Running Clothing

The best clothes for jogging are something that feels comfortable to wear and is non-restrictive for movement. We’ve put together our top tips for choosing what to wear below;

• Choose something that is breathable - lets face it you will start to sweat! Cotton is good, but gets wet and can irritate the skin. Most of the top sports brands now have specially designed exercise tops from synthetic materials that have "moisture management" that wick away the sweat.
• Check the weather before you go out. Don’t freeze in winter or over-heat in summer. Gloves and a hat are good accessories when it is cold.
• All women joggers should wear a sports bra when they run. These reduce bounce and provide support. See our section on Sports Bras for more advice.
• Slap on some petroleum jelly to anywhere that rubs. Bleeding nipples is a common result of jogging, but can be avoided with a bit of Vaseline!
• Got to carry your door keys? A zip pocket can be useful.
• Lycra-style shorts and leggings are popular, as they reduce friction, but they can be a bit revealing.
• You can but double-layered sock, which will help to avoid blisters.
• What you spend really depends on how often and how far you run. Specialist running shops can provide expert advice, but for most occasional joggers products on the high street will do the job just fine.

Running Shoes

A good pair of trainers are essential to your comfort during running and importantly can help avoid injuries. Here are our top tips for trainers;

• Don’t skimp on the shoes. It’s worth spending a few extra pounds to get a comfortable and well-fitting pair. Think practical comfort, protection and durability and forget the flashy labels and designs!
• Cushioning is important as it reduces the shock that goes through your feet, lower legs, knees and hips. However, the shoes also need to be flexible - it's ability to bend easily. Try to get a balance between the two - remember lots of cushioning normally means heavier trainers, which increases your burden.
• Don’t attempt a long run in new trainers. Run them in gradually first or you’ll soon find blisters on your feet.
• If you run regularly you should try and replace your trainers about once a year (300-600 miles). If you run about 10miles a week you'll soon wear-out their shock absorption.
• It's best to buy running trainers in the afternoon as your feet get bigger during the day. This means the shoes will fit better when your feet swell during jogging.
• Some trainers feature reflective material, which can be useful to be seen if you are running at night.

The amount of care and money you need to spend choosing trainers will really depend on how seriously you want to take your running. If you are running regularly and take part in races, or if you find that you are prone to injuries, then it's worth looking up a specialist running shop near you and getting expect advice. Alternatively, if you are just an occasional jogger you can probably pick up a comfortable pair of trainers in most sports shops.

Sports Bras

Research has shown that no matter what size your breasts are, exercising without a dedicated sports bra can lead to long term sagging. Sports bra’s are therefore designed for comfort and functionality while reducing bounce and providing support to protect breasts during exercise. Without a sports bra you will stretch the Coopers Ligaments, which support the breasts. This can then lead to droopy breasts, and cannot be reversed. To enhance support, sports bras are often slightly tighter than a regular bra. If you find your bra straps rub, try applying some petroleum jelly.
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