This Trainer-Approved HIIT Workout Gear Can Stand Up to Serious Sweat
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When you're completing a round of sprints or jump squats during a HIIT session, you don't want ill-suited workout clothes taking you out of your zone. Before you head to a class or log on to stream a class, you're smart to suit up in gear designed for high-intensity workouts.
First off, you'll want to find a sports bra with adequate support. Sports bras are typically labeled for use during low-, medium-, or high-impact workouts. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are often (though not always) high-impact workouts, and it's best to go with a sports bra within that category if you know you're in for exercises that take both feet off the ground. "These bras allow you to do all the jumping, running, and quick bursts of movements that HIIT requires while keeping you fully contained and held close to your body," says Arianna Levin, design director at Adore Me.
You may want to opt for a higher neckline, too. "As a girl that has a bigger sized chest, when doing a HIIT workout, I avoid wearing low V-cut sports bras," says DanceBody master trainer Ris Finazzo. "The last thing I want is my chest spilling out of my top." Similarly, high-waisted leggings or shorts are less likely to slide down, she notes.
You can anticipate that you'll break a sweat, so it's best to choose clothing made with fabrics that are labeled as "moisture wicking," "quick drying," and/or "breathable," says Kira Stokes, trainer and creator of the Stoked Method and KS Fit app. "Cotton absorbs water, so you'll want to avoid this type of fabric," Levin adds. "Even though it's breathable, it's going to hold onto your sweat and can become uncomfortable."
Form-fitting silhouettes are preferable, Stokes says. "I would suggest staying away from wide-leg pants and baggy clothes in general during HIIT workouts — or any workouts for that matter," she says. "In addition to excess material getting in the way during movement, it's really important to be able to see your body in action, in my opinion." This will allow you or your instructor to better keep an eye on your form, she explains.
Consider taking that a step further and opting for compression fabric, recommends Stokes. "You want to feel properly 'held in,'" she says. "Some leggings and sports bras actually offer compression levels that can improve oxygen flow to your muscles, which may have a positive impact on performance and recovery." That said, you don't want to take it too far, wearing clothes that constrict your movement or, in the case of sports bras, your ability to fully expand your lungs.
No workout 'fit is complete without a pair of suitable shoes. "As far as sneakers, it really depends on the programming of the HIIT workout and the fitness enthusiast's specific foot," Stokes says. "In general, you want a neutral shoe with little to no heel drop so your posture isn't impacted." Heel drop is the difference in height between the heel and toe of the shoe. "Zero-drop shoes" have the same level of cushioning all the way across, putting the toe and heel at the same level.
"If there is a lot of jumping programmed, you may want a shoe that offers max-level cushioning," adds Stokes. Ideally, you'll have your gait analyzed to find what's best for you, since sneaker needs are so individualized, she says. In general, lightweight cross-training shoes tend to work best for HIIT sessions.
With all of the above factors in mind, here's the best workout gear for HIIT workouts.
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Best Affordable Sports Bra For HIIT
All in Motion Women's High Support Sculpt Zip-Front Sports Bra ($30)
Available in sizes up to 44DD, this bra is designed to provide adequate support for running or other high-impact workouts, like HIIT. It's made from moisture-wicking spandex composed of at least 20 percent recycled polyester. The bra has adjustable straps, molded cups, and a zipper at the front.
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Best Sustainable Sports Bra For HIIT
Girlfriend Collective Simone High Support Sports Bra ($52)
This high-impact sports bra from Girlfriend Collective has an adjustable band and straps, so you can achieve the perfect supportive fit. Its fabric is made from 79 percent recycled plastic bottles, and when you're done with the bra, you can return it to the brand to be recycled into new clothing, through the brand's ReGirlfriend program. The bra is available in sizes XXS through 6XL.
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Best Leggings With Pockets For HIIT
Offline By Aerie Real Me Xtra Hold Up! Pocket Legging ($42, originally $70)
Aerie is one of Finazzo's go-to brands for HIIT workouts, since she finds its clothes "supportive but still super cute." These leggings from the brand have a high waistband designed not to slide down during high-intensity workouts. They come in five different colors and feature medium-compression fabric.
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Best Splurge-Worthy Leggings For HIIT
Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 Workout Leggings ($100)
Sweaty Betty's Power leggings have attracted a cult following for good reason. Their fabric is supportive, moisture wicking, and quick drying with four-way stretch that prevents the leggings from feeling overly restrictive. This pair comes in both full-length and cropped versions.
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Best Tank Top For HIIT
Splits59 Kiki Rib Crop Tank ($58)
You can layer this cropped, racerback tank top over your most supportive sports bra to ensure you're prepared for high-intensity workouts. The tank top is made with ribbed, moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric. It comes in black, peacock blue, gray, white, or indigo shades.
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Best T-Shirt For HIIT
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 ($68)
This short-sleeved shirt features lightweight, breathable fabric that's embedded with silver threads to prevent odor-causing bacteria from reproducing. The slim-fit top has a seamless construction to prevent chafing during your high-intensity workouts.
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Best High-Waisted Bike Shorts For HIIT
Alo Yoga 3" High-Waist Airlift Short ($64)
These best-selling shorts from Alo are made with the brand's Airlift fabric, a high-compression material designed to not slide down during high-intensity workouts. Pair them with a sweatshirt, and you've got a comfy ensemble to lounge or run errands in. If these look too short for you, don't worry: the brand offers the same shorts in a five-inch length.
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Best Seamless Shorts For HIIT
Set Active Sculptflex Bike Shorts ($59)
Another of Finazzo's favorite brands for HIIT workout gear, Set Active is a gold mine for solid workout staples. For HIIT workouts, look to the brand's products made with its Sculptflex fabric, its most compressive option. These Sculptflex bike shorts are high-waisted and seamless and come in 16 colors.
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Best Zero-Drop Sneakers For HIIT
Altra Women's Solstice XT 2 ($130)
The Altra Solstice XT 2 is designed to suit any type of workout. The upper part of the shoe has firm caging to provide adequate support during lateral movements like skater jumps. The lightweight, zero-drop shoes feature the brand's Standard Footshape Fit, designed to give your feet more space than the average sneaker.
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Best Low-Drop Sneakers For HIIT
Ryka Dauntless Training Shoe ($33-$161)
The Ryka Dauntless Sneaker is designed to suit high-intensity workouts and strength training. They have lightweight cushioning that provides shock absorption during impact, and the bottom of the shoe has the brand's "Pivot Point," which makes turning easier. The sneaker is available in both medium and wide fits.
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Best Socks For HIIT
All in Motion Women's Active Accents Cushioned 4pk No Show Tab Athletic Socks ($12)
Don't overlook the benefit of choosing a workout-friendly sock. These have moisture-wicking fabric with ventilating mesh, arch support, and extra cushioning where your feet need it. Heel tabs ensure they won't slip down during highly active workouts and help protect your Achilles from blisters.
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