Essential Equipment

Every Runner Needs

People often start running as a way to lose weight.

As with any sport, there is equipment that you need to run your best,

but some needs are less obvious than others.

1. Running Gear

When choosing your top, shorts, socks, and underwear, go for quality over quantity.

Wear clothes made of "technical" materials—nylon, wool, Lycra,

or Coolmax—because they wick sweat and

water away from your skin.

Avoid cotton!

Invest in high-quality running shoes. Go to a reputable store to make sure you get the proper style for your gait and that

they are fitted properly for your

feet.

Women must wear a high-quality sports bra. A

regular bra will not do.

The bra must fit properly and be

of the right material to keep

you from chafing.

Along those lines, consider underwear made specifically for runners, which help handle sweat.

If you want to look good while running, consider:

• Most running clothes have bright colors so you are visible on road; choose colors that flatter your skin tone.

• Go for neutral colors in your shorts/pants and shoes so you can exercise more flexibility in your tops.

• Wear running pants or shorts that are tight and stretchy• A fitted top is better, but loose is OK.• Find sports sunglasses so they will still look cool, protect

your eyes, keep you from squinting, but not bounce around on your face or slide down your nose constantly.

Don't forget a hat if you're running long distances in the sun,

reflective gear if you run at night, and a watch or other device that helps you keep track of time

and distance.

2. Vaseline or Body Glide

Runners often suffer from chafing from fabric or skin constantly rubbing

against each other.

Common chafing spots are around a

woman's bra line, at the nipples (usually

men), under the arms, and at the inner thigh and

groin area.

Chafing makes running miserable, but it can be minimized:

1. Use Vaseline or BodyGlide in a thin layer in the areas that are susceptible to chafing.

2. Make sure your running clothes are made of synthetic "technical" materials, made to wick moisture away from the skin.

3. Do NOT wear cotton because it is rough and once you sweat into it, it stays wet. Cotton can literally rub your skin raw.

3. Foam Roller

The last piece of running gear you need is the foam roller.

Although you won't use it while you are actually running, it is invaluable as part

of your warm up and cool down routine.

Foam rollers when used properly:

• Improve circulation, getting you ready for workout.• Help your body loosen muscles to cool

down after workout.• Increase muscle flexibility without

reducing performance.

As a method to break down muscle knots, a roller works on the soft tissue

surrounding the muscle (fascia) and makes the fascia more flexible. It also can help break down scar tissue and adhesions

Studies show the hollow but solid core design like the

MoM Muscle Mauler Foam Roller is more effective than the traditional solid-core foam roller as it appears

to place higher pressure on the fascia.

If you're one of those who have found a

passion for running, make sure you

don't forget these often overlooked important pieces

of your gear.

Master of Muscle is an online provider of products and tips on all aspects of fitness, fat loss, and

strength building. Our goal is to help you build the body and lifestyle you want!