As more and more people take on the goal of becoming fit and healthy, the rise in popularity of workout clothes has been seen in the gym, while running errands, and even as leisure wear. Not only are workout clothes comfortable and fun to wear, but they also provide many benefits for athletes and everyday people looking to be more active. If you are new to working out, or if you are a competitive athlete, the need for proper workout attire is a necessity.

Here are some of the top performance benefits that you can expect when wearing workout clothes:

1. Traction and cushioning
If you are an avid biker you understand the demands that biking can put on your body. Padded bike shorts should be worn by all bikers because they provide additional traction and cushioning when biking. If you are a recreational biker you may not need to invest in these shorts, but if you plan on biking once a week these shorts will make a huge difference in your comfort and performance.

2. Clothing meant for success in specific sports
Each sport has different clothing apparel that can help boost your performance in that sport. There are many options for women’s workout apparel and men’s training clothes. For example, if you are looking to boost your running performance you may decide to get training clothes that can help increase the circulation around your body. These training clothes have been specifically designed to help you train and accelerate your performance.

3. Prevents blisters
Blisters are a very uncomfortable part of exercising. As we all workout out and raise our heart rates we tend to sweat more. The wetness on our bodies can often cause blisters. To prevent getting blisters you can wear sweat-wicking materials. These materials are specifically designed to help keep the body cool and reduce moisture.

4. Safeguard against ankle or foot injuries
There are many options for shoes that athletes and everyday people can wear to help prevent ankle and foot injuries. You should always wear shoes that are comfortable and designed for exercise. Exercising in sneakers that are not meant for these activities can cause bad injuries.

5. Keep skin cool and dry
To help keep your skin cool and dry you can wear clothes like workout leggings that are often made of sweat-wicking materials. These leggings and other clothes can help keep your skin cool and dry and free from sweat.

6. Boost confidence
One of the best ways for women to boost their confidence while working out and competing in sports and competitions is to wear sports bras. These bras keep everything secure and give you the ability to focus on the completion and what really matters. For men, the best way to boost your confidence is to wear training clothes while working out and competition. Wearing these clothes can help get your mind and body prepared for the challenge ahead of you. Having the right mindset is half the battle.

7. Intimidate the competition
If you want to intimidate the competition the best way to do this is by wearing clothing that is specifically meant for sports and exercise. Wearing clothing with bright colors or very dark colors can significantly threaten others’ mindset. Intimidating the competition is one of the best ways to psych out the competitors and give you a leg up.