Whether you’re a soccer pro or this is your first time playing, one thing that will elevate your performance (and your enjoyment!) is making sure you feel comfortable when you’re out there on the field. Here’s how.
Get clothes that fit
If your ass is hanging out of your workout pants or your stomach is peeking out from under your t-shirt, it’s all you’re going to be thinking about, and you won’t be giving your all to the game.
It sucks to shop for clothes as a larger man, but there’s no shame in buying from ‘specialist’ stores if you need to. The size is only a number (or letter) on the label that no one sees but you, what’s more important is that your clothes fit properly and feel good.
The same goes for must-have accessories like socks and boots. You can’t run well if your boots are too tight or if your socks are falling down, so make sure these fit well too. If you can, try things on before you buy, or make the most of generous return policies when buying online to find ones that work for you.
Don’t forget to check out places like Goodwill for workout clothes too: just think of the people who have good intentions of working out but give up and donate their clothes, not to mention the guys who lose weight and donate the clothes that are now too big for them.
Go for sweat-wicking options
Sweat-wicking clothing is ideally what you need when working out, especially if you know you’re going to get sweaty (and who doesn’t get sweaty, right?). No one wants to have huge wet patches of sweat on their clothes.
Most of the big sportswear companies sell clothing made with sweat-wicking (or moisture-wicking) fabric. This type of fabric pulls sweat away from the skin, helping it to evaporate and dry quicker. The fabrics used in sweat-wicking clothing tend to be synthetic, like polyester and nylon, as they’re better at handling moisture than natural fibres.
Prevent chafing
Chafing can get really sore, but there are a few things you can do to avoid that burning feeling and painful rash on delicate areas. Chafing happens because of a combination of friction and moisture, so to stop it from happening you need to control either the friction or the moisture.
We’ve already covered sweat-wicking clothing, which is perfect for underarm and back sweat, but you can get moisture-wicking underwear too. Look for boxers made of polyester, as these will help any sweat evaporate before it starts to irritate your skin. And, goes without saying (we hope), but changing them regularly is a must. Wearing compression shorts will also help to cut down on friction.
You can also buy anti-chafing cream, gels, and sticks, which create a layer of skin protection to help stop friction. These are especially handy for applying to the inside of your thighs before you start exercising to stop them from rubbing together.
Is it all in your head?
Some people feel self-conscious exercising purely because they’re overweight. If that sounds familiar, try and remember there’s nothing wrong with moving your body no matter what size you are. You’re with friends, you’re all doing the same thing when you step out onto the MAN v FAT Soccer field, and chances are no one’s paying you that much attention anyway. So focus on enjoying yourself!
