The new year.
For 99.9% of people, it means one thing and one thing only – time to hit the gym! Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or want to improve your health and fitness, January is the perfect month to renew your membership and get into shape.
But first – you need to shop for gym clothes (naturally).
Did you know, what you wear to the gym can actually affect the quality of your workout?
It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some new activewear. And to help you make an informed choice about your purchase and maximise the effectiveness of your first session, here we answer the burning question: which are better – jogger shorts or joggers?
3 factors to consider when buying joggers or short
1. Calories
Got a goal weight in mind? Choosing to wear joggers may just get you there a little faster.
Typically made from thick cotton fabric, jogging bottoms are much warmer than jogger shorts. And when you’re working out, that means you’ll get a lot hotter and sweatier. The additional heat will obviously make the session harder – but it will also burn extra calories. What’s more, extreme sweating can help you to lose some of that pesky ‘water weight’ too.
Of course, you have to be realistic. You’re not going to lose a stone in one session just because you wore a pair of sweatpants! The effect is only very small. But when you’re working towards a target weight or size, every little helps, right?
2. Warmth
It’s goes without saying, jogging bottoms are much warmer than shorts. And on a cold January morning, they may just be the motivation you need, to leave your cosy bed and head to the gym. By trapping heat close to the body, they also help to warm up the muscles, therefore ensuring your workout is safer and more effective overall.
However, it’s important to keep in mind – exercise is a hot and sweaty business.
Overheating could potentially ruin your workout, leading to dehydration and forcing you to quit prematurely. So before deciding what to wear, think about the activities you’ll be doing. If you’ll be training at a moderate pace, joggers are likely to be fine. But if you’re planning an intense session – that significantly increases your heart rate – you may be better opting for shorts instead.
3. Movement
Gym clothes should never get in the way of your workout. They need to be loose and comfy enough to give you freedom of movement – allowing you to bend, squat, lunge, stretch and more.
Jogger shorts offer a much better range of motion than joggers, particularly if they fall above the knee. And as such, they’re a great option for hitting the treadmill or your weekly spin class. But if you plan to use machines such as the leg press, be aware of what others can see.
It’s very easy for shorts to ride up, giving the guy on the cross trainer more than an eye full... So depending on the activity and your choice of gym equipment, you may feel more comfortable (and less self-conscious!) in a full-length pair of joggers.
Update your gym wear wardrobe wisely
In answer to the question ‘Are joggers or jogger shorts better for the gym?’ – truthfully, it varies.
Both can be a great option. Ultimately, the best gym wear for you will depend on the activities you wish to do, and which style helps you to exercise comfortably and focus on the workout. But whatever you decide – whether you think joggers or jogger shorts are best for your return to the gym – we’ve got it covered, here at triatloandratx.
As we head into 2022, our store has been re-stocked with a fantastic selection of men’s jogger shorts and joggers, as well as jogging bottoms and sweat shorts for women. All of which are available for a great price (good news for your post-Christmas bank balance!) and perfect for the gym.
So why not take a look? Stock up and maximise the effectiveness of your new year workouts with some carefully chosen gym clothes. And remember, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
Perhaps you have a question about a particular product? Or want to know more about the pros and cons of joggers and jogger shorts? Whatever it is, feel free to drop us a line. Send a message to [email protected] and a member of our team will get back to you – as soon as they get back from their morning gym session!