West Field Basketball Club

Regardless of the reasons one practices cycling for, there are certain elements all bikers need no matter their formation. This is the case with cycling apparel and the special gear necessary when going for long or short rides; on the one hand there are original brand names that issue great clothes for all types of weather, and on the other, you’ll find the cheap anonymous who deal in mass production. However, without quality cycling apparel for immediate skin contact, one may easily develop irritations or rashes; therefore, good clothes are not simply worn just to flatter the wearer, but to ensure a level of comfort and mobility.

Though the standard level of performance for any item of cycling apparel is that of professional bikers, any cyclist benefits from the quality of the materials and the uniqueness of the design. The advantage is that with especially created cycling apparel that remains close to the body, there is no movement hampering or any other inconvenience that appears frequently with other clothes that are not planned for cycling use. Though very often ignored, there is an important aspect related to the safety of the cycling apparel you choose; and the issue easily extends to other elements from the equipment.

Besides jackets that trap humidity inside, so that the skin remains wet all the time, there are many other cycling apparel items that when not chosen with a critical eye may represent a potential hazard. For instance, clothes that are not anatomically designed to fit your body, and hang loose on the back or the arms can easily get snagged on branches and cause accidents. Consequently, it is definitely not the case to cut corners when it comes to the quality of the cycling apparel, even if you simply use it at the weekend or every other week.

What are the advantages of using cycling apparel instead of general sports clothes that are designed for street wear? The big issue here is that cycling apparel is highly specialized and meets all the technical details required by this sport: contact points receive extra-care, not to mention that skin remains dry and cool all the time. The contact points with the bike: butt, hands, knees and feet are protected all the time by special pads and materials that absorb shocks or prevent perspiration from causing skin irritations. Therefore, when choosing cycling apparel in general it is good to check how well the health matters are taken into consideration.

Practical Guide to Winter Golf Clothing

As winter officially arrives in the United Kingdom this week the importance of staying warm and dry on the golf course is even greater.

Staying warm and dry are perhaps the two most important factors when searching for new winter golf clothing. Remember that it is relatively straightforward to stay warm and virtually impossible to regain lost heat once on the golf course. The easiest way to retain heat is to ‘layer’ a number of insulating garments, including a waterproof and breathable layer on-top such as a waterproof suit. Layering facilitates the warm-up of air between layers – if the temperature becomes too uncomfortable a layer can be easily removed or replaced when necessary.

Remember garment layers should be lightweight and comfortable with enough room to deliver a comprehensive golf swing. In the event of playing in exceptionally cold and wet conditions a series of three to four layers can offer the optimum level of protection. The base layer should act as a second layer of skin to prevent valuable body heat from escaping too quickly. Thermal garments can provide the most effective solution and allow perspiration to wick away from the skin – preventing the build-up of odour smelling bacteria caused by sweating.

A golf fleece or roll-neck sweater can provide the best solution to a mid-layer garment. Confidence Golf manufactures two items which are suitable for this purpose including the Confidence Performance Fleece and Confidence Roll Neck Sweater. Online golf retailer – The Sports HQ is currently offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion on the Confidence Golf Fleece, whilst the Roll Neck Sweater offers exceptional value at £19.99 for 3 garments. Many amateur golfers can spend many hundreds of pounds trying to improve their game, one common factor that is most overlooked is the need to stay warm and dry – doing so can provide a competitive advantage by maintaining concentration at key stages of the game.

The outer layer is the one area of winter golf clothing that should provide the greatest degree of protection against the elements. This layer should provide exceptional levels of waterproofing and breathability. A waterproof breathable suit is the most widely accepted item of winter golf clothing to offer the complete solution for top and bottom halves of the body. The new Forgan of St. Andrews waterproof suit now available from The Sports HQ provides one of the greatest levels of protection of any waterproof suit on the market and is supported by a 2-year waterproof guarantee. The same manufacturer has also launched a new line of leather golf shoes offering complete waterproof protection and exceptional levels of grip for confidence inspiring swings. For the ultimate in winter comfort a pair of winter golf boots from Forgan of St. Andrews can provide the ideal solution to the ‘great’ British winter.

To complete a winter golf outfit it would be advisable to purchase a pair of golf mitts to protect hands from the uncomfortable bite of sharp, cold winter’s wind. Finally, a golf umbrella can provide the obvious benefits to a player throughout the season. In the winter it is imperative to stay dry and therefore the addition of a golf umbrella to a winter golfing outfit should not be taken as granted.

The Sports HQ offers the complete range of golf clothing and accessories – factory direct from Confidence Golf with typical savings of up to 85% off the recommended retail price.

Over the years sports clothes have developed in leaps and bounds and, with new innovations and trends introduced on an ongoing basis, team clothing in South Africa will continue to evolve. New lightweight fabrics with added enhancements allow sportsmen and women to perform at their optimum without any discomfort.

It’s quite unbelievable to think that tennis players in the 1920’s were expected to play top flight matches in long skirts and trousers, or that the leading golfers of the day could still manage a birdie or two making a drive in tight, form-fitting jackets!

From wool to synthetics

One simply has to compare two unequivocal greats of the swimming pool to see how far sports apparel has developed. The 1920’s world champion, Johnny Weissmuller, won 5 Olympic gold medals and 1 bronze in a cumbersome, full-piece swimsuit made out of heavy, water absorbent wool while current legend, Michael Phelps, claimed 14 gold medals attired in a streamline spandex suit.

It was really the introduction of synthetic materials that changed the look and feel of sportswear and if we take a close look at the vast majority of sports clothing worn today, it is spandex that has arguably had the greatest impact.

Spandex

Also known as elastane, spandex is classified as an elastometric fibre, or quite simply a fibre or material that is able to expand over 500% without breaking. The additional wonder of this technically-bred super-fibre is its ability to recover to its original size when not in use.

Spandex, an anagram of expand, first took the world by storm as the preferred attire of the superheroes like Superman and Batman but was soon embraced by our current heroes and heroines: the athletes of the modern world. Swimmers, gymnasts and figure skaters wear spandex to great effect – even our cricketers wear spandex undergarments on the field.

Benefits of spandex

Apart from its ability to stretch and recover to the original shape and form, spandex is

• extremely comfortable
• lightweight and supple
• resistant to body oils or perspirants
• abrasion resistant
• pile and static free

Miracle microfibre

Another miracle material is mircrofibre, a synthetic material made from fibre with a denier (unit of measure of the linear mass density of fibres) of 1 or less. It is generally made from polyesters, nylon or both and is an extremely popular alternative to cotton.

This ‘nineties’ material is really quite remarkable and its wickability, or the ability to spread out any moisture so that it can easily pass through the fabric’s surface, is one if its greatest assets. Other major benefits of wearing microfibre include

• keeping athletes cool and dry, reducing skin irritations
• excellent heat retention qualities when wet
• holding 7 times its own weight in moisture

Cool, cost-effective calico

A final material that continues to attract fans is calico, a natural material derived from cotton that is often unprocessed. Also known as muslin or mutton cloth, calico is both inexpensive and readily available. It is soft, breathable, durable and absorbent and if we have to take our carbon footprint into account, it’s clear which fabric should ideally be chosen by environ-friendly sportsmen and women.

It is not unusual for people dress differently for different occasions. And when it comes to intense exercise it should be the same. Here are some pointers an tips when it comes to jogging or sports clothes.

1. The most important Point

You need to feel perfectly comfortable in your clothes. If the clothes are hindering you, either because they are too wide or too small, they will make you feel uneasy and maybe you’ll even have problems performing the workout correct. So be sure to wear some jogging sports clothes that fit you well.

2. Socks

Don’t forget: Proper workout socks will reduce the chance of getting blisters on your feet, especially when you do some intensive exercise. Be sure that your socks are not to thin or to thick.

3. Shoes

Wear shoes that are designed for the specific activity you want to perform. If you are going to jog, wear jogging or running shoes. These shoes are designed to support your ankles while your run and to limit the risk of injuries.

4. Protection

Not directly clothes related, but this is a important point nonetheless: Wear sunscreen when you run under the hot sun in the summer months. Scientist have proven the long term benefits on sunscreen, -trust me on that. In winter months wear clothes that will keep you warm. This way you won’t catch a flu.

5. Safety

Safety is very important. If you do a lot of running while it is dark outside, be sure to wear jogging or sports clothes that are reflective. Maybe get a wristband or even a headlamp. Make sure that you can be seen when it is dark outside. The reflective strips attached at your shoes are not enough!

Sports clothing stores enables you to choose an outfit that is comfortable as well as durable for your outdoor sport activity. Your performance in sports is directly proportional to the outfit have you donned, thus sports clothing stores serves you to pick any outfit that will help you to enhance your performance.

Outdoor sport requires immense strength, stamina and energy, and waterproof jackets are the best option available because they not only save you from water but also protect you from the chilly wind. The breathable feature of this jacket does not allow sweat to accumulate inside your clothes, thus helping you to sustain your freshness. Waterproof jackets come in numerous designs and sizes to cater to the different needs of the market.

The special thing about outdoor sports clothing is that they use technique which is different from the techniques of making of other clothes. This technique makes these sports outfit stands very far from other clothes. Therefore if you are looking to go on mountain climbing, trekking, river rafting, bungee jumping or any other outdoor sport then instead of relying on common clothes you should head towards any reputed sport clothing store which may serve you best to select your outfit.

Clothes of everyday use are not meant for outdoor sports, outdoor sports requires specially designed clothes which provides you with maximum utility during your outdoor activity. This is why sports clothing stores are well known for providing outfits, which are preferred by individuals embarking on their outdoor activity. Not only are these specially manufactured clothes provide functional value to an individual, they are also aesthetically pleasing as well.

Another huge advantage of these stores is that they manufactures dresses keeping in mind your comfort, utility and ease, thus you can order your outdoor sports clothing mentioning your specific requirements, and the same will be delivered to you within the specified time limit. You can also choose from the wide variety of designs available with these stores, and get that design imprinted on your clothing.

These stores have completely changed the mentality of individuals who used to think that outdoor sports activity does not require special outdoor sports clothing and accessories. So, if you are going to embark on any outdoor activity, then you can’t be unfair with your outfit. Go to any of the nearest store and pick up the dress which suits your needs and requirements to the fullest.