Most people consider loose clothes to be the best when exercising. But wearing compression shorts may be an even better idea. You can wear these muscle-hugging outfits during workouts or athletic competitions. They are perfect either as underwear or outerwear. They ease blood circulation as well as reduce the drag caused by wind. Unknown to many workout fanatics, compression garments do not hinder exercising – they give you more freedom and self-assurance.
Compression shorts work not only during activity, but also help after workouts. Some of them are made from moisture-wicking fabric and therefore eliminate irritation. There is a wide range to choose from in prices and quality. Some are thicker than others while a few have some extras like odor control.
What Are Compression Shorts?
Compression shorts are skintight garments made of spandex mixed materials and straps. To ensure a good fit, they are made about 15% smaller than a properly fitted pair of bike shorts. Lengths range from above knee to just below the bottom. Most come with a built-in pocket for inserting a protective cup.
Individuals who use them most are athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Others may even use them in place of panties or boxers. Female athletes in sports like tennis and hockey wear them underneath other sports gear.
Different manufacturers integrate diverse features into compression shorts. Features that vary from one manufacturer to the other include fabrics, styles, compression degree, moisture-wicking capability and comfort. Some are sewn to create a seamless effect which also guarantees minimum chaffing. Medical grade compression shorts and tights are only prescribed by doctors to people with serious circulatory issues.
What Do Compression Shorts Do?
Made of a high quality elastic fabric, compression shorts hold muscles in place and keep them warmer. This improves blood circulation while wicking up moisture from the skin. They work best if they are well-fitting. An ill-fitting pair will be uncomfy and almost useless.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of wearing compression shorts is the ability to aid in the recovery process after tough activity. This effect is amplified if they are also worn after exercise. They also slim you by clinging to your body without any loose materials hanging.
People who work by standing for long hours are known to wear these shorts when working. They claim to cope better with the effects of remaining on their feet for the whole day. Due to the diversity in functionality, there is confusion on which garment to choose. Putting on different makes might help you choose the perfect pair for your needs.
Compression Shorts Benefits
Many studies have been conducted to assess the benefits of compression shorts and tights. They have shown that a certain pressure to the tissues is required to get any benefits. Normal spandex shorts may not have the advantages. The results of these experiments have revealed reduced fatigue during exercises. This means so you can work out longer, with reduced risk of injury or exhaustion.
Medical grade compression garments restore mobility for people with poor blood circulation. Such people have been disabled and later move with ease by use of compression gear. To the normal user, there is no evidence that they will improve your mobility. The ordinary athlete needs just normal compression shorts whose benefits I have highlighted below:
- Reduce muscle vibration especially when hitting the ground. They decrease impact by 27% compared to American football pants alone - Journal of sports sciences, 2003
- Improve blood circulation particularly to the extremes
- Better bone alignment
- Reduce cardiovascular stress in high performance exercises
- Boost warm-up by raising skin temperature
- Aid performance in repetitive actions especially jumping
- Reduce the risk of injury to the joints when making unusual moves
- Increased cardiovascular activity may prevent a collapse episode for distance runners
- Enhancing next day performance by facilitating the removal of blood toxins
- Reduce muscle soreness mostly experienced for a few days after strenuous activity – British journal of sports medicine, 2007
- A high waist pair will work as tummy control when doing bending exercises
- Increase aerodynamics when running
- Reduce feelings of burning in the muscles by lowering the heart rate
- Decrease the duration taken for muscle repair, and prevent hamstring injuries – The Journal of orthopedic and sports physical therapy, 2001
- Relieve muscle stiffness when worn after exercise
- Reduce perceived exhaustion
- Less awkward in appearance when compared to jockstraps
- Reduced chaffing when compared to ordinary sportswear
Studies on compression shorts are not yet exhaustive. But it is clear that exercisers may clock more hours or kilometres per week by using them. If you rely on recovery to get ready for the next training session, it is worth investing in these shorts.
Some manufacturers claim that these garments will help you run faster or jump higher. But no evidence is available to support this argument. The best thing about compression shorts is that no study has found any harm in using them. Even so, a few people who are sensitive to heat may find them a bit uncomfortable.
Do You Wear Underwear With Compression Shorts?
Good quality compression shorts and tights are meant for wearing without undergarments. They are too tight to accommodate any clothing underneath. A fitting pair ensures perfect contact with your skin. This happens in the right spots and at the right pressure. If you must wear them with underwear, you are either wearing your wrong size. Else, you might have bought a generic imitation.
Compression garments do not work only for compressing your muscles. They also help in mopping up sweat and moisture from your skin. While doing this, they also regulate the temperature of the body. Wearing underwear will hamper this process.
Regular underwear under compression shorts seems to seize and stock resultant body fluids. It thus interferes with the efficacy of your compression gear. This layering can create discomfort as well. The practice is bad for aesthetics as well with vivid pant-lines.
If you are not satisfied with the look that these shorts create, there are some ways of solving the issue. Wear a well aerated pair of shorts over your compression shorts. Else, put on a pair of pants or long shorts. Another option is to use a shirt that covers your bottom and groin. This option may not be practical for some activities.
Wearing Compression Shorts as Underwear
The key reason for the fame of compression shorts is the capability to stabilize and create control in the upper part of the thighs. They compress your muscles and fat, making you slimmer and shapelier. This makes some wearers consider them as shapewear.
One advantage of wearing these garments as underwear is that they offer perfect support, but you feel like you are not wearing any innerwear. They are engineered to absorb sweat even when exercising. This sweat may cause irritation to many people, thereby making underwear annoying.
Due to the influx of consumers looking for compression items as undergarments, some manufacturers have designed cheaper alternatives. These go for as low as $15 in some places. They are lightweight and will not necessarily enhance blood flow and recovery from exercise. They are also more likely to wear faster.
Although there is no evidence that you’ll do better in sports or exercise by wearing compression shorts, one thing is for sure. They give you confidence and comfort, and help you recover faster. Working out is a tedious and unpleasant activity.
It is essential but thorny to most people. Anything that may help soothe your body is worth trying. With these tips on how to wear compression shorts, you have better prospects of choosing the perfect pair for your needs.
It is essential but thorny to most people. Anything that may help soothe your body is worth trying. With these tips on how to wear compression shorts, you have better prospects of choosing the perfect pair for your needs.
