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Get Your Butt in Gear: Wicking Undies

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:30:00 -0800

When you work out, you get sweaty. Everywhere. Sweaty panties are just oh so uncomfortable. Also, dealing with cotton undies that bunch and ride all up in your business can be a pain too.

So I found some high performance panties from Patagonia. These hipsters, although $20 apiece, are totally worth the dough. You wouldn't wear a sports bra made of cotton so why would you wear cotton undies? These are made with a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex fabric, so you can work up a sweat and not feel like you peed in your pants.

The waistband is extra-wide, and they sit at your hips so you don't have to worry about them peeking out the top of your lowrider running skirt, shorts, or pants. And the best part? There are no annoying seams to deal with.

They come in tons of cute colors and designs. To see a close-up, click on the picture below.

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Hygeia: Odor-Resistant Undies

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I just came across Hygeia - underwear and tank tops made of fabric that is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and latex-free.

Hygeia's 100% combed cotton fabric wicks perspiration and other body fluids off the skin. These body fluids which contain protein, serve as nutrients for the rapid growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast that are present in the normal body flora.

Hygeia's active ingredient quickly and effectively inhibits the spread of the bacteria that comes in contact with its fabric, giving the underwear that "just washed" freshness, even after hours and hours of prolonged use. This is an important feature in undies for working out.

This underwear's fabric helps to minimize odor and prevents bacterial infections. Plus, they're machine washable and the long-lasting odor resistant properties remain active wash after wash.

Online, you can purchase camisoles, underwear, thongs, and tank tops - they all come in packs of 3 for about $20.

Get Your Butt in Gear: NiteSweatz Workout Thong

FitSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I grew up hearing that thongs are not good for, ahem, down there. I don't really want to get into details but it has something to do with a lethal combo of yeast, and moisture. This meant sleeping and working out in a thong were a big no-no.

NiteSweatz ($16.00) thong is for anyone who has feared the thong while working out. The silky blend of fabrics coupled with moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties, make these undies pretty fashionable while still being totally functional. This means you can still be pantyline free, even at the gym. Buy one (or three) today from NiteSweatz.com.

Get in Gear: Wicking Undies

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Don't these just scream SPRING!? Are these too cute to be functional? Not for Patagonia. These are their Women's Active Hipsters.

I know when I'm working up a sweat, I hate that gross wet feeling I get (ladies - I KNOW you know what I'm talking about). Also, I hate dealing with my cotton undies that bunch and ride up when they get wet.

Well these are some high performance panties - They're breathable and made out of soft, moisture-wicking fabric, so you won't feel like you peed in your pants.

The waistband is extra-wide so that it stays put and hidden beneath lowrider running skirts, shorts, or pants. And the best part? There are no annoying seams to deal with.

For $18, you can get these cute undies from Patagonia in Blue Reef (as shown), Flamingo Pink, Sailboat Blue, White, or Black.

Simply Fab: OnGossamer Luxury Liner Underwear

FabSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:00:22 -0700

The term "luxury liner" is normally used to describe cruise ships, but it has officially expanded its horizons to the undergarment world! OnGossamer's Luxury Liner Underwear ($19 each) are queens of the undies seas because they feature a high-tech wicking liner that wicks away moisture, keeping stains private. What's wicking, you ask? It's a fabric that moves sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. I can think of a few instances when this type of underwear will come in handy. It's available in thong, high rise, and bikini styles.

Ho Ho Ho! Healthy Gift Cards

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:05:03 -0800

Sometimes it's tough to pick out the right gift for that special someone. In those cases, a gift card is a great option, especially as a stocking stuffer. It lets the gifted know you're thinking of them but allows them to pick out something they really want or need. But you still want to encourage the people on your list to live healthy lifestyles, right? Here are some gift cards that will do just that.

Patagonia: Great technical clothes for active people, from wicking underwear and warm Capilene tops to windproof fleece jackets.
iTunes: The recipient can buy individual songs, albums, or workout playlists to help motivate her while she exercises.

For all of my picks, read more.

Whole Foods: Not only does this store have terrific organic produce and fresh baked whole grain breads, but it's also a great place to pick up supplements and natural beauty products.
EMS: The recipient can choose between outdoor clothes, shoes, climbing gear, skis, camping gear, and much more.
The North Face: A leader in outdoor clothing, this brand also has gear such as tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and anything you'd need for your next outdoor adventure.
REI: Perfect for everything from clothes and outdoor gear to gifts for active pet and neat gadgets such as heart rate monitors and two-way radios.
Nike: Great sneakers, clothes, and equipment for the active person.

Ditch the Cotton Socks

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Nothing beats the feeling of running or biking outdoors - the fresh air, soft breezes, and beautiful scenery make you feel so energized and alive. Now that the air temperature is heating up, you're going to find that as soon as you step outside, you're going to begin to sweat.

I'm sure you're sporting a wicking sports bra, underwear, and tank top, so what about your feet? They're stuck inside your sneaks, and they probably get more hot and sweaty than the rest of your body. You need a good pair of socks that will wick moisture away from your feet, so you can stay dry and prevent blisters.

When you're active, cotton socks just don't belong on your feet. There are plenty of options that are just as soft but the material will keep your feet more comfortable when they get hot.

These are one of my favorites made by Darn Tough called the Back Road Series. They're made with 71% merino wool so they wick sweat away from your skin and into the wool fibers. The heel and toe are reinforced where you need it, and there is elastic support around the arch. I also love the mesh knitting on top of the foot to keep your tootsies even cooler.

Fit's Tip: You can order them from backcountry.com for $12.95. They're more expensive than your basic cotton sock, but they'll last longer and keep your feet cool and blister-free.

Get Your Butt in Gear: GapBody Sport Essential Perfect Pants

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I will freely admit it; I am a workout pant fanatic. When you try go to the gym every day, you need a bunch of workout pants or you'll end up with a lot of laundry every day. So I am always on the watch for new pants, especially comfortable and flattering ones.

My girlfriend recently told me about her favorite new workout pants, the GapBody Sport Essential Perfect Pants ($44.50). So I had to check them out myself and they seem like a great moderately priced workout pant to add to your fitness wardrobe. I've personally always been a fan of GapBody underwear because it's comfortable and soft, so it makes sense that their workout gear would be comfy, too. From what I can tell, they don't have any wicking properties or fancy stuff like that (made of just polyester and spandex), but sometimes you want to wear "comfortable and flattering" instead of "fancy fabric technology." Interested? Then buy them here.

Do You Wear Undies When You Work Out?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:15:00 -0800

When it comes to working out, some of us dress up and some of us dress down, but the remaining question would be what do you wear to the gym underneath your favorite workout wear? The great underwear and workout debate has filled many a locker room with chatter, with both the pro and con factions claiming comfort is the reason they go commando or wear undies. I am sure that this debate informed the advent of those high-tech wicking panties designed to keep your nether regions cool and dry while rocking your heart rate into your target zone.

So I was wondering . . .

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Wet Bathing Suits and Yeast Infections: Not Fun

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you've ever had a yeast infection then you know how horribly uncomfortable they are. Since warm weather sends us flocking to the beach or the pool, you should know that hanging out in your wet bathing suit could cause major problems "down south."

Here's the deal. Yeast are tiny organisms that naturally grow in your vagina (in small numbers), and the acidic environment there helps to keep the yeast from overpopulating. If your vagina becomes less acidic, the yeast can multiply and cause an itchy and burning yeast infection. Not fun. The precious acidic balance of your vagina can be changed when you have your period, if you go on or off birth control, or if you take certain medications like antibiotics.

However, excess moisture or irritation can also encourage yeast to grow. That's why it is so important NOT to hang out in a wet bathing suit. If you won't be drying off quickly in the sun, make sure to change into a pair of dry underwear soon after you're done swimming. A pair that has a cotton crotch is best.

Along the same lines, as soon as you're done exercising, get out of those sweaty clothes. Take a shower if you can, and be sure to wash your clothes after each use. To be extra careful, think about getting some wicking undies to wear while exercising.

Fit's Tips: If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you can test yourself using Fem-V, or call your gyno just to make sure. You don't want to use an OTC medicine like Monistat if you don't have a yeast infection.

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