Running is a minimalist activity. All you need are a good pair of shoes, some comfortable running attire and 2 legs willing to do the work. At the same time, there are many fancy pieces of running apparel and equipment that you can get to improve your performance.
It all depends on your budget and the climate you’re living in. Your training regimen plays a role too. If you’re trying to lose weight and running is your cardio activity of choice, during cold weather you could always use the rowing machine at the gym or do some skipping indoors.
However, some people are serious runners and running is as natural to them as breathing. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, they’ll still want to run. People like these will need the right apparel to cope with different weather conditions.
Socks and shoes
It goes without saying that you should get socks made for running. These usually are double-layered to prevent you from getting blisters.
Your shoes are the most important piece of equipment you’ll need. Pick one that is comfortable, made out of premium material, provides adequate support and cushioning and is right for you.
Speak to the salesperson at the shop and discuss the finer points of the different shoes before buying one. Check out here Reebok as they have 30% – 50% off sitewide offers.
Stopwatch
This is an essential piece of equipment that will help you time your runs and keep track of your progress. They’re inexpensive and are a feature on many cheap digital watches. Even if you’re on a budget, you can get a stopwatch for a low price.
Vest and shorts
Back to basics with this running attire. These days activewear are all the rage and women seem to wear them for just about every sport. However, they tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Nothing quite beats a good old’ lightweight vest and shorts.
Heart rate monitor
Get one if you wish to track your heart rate and see if you’re performing at your VO2 max range. Usually, this is used by more serious athletes. If you are running on the treadmill at the gym, your treadmill will have grips that you can hold to monitor your heart rate.
Sports bra
Women will need this for adequate support while running. Running is one of those activities where a good sports bra is a MUST if you’re a woman.
Thermal wear
During cold weather, you may wish to wear a thermal top and bottoms to keep warm while you run. Winter gloves, a fleece hat, ear warmers, etc. will be needed if you’re running in very cold weather.
Usually, it’s best to have a good treadmill in your house that you can use during wintertime. It may not be as ideal as running outdoors, but it’ll be more comfortable and you won’t have to battle the elements.
To conclude, there are many other fancy apparel and equipment that you can get that cost a few hundred dollars, however, if you’re just starting off, all you really need is a vest and shorts, a stopwatch and a good pair of shoes. You’ll have to add in the determination and effort. You can’t buy those.
Start running today. It’s one of the best forms of exercise out there. With these running apparel and equipment, you will enjoy running every day.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links to products and services I am passionate about. Purchasing via these links won’t cost you any extra but it will help me enormously.