waistband that flatters our curves? We’re inspired to move.

      Under Armour Project Rock HeatGear® Ankle Leggings, R1399

      There’s just something about Project Rock that gives us all the motivation to really push it in our workouts. This colourway and flattering side stripe are having us jump for joy – and burpees.

      BeFit Mara leggings, R920

      These beauties feature metallic foil in a marble pattern and are engineered with a four-way fit that allows you to bend into shapes without compromising that tummy area.

      READ MORE: Here’s What’s Trending in Watches Right Now

      Tiger Lilly Sunni Pocket Shorts in terracotta, R600

      Brighten up with these summery shorts that feature pockets (score!). Pair them with anything and you’ll feel far more inspired to sweat.

      Lara Fay Salmon Snake High Waisted Power Legging, R999

      These simply stunning tights, with snakeskin print, are just high enough on the waistband without getting all the way into your bra area. Plus, the flattering length enhances your shape.

      anima High-Waisted Tights, R1500

      When trying to avoid having your tights ride down during jump squats, high-waisted designs are the way to go. These are ethically made and are fully biodegradable.

      Michelle October

      Michelle is a freelance writer at WH, passionate about all things health, fitness and mental wellness. She’s also an avid surfer and recently discovered skateboarding as a viable means of transport. Skate dates, anyone? More

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      The 6 Greatest Recovery Tools That Ease Tight Muscles

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      Recovery tools are clutch when it comes to stretching out and massaging tight, sore muscles, whether from injury or a hard workout. We’ve rounded up the top recovery tools that’ll get you from “eina!” to “aaaaah….”

      READ MORE: This Cardio Abs Workout Takes Only 20 Minutes But Works All Your Major Muscles

      Asoka Yoga Acupressure Energy Mat, R435

      Don’t let the spikes scare you; they activate energy points said to relieve pain, fatigue, insomnia and even combat anxiety.

      TriggerPoint GRID 1.0 Foam Roller, R650

      The hollowed-out roller gives as solid a sports massage as you can get alone on your bedroom floor. For best results, go slow as you can and remember to use your body weight as pressure.

      Theragun Mini, R5000

      The gold standard of percussive massagers now comes in a compact, waaaay less expensive model that’ll still pound out muscle tension like a pro.

      READ MORE: The 18 Best Swimwear Pieces That’ll Flatter Every Figure

      Hyperice Vyper Go Vibrating Roller, R3000

      You can roll out those DOMs at home or on the go thanks to this vibrating massage roller that’s designed for portability.

      TrueLight Energy Square 2.4, R6 695

      Red-light therapy is all the rage, but no product is easier to use than this energy square. Pair it with your morning coffee or post-workout stretch to target tension.

      Stryke Cryo Trigger Massage Ball, R420

      Combine the benefits of cryotherapy, heat therapy and massage therapy for pure muscle relief. *sigh*

      READ MORE: Sculpt Your Body With This 15-Minute HIIT Workout More

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      The Softest Fabric For Your Toughest Workouts

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      With workout gear acceptable and comfortable in all day activities way beyond the gym, it’s become a focus of active people to seek out the best gear that feels as good after your exertions as it does while working up a sweat.
      Like Suede On Your Skin
      The secret to success in this crossover of comfort comes down to how the gear feels on your skin. Under Armour has created Meridian fabric with that precise goal – to feel soft on your skin during and after a workout. A technical quick-dry hybrid fabric that lets you go hard without losing that super-soft feel.
      It’s a sensation to the skin you never knew you needed but can’t imagine wearing anything else once your feel it. This specially engineered fabric delivers a unique type of softness that can still wick sweat like a champ. 
      All Day Comfort
      With the realisation that soft just for the sake of comfort is not good enough, numerous rounds of research and development were used make sure comfort and workout versatility are priorities. The result is the  softest performance gear to date from Under Armour.  The impressive collection is ideal to wear to any fitness class, from spin to yoga to pilates, but is  also so flexible, lightweight and soft, that you  won’t want to take them off once you get home. 
      “The Under Armour Meridien legging is absolutely phenomenal. Moving in them feels  like they weren’t even there. Even while sweating, they still just felt really comfortable.”, says Rachel Garcia, Pro Softball Player.
      The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection’s notable promises include:
      SERIOUSLY SOFT Under Armour brushed the surface of the fabric to an ultra-soft finish for our softest feel yet.
      LASTING COMFORT Wicks sweat and stays comfortable, especially in those high-friction zones.
      FLEXIBLE PERFORMANCE Super-breathable, lightweight stretch goes everywhere you do.

      The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection includes a wide range of gear and also features the new UA Smartform Evolution Bra. The new ‘must have’ bra delivers strategic support, tailored for medium-support activities like cycling, weight training & boxing. Bending, jumping, and squatting can make your clothing shift or slip as you move, The UA Smartform fabric can help your clothes adapt to your movement moulding to the shape of your body which may help keep them from slipping or shifting during workouts.              
      The new ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection will be available at Under Armour Brand House stores nationwide as well as online: www.underarmour.co.za More

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      This Under Armour Iso-chill Kit Stops You Getting Hot During Workouts

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      Ever been in the middle of your HIIT sesh and just felt too. damn. hot. to continue? Yeah, us too. But luckily, Under Armour Iso-chill kit is here to be that workout buddy you never knew you needed.
      Trust us, the Iso-chill microfibre technology is a huge game changer for us gym girls and runners alike.
      So What Exactly Is Under Armour Iso-chill?
      The Iso-chill technology debuted in late 2019 as a replacement for CoolSwitch. What’s CoolSwitch you ask? It’s a crystal technology which sent a cooling sensation back to your body once the garment tissue was activated by perspiration.
      The key difference between Iso-chill and CoolSwitch is the introduction of the natural element Titanium Dioxide, which unlike its predecessor, expels heat *immediately* from the body when touched.
      So How Does It Work?
      Under Armour flattened out the fibres within their garments and added Titanium Dioxide (the natural element) to absorb UV energy. This allowed them to create workout gear that quickly pulls heat away from your skin – allowing you to continue for an extended period, at maximum capacity.
      The specially designed fibres lay flat against your skin to evenly disperse heat, literally providing a cooling sensation to the touch. Umm, yes please!
      Removing this concentrated heat allows athletes (we’re looking at you!) to increase the max-out time and increase output in any hot, high pressure situation. Say, a particular sweaty HIIT session or a fast 5km.
      Our Fave Under Armour Iso-Chill Kit RN
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill 200 Laser T-Shirt
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill 200 Laser T-ShirtR 999Buy It
      This is everything you’d want from a workout top. It’s breathable, light and cute.
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 Shorts
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill Run 2-in-1 ShortsR 699Buy It
      Running shorts that are comfortable, keep you cool *and* have a layer that won’t ride up as you hit the road? We love it!
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill Run Short Sleeve
      Women’s UA Iso-Chill Run Short SleeveR 399Buy It
      Everyone needs a reliable running top they can count on to help them get through those kms. Now you can up the ante and smash those PBs with this black running tee.

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear Partner Content More

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      6 Sustainable K-Way Products We’re Loving This Winter

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      Are you even South African if you don’t whip out the K-Way as soon as the temperature starts to dip? Cape Union Mart is the first-stop destination for Saffas on the hunt for outdoor gear, gadgets or, yes, winter threads. And the K-Way down jacket is the unofficial uniform for braais, camping trips, festivals… and any other outdoor activity. 
      Now, the iconic local brand has taken things a step further by giving SA’s favourite cold gear a sustainable makeover. We’re talking social and environmental responsibility that invokes real, impactful change. 
      K-Way is constantly striving to do things better, more ethically and more sustainably. And their partnership with Re:Down® is helping them do just that. Re:Down® is an international company that collects used down from post-consumer goods. Then begins a thorough process of sorting, extracting, washing, drying, sterilising and quality-checking before the down is cleared for good-as-new reuse. 
      READ MORE: How To Change Up Your Skin Routine For More Hydrated Skin This Winter
      K-Way is the first manufacturer in Africa to use Re:Down® in its apparel, including their much-loved puffer jackets. So if you’re wanting to upgrade your outdoor gear, why not choose something with sustainability in mind? This gear guide is good for the environment and perfect for your many exciting adventures ahead!
      6 Sustainable K-Way Products To Buy RN
      K-Way Women’s Ember Re:Down Jacket 
      K-Way Women’s Ember Re:Down JacketR 1 999Buy It
      This sustainable style icon is upcycled and made from 100% Re:Down®. Made from quality upcycled down with 650 fill power for added warmth and comfort, the jacket features a seamless tube construction that minimises down migration. And to keep the cold air out? You have two hand-warmer pockets, two internal drop-in pockets and elasticated cuffs and hem. It also comes with a compression bag for easy and convenient storage when travelling. 
      K-Way Women’s Edge Waterproof Shoe
      K-Way Women’s Edge Waterproof ShoeR 1 499Buy It
      Looking to spend more QT in nature? This shoe is perfect for day hikes and other light hiking adventures. Thanks to reinforced support from the Ortholite insole, CMEVA midsole and Vibram outsole, as well as a waterproof construction, it protects your feet against the elements so you can move with ease. It’s also made with recycled materials, allowing you to do your bit for the environment, too.
      READ MORE:  11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
      K-Way Eco Fleece Beanie
      K-Way Eco Fleece BeanieR 149Buy It
      Keep a warm head this winter. Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece fabric, it is specially designed to keep your head and ears warm on those colder days. Orange not your colour? This beanie comes in 11 different colours, from black to teal to dusty pink and even ochre, so you can match your beanie to any outdoor outfit. Who said you had to sacrifice style in the name of sensibility?
      K-Way Eco Evo Medium Gear Bag
      K-Way Eco Evo Medium Gear BagR 650Buy It
      The durable ripstop material is made from 14 recycled plastic bottles. The heavy-duty lockable YKK zips and buckles keep belongings secure, while the additional sling carry strap assists in carrying heavier weights. Plus, an inner mesh pocket makes organising your gear easy and external side pockets on both sides allow for additional storage.
      K-Way Men’s Creek Re:Down Jacket
      K-Way Men’s Creek Re:Down JacketR 1 999Buy It
      Made from Re:Down®, 100% recycled 90/10 down feather with 650 fill-power, this sustainable jacket is the ideal hiking, travelling and camping companion, offering cold weather protection during all your outdoor adventures. It has windproof and vapour permeable fabric, a durable water-repellent outer layer, two zip-enclosed hand pockets, elasticated hem and cuffs and a wind-baffle system behind the centre-front zip to conquer the cold.
      READ MORE: Stay Warm This Winter With This Vegan Minestrone Soup
      K-Way Men’s Edge 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot
      K-Way Men’s Edge 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking BootR 1 699Buy It
      Designed for light hiking, this boot features reinforced support, as well as waterproof construction to keep the elements at bay. The hiking boot is also made with recycled materials; a recycled rip-stop, PU upper and inner fabric make the world of difference. So he can do his bit for the environment while exploring the great outdoors.

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear Sponsored More

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      5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check

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      If your bra size is any bigger than an orange, chances are, finding a proper sports bra to support you when running, jumping and trying to keep up with the svelte trainer is a gargantuan task.
      There just aren’t many options for big-boobed women to choose from. It can be really difficult to find a bra that’s supportive, doesn’t make having bigger boobs a nightmare, and will make us feel super cute.
      We’ve tracked down some high-impact sports bras that can fit up to an extra-large or can be custom-made to suit your needs, and the best part — they’re everything a curvy girl could want! Plus, we’ve slipped a few medium-impact gems in, too. Because we’re not jumping up and down every day, are we?
      Why Wear A *Good* Sports Bra?
      Like many things in life, breasts are pretty complex. They are made up of mostly fat, tissue and ligaments. Because breasts do not contain muscle or are not attached to muscles, they can move independently from the rest of the body and are susceptible to strain. Meaning that our breasts are supported by just skin and ligaments.
      These ligaments, called Cooper’s ligaments, are fragile and once torn, they lose their ability to support the breast leading to pain and saggyness. Women with bigger busts are more likely to have sag due to the skin and ligaments being under more strain because the weight of the breast.
      So, ensure that when choosing a bra, the band is not too tight, there should no spillage or straps cutting into your shoulders… and that you are 100% comfortable.
      READ MORE: Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra
      1/ High-Impact Sports Bras
      High-impact bras are great for high intensity exercises and activities such as running, dance, basketball, kickboxing and HIIT (High intensity interval training).
      PANACHE Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports BraR 1204Buy It
      This UK-based brand offers support that lowers movement by 83%. Smooth, flat seams eliminate friction and discomfort while the wider straps make for greater support and easing shoulder pressure.
      Lisa Raleigh Body Kind Sports BraR 999Buy It
      This bra is best for changing bodies: women who are losing a large amount of body fat, pregnant women whose bodies are in flux, and anyone else who needs a super-adjustable sports bra. It comes in eight sizes up until 5XL. The chest and shoulder straps are adjustable, with extra hooks in the front to secure the front zip (no more grunting while trying to get your bra off!).
      Asics Color Block Bra IIIR 790Buy It
      A great high-impact bra that’s made from about 78% recycled materials (double yay!) plus broad, breathable straps to keep you supported.
      Under Armour Infinity High Blocked Sports BraR 800Buy It
      This bra incorporates new knowledge that when boobs move, they don’t go up and down, but rather in a figure eight. The padding has this in mind, with adjustable elastic straps and a little more coverage at the front.
      READ MORE: The 6 Best Resistance Bands For Every Type Of Workout, According To Certified Trainers
      adidas TLRD Impact Luxe Training High-Support Bra WomensR 1164Buy It
      These super-detailed bras mould to your breast and keep everything in place while you train. It’s also made with about 60% recycled materials and straps are adjustable. Plus, it’s just so beautiful.
      2/ Medium Impact Bras
      Medium-impact bras still require a fair amount of support for bending over while executing mountain climbers, push-ups and other strength training maneauvres.
      Salomon Essential Move On Seamless Sports BraR 600Buy It
      Seamless construction won’t chafe and the stretch fabric fits most body types and moves with you while you run or work out.
      READ MORE: 11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
      adidas PowerImpact Luxe Training Medium-Support BraR 500Buy It
      So many things to love about this bra: the front entry means it’s so much easier to get in and out of, plus the fabric is quick-drying, so you don’t have to look like you’ve emerged from an ocean swim post-sesh.

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Fitness Gear Style Style Tips More

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      REVIEW: I Tried A Vibrating Foam Roller PLUS How You Can Win One

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      Confession: When Women’s Health asked me to review a vibrating foam roller – the Hyperice Vyper 2.0  to be precise – my immediate thought was that it was going to be another gimmicky fitness tool that would end up gathering dust in the cupboard. Turns out, I was wrong.
      Vibrating Foam Roller: First Impression
      At first glance, the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 looks just like a regular foam roller – a solid cylinder about 30cm long. In the box, you also get a charging cable and a number of international plug adaptors.
      On closer inspection, there’s an on/off switch on one end and another button on the other, which controls vibration speed. LEDs indicate that it’s on and as well as its level of charge.

      How It Works
      When you switch it on, the foam roller starts vibrating fiercely, even at its lowest speed (there are three). I found it worked better to get in position first and only then switch it on – otherwise it jumped around on the floor alarmingly.
      Initially, I tried rolling on it but soon discovered that keeping it in one spot was the way to go – the vibrations do all the work that I would usually do by rolling back and forth.
      [embedded content]
      What The Research Says
      There seems to be a decent amount of evidence that the vibes actually work.
      For instance, a small study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that participants using a vibrating roller experienced better range of motion in their hips compared to those using a standard roller.
      And a 2019 study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that vibrating foam rollers had a substantially bigger effect on pain threshold than standard rollers.
      WH Tests It
      I happened to receive the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 vibrating foam roller at a time when a sciatic nerve issue was hampering my training. I found that positioning the trouble spot (my piriformis) on the roller and then holding still while the vibrations went to work gave me relief.
      I could feel the tension easing but I didn’t experience that close-your-eyes-and-go-to-your-happy-place pressure pain that I’m used to with regular rollers. (Incidentally, research backs this up – using a vibrating roller on sore muscles was shown to have a similar effect to regular rolling but participants found it easier and more comfortable.)
      In the weeks that followed, the universe saw fit to throw more muscular niggles my way – forearm, hamstring, back. Clocking time on the roller provided relief for all of the above. I even used it under my feet, although I found it works best on longer muscles, like the hamstrings. NB: Keep it away from your neck – the vibrations are intense and skull-rattling!
      Verdict
      The benefits of foam rolling are numerous but I tend not to do it as often as I should because a) The pain! and b) It’s a mission. I found I used the vibrating foam roller way more often and got results. It’s a yes from me, although at R2 900, it’s an investment.
      WIN a Hyperice Vyper Go vibrating roller worth R3 000!
      Designed for portability, the Vyper Go is ideal for anyone who travels regularly. It’s TSA approved for hand luggage, has three vibration speeds and two hours of battery life. And you can win one rn!

      How do you enter?
      It’s so easy!
      1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @hyperice2. Then fill in your details and sign up to our newsletter here or below.3. To be eligible for the prize, you must be over 18 and a South African resident, and follow all the steps above.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear WH Tests It More