Keeping it Real with Karen McGovern

Q: Welcome to Keeping it Real, Karen. We know that you own and operate Rittenhouse Sports Specialties in Center City. Tell us a little about your background.

A: I graduated from Penn in 1983 with degrees in education and math. I competed in track - javelin, pentathlon [and] cross-country. I am the Irish National recordholder in the javelin unless someone has broken my record. I have owned and operated rittenhouse sports specialties for 15 plus years. And I lecture annually at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Q: While active wear isn’t required to become fit, what are some of the advantages of wearing it during a workout?

A: Workout clothing is made of synthetic or occasionally a natural/synthetic blend. These polyester-based fabrics - Coolmax, Dri-Fit and Capilene - are designed to pull perspiration off your skin and help it evaporate or be absorbed by the next layer. This way, your skin is drier and less likely to chafe, and in the case of your feet, to blister. In cold weather, it’s very important to stay as dry as possible. Cold-weather gear is designed to wick away perspiration [and] insulate and or vent when you generate too much heat. Some fabrics such as Dri-Release and X-Static not only wick, but also prevent bacteria from growing in garments. This is especially important in shirts and socks, where odors can build up if you don’t change immediately after working out.

Q: Is there a particular fabric that fits a certain type of workout?

A: Cotton should never be worn when you are perspiring because it absorbs moisture so well [that] it can cause chafing and allows odor-causing bacteria to grow in the fabric. Synthetic fabrics such as Coolmax, Dri-Fit, Dri-Release and wool are much better choices. Any layer that touches the skin - socks, underwear, tops and shorts - should wick perspiration away. Also, X-Static - used in socks, hats, gloves, underwear and other apparel - is a new fabric developed for working out. It has silver fibers woven in. Silver is a natural anti-microbial because it keeps microbes or germs from growing. Silver also helps to dissipate heat in an even manner.

Q: If you’re a new active-wear buyer, what are the basic needs for a workout?

A: Running - Coolmax shirt, bra with Coolmax lining, shorts with Coolmax brief, Coolmax socks, shoes, good sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Gym Workout - Coolmax bra, shirt, tights, brief and socks.

Q: How do you determine what size sports bras to buy?

A: This is difficult. But I suggest a combination of two things. Most manufacturers have a size chart. Use this for initial choices, but the final decision should always be based on fit. It should be snug, but not too confining.

Q: How can you tell that it's time to say adios to your bras and/or workout clothes?

A: Bras eventually stretch out of shape. Sometimes the inside surfaces peel. Any apparel that chafes should be discarded.

Q: Bigger women sometimes have difficulty finding active wear. How should people in this group go about finding workout clothing?

A: We carry sports bras for women up to size 44DD. Some companies like Champion make women’s clothes in small through large and from extra large to 3x. What I find is that a lot of the clothing is made to fit women who are already fit and women who like to show off their bodies. So, in some cases, we suggest men’s wear for bigger women. ... If you’re having a hard time finding something, most manufacturers have a dealer locator. So if you go to Nike’s Web site and tell them you need plus sizes for women, they can tell you which one of their stores has it.

Q: How do you know when it's time to buy new athletic shoes? Should you have more than one pair?

A: Athletic shoes wear out in at least three ways. The upper part of the shoe stretches out of shape. Cushioning wears out and the bottom wears out. In virtually all good shoes, the outsole is the last to go. So, if you replace your shoes when the bottom is worn, you’ve waited way too long. With running shoes, expect to run 300 to 400 miles, depending on the model. If you exercise every day, expect to buy new shoes every three to four months. Research shows that alternating two pairs of shoes helps them last longer, which also means that your feet and legs will feel better. Shoes should also be allowed to dry completely before the next use to keep them from stretching out of shape.

Q: How do you know which kind of athletic shoe is the right one for a specific kind of workout?

A: Here’s the rundown: Running shoes for running and walking. Aerobic shoes for aerobics, dance, kickboxing and so on. Cross-trainers are built like court shoes, so, in general, they are very stable, but not great for high-impact activities. NEVER run in cross-trainers. NEVER exercise in those shoes that slip on. (no laces)

Q: When are gloves recommended for workouts?

A: Workout gloves do two things: protect from abrasions when lifting and climbing and absorb shock when cycling.

Q: Are there any other accessories that might help people who are working out?

A: Body Glide, an anti-friction gel. You can use it on your feet if you have calluses or women usually put it wherever there bra chafes them.

Q: How do you stay fit?

A: After competing in track for many years, which is a very solitary endeavor, I am now enjoying playing team sports and working out in groups. I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, softball, riding my mountain bike, running and lifting free weights.