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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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      Get Outside Stay Outside This Summer With The New Under Armour SUMMERIZED Collection

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      South Africa’s fitness scene is buzzing with activity and regardless of whether you run to train, do yoga, or train at the gym, you want your gear to be comfortable to not only elevate your training but help you reach those fitness goals this summer. Under Armour has you covered with their new SUMMERIZED collection. The scorching hot days need to be taken into account and the new Under Armour range does just that with these summer fitness essential items from the Under Armour SUMMERIZED collection.

      UA Infinity Mid High Neck Shine Sports Bra R999

      Those in search of the best sports bra to workout or run in this summer will be happy to discover the Infinity Neck Shone Sports Bra.

      Under Armour has created a winner by throwing out traditional construction rules and injecting padding in a figure-8 pattern for a more aerodynamic fit and a much lighter feel that actually works with your body’s natural movement instead of against it. Testing in a variety of different sports; so we could put the sports bra through its paces with actions that would necessitate support structures across variable axis of movements; left testers with the confidence and comfort to give this item the thumbs up for the summer season.

      Soft straps rounding the shoulders and over the back feel firm but not uncomfortable against the skin, even when adjusted to a tight fit. This is such an important aspect of choosing a bra. You can get those that rigorously hold everything in place, but it’s often at the expense of comfort. That is not the case here where the design attaches the straps to a wide band so that the forces needed for a firm secure fit are distributed over a greater surface area. The result is the fit lacks that restrictive squeezing effect and leaves you with a piece of workout gear that feels like a natural part of the whole outfit. 

      UA Mesh Tank R449

      Have you tried Padel yet? A great new sport in SA that is growing phenomenally quickly and the perfect way to get your heart rate up with friends. For a sport like Padel, a versatile top to move comfortably in is essential this summer. While bashing it about in inter-staff sessions on the court, we found the lightweight, smooth HeatGear fabric of this mesh is ultra-comfortable.

      A big part of the high-quality fabric is that the 4-way stretch material moves in every direction – as it does with this tank, while the strategic mesh panels provide breathability where you need it. Social summers mean things to do and places to go after your workout, and when you’re done moving you can rest assured this top dries quickly…testers were surprised at how fresh you can feel after working out and happily went on with the day wearing the same good looking gear.  

      UA Ankle Leg R999

      Attention to detail makes such a difference to your comfort and translates to great performance. Under Armour has identified waistbands slipping are the #1 pain point in tights. That results in constant adjusting, tweaking and tugging at your tights. It’s not a good look. That’s why Under Armour designed these tights to lock in while you’re in motion. The specific panelling will hold the fit no matter how explosive your next move. The multi-panelled design and thick waistband at the top help lock everything in place for a distraction-free workout: No pulling, tugging or readjusting. Ever.

      Our testers are committed to living a life packed with activities and often need to stay in touch with the world while working out. That’s why another detail we appreciated is the large pocket on the side of the thigh to accommodate the smartphone. This way you can measure the metrics of your workout, be in touch with your messages, listen to music or share your experience with a pic or two by having your smartphone close by.

      The new SUMMERIZED collection will be available from January 2023 at Under Armour Brand House stores nationwide as well as online: www.underarmour.co.za

      *In Partnership with Under Armour 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