Right clothes can make the difference when exercising

DALLAS, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Wearing the right clothing can help in maintaining an exercise program, a U.S. expert says.

Lona Sandon of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas says wearing light-colored, sweat-wicking clothing will help keep people feel cooler when exercising outdoors in hot weather.

If exercising in cold weather, be sure to wear a base layer that wicks sweat away under warm layers, she says.

"Also choose clothing right for your sport -- cyclists wear padded shorts for a reason," Sandon says in a statement. "Choose the right shoes. Uncomfortable or poorly fitting shoes can impact the effectiveness of your workout."

Take your time in picking the right shoe with the right fit, Sandon advises. Test them out in the store before buying, "get fitted at the end of the day -- when feet normally swell -- and with the type of sock you would normally wear," she says.

Don't forget a hat, plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses if exercising outdoors.

As the weather gets colder, begin a run or walk into the wind so the wind will be at your back on the way back to where you started.