There’s nothing worse than pants that hike up your butt, exposing your butt crack as you do your mountain climbers. In the same token, bottoms that give you a wedgie as you’re doing lunges are a literal pain in the ass. Of course, the worst case scenario is when you’re doing a box squat and your pants rip open. Uh-oh!
More than looking cute during your CrossFit workouts, you have to be outfitted with quality workout gear that is comfortable. Most of all, they must be able to help improve your performance, so you can optimize your CrossFit workouts. You want to maximize your burn with the limited amount of time you have.
Leggings Versus Shorts
Now, take a look at this time old rivalry between shorts and leggings. They are polar opposites when it comes to length and fit. Which among them is the perfect bottom for your CrossFit WODs or workout of the days?
Let’s examine and compare these two clothing items based on several factors. Consider the following key points below:
Performance Factor
Aside from looking visually different, with shorts being shorter and leggings being tighter and longer, they do offer some variations when it comes to performance. During hot days, you may be more comfy in shorts because your legs can breathe.
However, with high tech manufacturing these days when it comes to textiles, your leggings come with breathable technology that allows the materials to wick the moisture on your legs. This leaves you cooler and drier, so you can perform your workouts better.
Most of all, the main benefit of leggings that shorts don’t have is they offer compression for your whole leg. If you’re having problems like varicose veins or your having issues with your knees, wearing leggings that are built-in with compression will be more beneficial for you.
Compression leggings is not just about tight clothing but they offer many benefits. These are built with the right blend of materials that can help improve your circulation and give you additional support. This will result in better performance because you can do the full range of the exercise without worries because these constrict and support your muscles.
Most of all, compression leggings increase the blood flow to your muscles. Because of this, the creatine kinase enzyme produced by the muscles during hardcore workouts is minimized. The end results are less muscles spasms, aches, and soreness. You just have a better recovery time with compression leggings.
Eye-Catching Appeal
Who doesn’t want to look good when they workout? Of course, you don’t want to do your crossfit workouts in ratty gym clothes with holes and stains. After all, when you look good, you also feel good; thus, you are motivated to do better.
Both leggings and shorts are equal when it comes to eye-catching details. There are many brands out there with a broad range of style, colors, materials, patters, and cuts to choose from. You’re actually lucky because you are spoilt for choice.
As the saying goes, beauty is on the eyes of the beholder, so what you deem best depends on what you feel looks good on your body. Some would say that shorts are more eye-catching because they show a lot of legs. If you have flawless long legs, you’d probably be more inclined to showcase them.
However, there are those who will contradict this and say leggings are far better because the interesting print or pattern of the material is more expansive and attractive. With different designs form animal, geometric, dots, lines, and more, you can certainly pick a style that will best show off your personality.
The Modern Take on Modesty
When it comes to modesty, some would say that shorts are more revealing because they show a whole chunk of legs and thighs. However, some would counter that tight-fitting leggings that enclose the entire leg is also just as revealing.
However, there are ways to minimize being too revealing when wearing your leggings. You can opt for a darker color, so you won’t show off a lot when you get dripping wet with sweat you can also choose to wear a longer top, so your bum remains unexposed.
As for shorts, there are many different lengths, materials, and styles to choose from. There are loose short shorts that come with short tights underneath that offer maximum protection, so in case your shorts ride up, you won’t expose your bum and private parts to the whole world. There are also longer shorts that sit right above the knee area for more coverage.
Comfort Zone
If you’re young and don’t have any issues with your legs, then shorts or leggings boil down to a matter of choice on what you feel most comfy with and what you deems as more attractive on your body. Comfort is key! If both your leggings or shorts fit well, you will get the freedom of movement to do your workout because they provide you ultimate comfort.
Some of you may prefer to wear shorts during the warmer season, as you feel more comfy with less clothes sticking to your body. In the same token, you will most likely feel more comfortable during winter in longer leggings because you don’t expose any skin on your way from the car into the CrossFit box, and vice versa.
Leggings vs Shorts for CrossFit : Bottom Line
As you can see, there are major differences in shorts and leggings, not just visually but in terms of performance, comfort, and modesty. If you’re having muscle spasm and other health-related issues, then you might prefer full-length leggings that offer you better coverage and support.
However, if you don’t have any concerns, then it all boils down to choosing what feels comfy and what looks visually appealing. With so many designs of leggings and shorts in the market today, your bound to find one that best suits your style and needs during your CrossFit session.
Photo Credits
Some photos are property of Nike, Inc.
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