It’s 6 AM, and you’re waking up for your early morning gym session. You roll out of bed, groggy-eyed, and stumble to your closet. You find your gym clothes and get dressed.
As you’re putting on your sneakers, you think to yourself, “Do I wear a hat today?” It’s a personal question that we all have to answer for ourselves.
What are the pros and cons of wearing a hat to the gym? Let’s take a look.
The Pros of Wearing a Hat to the Gym
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider wearing a hat to the gym.
1. They Can Help You Work Out Longer
When it’s cold, it’s easy to cut your workout short because you’re just too darn chilly. But if you’ve got a hat on, you’re less likely to feel the cold as much, which means you can push yourself to work out for a few extra minutes. Those minutes can make a big difference in your results!
2. They Can Help You Stay Focused
It’s hard to stay focused on your workout when you can’t stop thinking about how cold you are. But once again, a hat can help! By keeping your head warm, a hat can help prevent those pesky Distracting Thoughts(TM) from getting in the way of your gains.
3. They Look Cool
Let’s be honest: hats look cool. Wearing one to the gym will make you look like a badass who means business. That confidence can translate into better results in and out of the gym.
4. They Can Keep Your Headphones In Place
Hats can also help keep your headphones securely in place while you’re working out. No more having to adjust your earbuds every five seconds! Just put on a hat and let it do its job while you focus on yours.
The Cons of Wearing a Hat to the Gym
On the other hand, there are also a few drawbacks to wearing a hat at the gym.
1. Sweaty Bands or Brim
If you’ve ever worn a hat for an extended period of time on a hot day, you know that the sweat can cause the fabric to become uncomfortable and even start to slip off your head.
The same thing can happen at the gym if you don’t choose the right type of hat. Look for options with moisture-wicking properties or ones that are made with breathable materials like mesh.
And if you find that your hat is starting to slip, don’t be afraid to adjust it every once in awhile or give your head a quick wipe with a towel.
2. Flat spots or creases
If you have long hair, chances are you’re going to have to put it up in a ponytail or bun when you work out. But even if you have short hair, it can still get flat or matted down from wearing a hat.
The good news is that you can do a few things to prevent this from happening. First, try not to wear your hat too tight.
Second, invest in a good quality brush that can help restore volume and bounce after your workout.
Third, consider using dry shampoo or texturizing spray before putting on your hat so your hair will have more grip and hold throughout the day.
3. Static cling
Static cling is probably one of the most annoying side effects of wearing a hat, especially if you have fine or flyaway hair.
When your hair rubs against the material of your hat, it can create static electricity which causes your strands to stand on end and creates unruly flyaways.
The best way to combat static cling is by using a leave-in conditioner or serum with anti-static properties before putting on your hat.
You can also try spraying your brush with hairspray before running it through your hair. Just be sure not to use too much or you’ll end up with sticky, stiff hair!
4. Scalp irritation
If you find that wearing a hat causes irritation or itchiness on your scalp, you can do a few things to alleviate the problem.
First, make sure you’re choosing hats that’s made with breathable materials like cotton so your scalp can breathe while you work out. S
Second, try washing your hats regularly (at least once every two weeks) with mild detergent and letting them air dry so they don’t harbor any bacteria or fungus growth.
And last but not least, don’t forget to exfoliate your scalp regularly with sugar scrubs or dandruff shampoos—this will help remove any dead skin cells or build-up that could be causing irritation.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether or not you wear a hat to the gym is completely up to you. There are pros and cons to both options.
If you decide to go without a hat, be sure to bring along a towel to mop up any sweat (and maybe carry an extra one for when that first one gets too wet).
And if you decide to wear a hat, make sure it’s one that won’t distract or annoy other people around you.
Whatever you choose, remember that ultimately it’s your workout – so do what makes YOU happy and comfortable!