How to Select a Pair of Glasses For Working Out
May 14, 2024 • 6:45 PM
Exercising with glasses can be a challenge for many, causing discomfort and inconvenience. However, engaging in physical activity shouldn't be hindered by your eyewear. Whether you're an avid runner, a gym enthusiast, or a workout class junkie, there are ways to integrate glasses into your workout routine seamlessly.
This guide aims to provide practical tips and solutions for those who wear glasses, ensuring that your vision needs do not interfere with your fitness goals. From securing your glasses firmly in place to choosing the right eyewear for sports, we've got you covered. The proper custom eyewear will have you excelling at all activities. So here is your all-access pass to exercising comfortably with glasses.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Workouts
Selecting the perfect pair of glasses for exercise isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It requires careful consideration of your workout habits and personal needs. Here's how to tailor your spectacle selection to your active lifestyle.
Frame Design and Materials
Your workout frames should blend into your fitness routine like a dependable gym buddy. Look for frames that are light in weight, flexible, and innovative design features like bendable temples and rubberized nose pads. These design elements add stability without feeling like you're wearing a lead weight on your face.
Consider TR-90 and nylon as frontrunning frame materials, as they offer a winning combination of durability and agility. This is especially important if you're going to be grappling with rigorous workouts. Since sweat is an often frequent workout partner, seek out frames with hydrophobic coatings that repel moisture causing water droplets to bead up and roll off the lens. This coating means your vision is not distorted by water on the surface of the lens.
Lens Options and Protection
Shielding your eyes from the elements is essential. Opt for lenses crafted from polycarbonate, a material renowned for its impact resistance, particularly ideal for high-energy activities that require quick movements. Anti-fog and anti-reflective coatings are workout game-changers, ensuring your vision remains uncompromised even in the steamiest of situations.
And because UV rays show no mercy, ensure your lenses boast UV protection for long-term eye health. If you transition between indoor and outdoor workouts, consider photochromic lenses that adapt to changing light conditions seamlessly. Another great option are sunglass toppers that snap on to your everyday frames and instantly turn your glasses into sunglasses for all outdoor activities.
Tips for Maintaining and Securing Glasses During Workouts
It's not enough to just have the right pair of workout glasses; you need to learn the maneuvers to keep them in place and in pristine condition throughout your intense session.
Anti-Slip Solutions
For those who find their glasses slipping down their nose with every rep, consider anti-slip accessories your new best friend. Whether it’s a sporty strap that hugs the back of your head, or rubber ear hooks, these solutions are designed to keep your glasses in place during all movements.
Another pro move is ensuring your frames fit snugly. This not only prevents perspiration from loosening your grip but also reduces the need for constant readjustment, allowing you to maintain your focus and form. If your glasses are prone to slipping you can easily take them into a local eyeglass store and ask for an adjustment.
Cleaning and Care Techniques
Sweat and dust are just part of the workout terrain, and they can leave unwanted marks on your lenses. Regular maintenance is key. Keep a cleaning solution and a cleaning cloth in your gym bag for an on-the-spot polish before and after your workout.
When it comes to storing your glasses, invest in a robust case to keep them safe when being tossed around in a sports bag. And remember, a little maintenance can go a long way. Be proactive about replacing worn-out components to avoid future frustrations.
Workout-Specific Strategies for Glasses Wearers
Different workouts demand different strategies for dealing with glasses. Tailoring your approach to cardio, strength training, and other activities will solidify your spectacle success story in the gym.
Cardio Workouts
If you're a fan of running or cycling, you need glasses that can keep up with your pace. Opt for lighter frames and consider securing them with a glasses strap or a retainer cord. This not only keeps your glasses in place but also allows you to drop them effortlessly when needed.
Settle on a position for your glasses that feels most natural for your workout. Slightly higher on your nose might reduce bouncing during runs, while positioning them further down could provide better aerodynamics on your bike. It's all about tweaking for your optimal performance.
For those who take their cardio outdoors, sunglasses are a necessity. It is important to protect your eyes from UV exposure, look for pairs that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Polarized lenses can also reduce glare, making it easier to navigate terrain under bright conditions. By incorporating sunglasses into your outdoor cardio routine, you can protect your eyes while enhancing your performance and focus.
Strength Training and Weightlifting
When it's time to hit the weights, stability during intense movements is your main goal. Tighten up your glasses using the strategies mentioned earlier, to ensure your frames aren't interfering with your technique. Consider eyewear with adjustable nose pads and temple grips for a customizable fit. Sturdy frames with a secure fit make all the difference when it's time to deadlift your max. And don't forget to protect your lenses from heavy objects with lens coatings.
Positioning your glasses correctly can significantly impact your comfort and performance. For optimal stability, align your glasses so they sit firmly on the bridge of your nose and behind your ears without causing pressure points. If your glasses have adjustable nose pads, tweak them for a better fit; this prevents your glasses from sliding down your nose due to sweat.
Yoga and Pilates
Sweat isn't the only challenge for glasses wearers during yoga and pilates. With poses that require you to lie down or go upside down, glasses can easily slip off your face or fog up. To combat this, place a pair of rubber ear hooks on the end of your glasses arms to ensure they sit snug behind your ears and stay in place.
One hack is to use a non-slip headband to keep your glasses in place during inversions and poses that require a lot of movement. Contact lenses are another great alternative to keep you flowing in your movements.
Conclusion
Your glasses should not be an obstacle in your fitness journey, just solely an enhancement. By selecting the right frames and lenses, ensuring diligent upkeep, and implementing workout-specific strategies, you can revel in workouts that are both enjoyable and effective.
Prioritize your vision, invest in eyewear thatcompliments youractive lifestyleand spirit. Remember that clear eyes give you a clear path to victory. The right pair of glasses will allow you to focus solely on your workout. With these tips, you can confidently hit the gym with your glasses on and conquer those fitness goals.
Sources:
Hydrophilic Anti-Fog Coating Versus Hydrophobic Lens Coatings | Hydromer
Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses: Advantages & Disadvantages | All About Vision