Is it Better to Workout in Joggers or Shorts? The Ultimate Verdict You Need to Know

Both joggers and shorts are comfortable options to choose upon working out, but it’s important to know if there is a benefit of one over the other!

Main image courtesy of Shoe Zero. 

Working out every day is a part of many people’s lives, as scheduled exercise can help them consistently look healthier, stronger, and happier. Whether your choice of fitness is cardio, weightlifting, yoga, Pilates, or even playing a sport, exercising is essential to incorporate into your daily routine.

It’s important to find the right clothes when you’re working out, and there are plenty of athletic wear brands to shop from to find something that fits your style and level of comfort. A common debate among many is whether to wear joggers or shorts, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both depending on the type of exercise you prefer.

Consider exploring the facts to determine which is better for your workout: joggers or shorts! 

Benefits of Working Out in Joggers

Many people love joggers because of their comfortable, all-day feel, but it’s crucial to know if they are a great workout fit!

Joggers make for a great workout fit when you’re looking for something that provides comfort, plus they work great for the changing of the seasons. Image courtesy of GoalFive.

It’s important to choose the best workout gear for the exercise that you are planning to do in order to stay comfortable and feel the burn afterwards. Some people tend to wear joggers to the gym, or for outdoor activities depending on the weather, or because they can make for an easy, sleek, and comfortable workout. 

Check out some benefits of joggers and why people like to wear them when exercising!

Perfect For Low-Intensity Exercises

Everyone loves joggers because of how insanely comfortable they are, they easily border between activewear and leisurewear. If you’re someone who enjoys doing low-intensity exercises, joggers are the perfect fit to wear. Whether you prefer going on long walks, jogging, or even certain gym workouts, these are great when a lot of flexibility isn't required or a wide range of motion. They also usually have zip-up pockets for your phone, keys, headphones, and other necessities during your workout.

Materials Can Differ But Still Be Comfortable

Depending on the kind of joggers you wish to get, there are different materials to choose from. Most joggers are made out of a cotton or fleece material, which is great for the colder winter months if you wish to wear them around the house, or go to the gym and do some light workouts in them, but they can also be made out of polyester too. Any of these materials prove to be durable, lightweight, and long-lasting for someone who is into fitness and being comfortable. 

A Great Alternative For Colder Weather

The cold weather can definitely put a damper onto anyone, especially ones who love outdoor physical activities. A great activewear choice to choose are joggers because they are super comfortable, and they provide protection for your legs, while also keeping them warm and cozy. Joggers can be made out of warm material that can be used to play cold weather sports, to run outside, or even as something warm to get you to the gym and back. 

Benefits of Wearing Shorts to Workout In

Many people opt for wearing shorts while working out because of the free range of motion you get from them!

Men and women choose to wear shorts while working out because of the flexibility and the amount of movement you can get. Image courtesy of GoalFive.

While joggers are a very popular type of activewear to wear while doing simple exercises, such as weightlifting, walking, or even jogging, many people choose to change into shorts instead. Despite the weather outside, shorts can provide a free range of motion no matter the type of physical activity or sport you’re involved in, and they are a true fashion statement too.

Check out some of the great reasons why people wear shorts for working out!

Stay Cooler During Cardio Workouts

For many avid runners, the go-to athleticwear to wear is shorts because they are super breathable. Many types of athletic shorts are made out of a breathable, sweat-wicking material that helps to keep you dry and cool no matter the distance you go on your run or walk. This can go more towards running shorts, made out of a lightweight material, but compression biker or spandex shorts are also a great option if you want something that is tighter on your body.

See Your Progress Better

While wearing shorts is great to move while running and walking, there are also a ton of other sports and physical activities to wear them for too. For example, wearing shorts while weightlifting, especially for leg day, can help to maintain proper form and ensure that you are doing each exercise correctly to avoid any injuries. They can also feel more comfortable whenever you’re doing squats, lunges, and calf raises.

Help You to Move Freely No Matter the Workout

There is nothing worse than feeling constricted in your own clothing while trying to get a quality workout in. For lots of folks, choosing shorts is the better option because they allow you to move how you need to, no matter the workout you’re participating in. Shorts help you to bend, lunge, do squats, and sprint at top speeds to beat your best time for the mile run. No matter if you prefer a looser pair of running or workout shorts, or even tighter spandex or biker shorts, they all are made out of a material that allows you to both breathe and move freely. 

The Verdict: Are Joggers or Shorts Better For You?

Choosing between shorts or joggers can be a difficult decision, and it depends on the type of workout you’re doing. Image courtesy of Facebook.

There are many reasons to love both joggers and shorts when choosing some new workout gear, and it’s important to know which one is the better option. With both pros and cons to each depending on the type of workout you wish to participate in, it all comes down to preference, what makes you comfortable, and your activity of choice.

Understand why the joggers vs. shorts debate relies solely on how you feel and the type of workout you do!

Choose Based on Your Comfortability

The biggest debate when choosing joggers or shorts is most importantly, what makes you feel the most comfortable. Wearing shorts can be comfortable for many to wear if they’re running, or in a spin class that requires heavy movement of your legs, but for others, shorts can be quite uncomfortable. Unlike joggers, shorts have a tendency to ride up, which can mean pulling them down a lot and not being able to get your most efficient and high-quality workout in. 

Select What to Wear Based on Type of Workout

The other main factor to consider when choosing joggers or shorts is the type of physical activity you plan on doing. Joggers are great for low-intensity workouts that include jogging, walking, or even weightlifting because there can be some restraint in how you move around. Shorts are more versatile and they are commonly used for any type of workout, especially running, cycling, or weightlifting to ensure that you have the proper form and aren’t in danger of injuring yourself. 

Calorie Burning Can Be Essential to Many

There is also one more reason why many people consider one type of activewear over the other when talking about joggers or shorts. If you’re looking for a little extra burn and to lose more calories no matter the workout, joggers are a great option. Wearing longer pants like joggers, you’ll get a lot hotter, which will in turn make you sweat even more and burn more calories. If you’re someone who tends to overheat and sweat too much where you prefer the breathability of certain types of activewear, shorts are a much better option to select. This could be a factor when looking into losing weight or burning more fat. 

Working out is an essential part of everyday life because it will help to keep you healthy and fit for a long time. It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of joggers and shorts before your desired workout. Then you can choose something that will make you comfortable and help you to perform your best for a high-quality workout that will leave you feeling refreshed and better than ever before.