What are Bodybuilding Shorts? 

First let’s talk about what bodybuilding shorts actually are. Bodybuilding shorts are usually short and end above the knee, this gives the person wearing them more freedom and movement while training. The shorts are lightweight for comfort and easier movements, because no one likes to train in heavy baggy shorts, they’re not comfortable and most of the time they make it hard to workout in. You want to feel as free and light as possible when you’re training.  Some bodybuilding shorts also include liners on the inside that act as compression underwear for better movement and comfort, this also brings great support while training. Bodybuilding shorts are made to offer support in every aspect of training and working out to become a bodybuilder.

The need for bodybuilding shorts for men

You might be asking yourself, do I really need these shorts for my training? And the answer is, yes, you do. If you’re someone who trains a lot and exercises regularly, then bodybuilding shorts are the best option for you to enhance your workout and comfort. Running, strength training, walking, etc., all these activities require movement, when doing these you want to be as comfortable as possible. You don’t want to be held back and restricted to certain movements because of your shorts, you want to be able to move however you want while also being comfortable at the same time. These shorts also offer the support you need while workout, for example, compression shorts reduce inflammation, muscle pain, and damage.

Both the fabric and features of these shorts make this possible for you. Have you ever tried training in heavy baggy shorts? It’s not fun. Bodybuilding shorts make exercise much easier and comfortable. The lightweight fabric and compression makes moving easier while preventing possible discomfort you would get from other shorts. Most bodybuilding shorts also include features such as: 

• Liners: These provide moisture-management to absorb sweat which makes things cooler, comfortable, and dry. 

• Pockets: A lot of bodybuilding shorts now have pockets to hold stuff you may need to hold onto while training. Pockets might be located on the side or on the waistband of the shorts. These make it easier to take keys, snacks, your phone, anything you need to take and don’t want to hold. 

• Visibility: Many shorts now come with reflective stripes on them making it easier and safer to train at night. With reflective stripes, you will be able to stand out when a car is approaching you.

These features might not seem like a lot but they are. They make it easier, safer, and more convenient to train whether you’re doing it during the day or at night. The new technology being put into these shorts, along with the features they come with, are creating a better experience for the person training both during and after the run for recovery. These are things you should be thinking of when searching for shorts. Depending on your situation and environment, you might need shorts with specific features to get the most out of your experience.

Benefits for Bodybuilding Shorts

Bodybuilding shorts don’t just offer comfort and support during the workout. They also offer other benefits for your body that will help with recovery and how your body feels after. Some of these benefits include: 

• Increased Muscle Oxygenation

• Faster Recovery

• Reduced Muscle Fatigue

• Support

Muscle oxygenation is the rate of oxygen usage and supply to a working muscle tissue. Compression shorts and split shorts enhance blood flow which leads to increased muscle oxygenation, which leads to a better athletic performance. Not only do compression shorts increase muscle oxygenation, they also help you recover faster from muscle fatigue. The compression shorts reduce soreness which allows for a faster recovery. Muscle Oxygenation and good blood flow means you’re less likely to experience heavy fatigue, this will allow you to Bodybuilding training longer and harder for those competitions. Bodybuilding shorts offer all these benefits, but the most important one might be support in the crotch area, leading to a better and more comfortable workout for men. Not having support can make your workout very uncomfortable and cause pain. Which is why these shorts are the best option for any type of training you’re doing.

Different Kinds of Bodybuilding Shorts

Another thing you might want to consider when searching for the bodybuilding shorts is the style. Not all shorts are the same or have the same fit, there’s different styles making each workout experience unique. There are three main styles of bodybuilding shorts:

• Compression Shorts: These shorts apply a tight and snug fit to your body. The tight fit makes them much warmer than other shorts, provides muscle support, crotch support, and prevents chafing when you’re working out. 

• V-Notch Shorts: Now these are the most popular style of workout shorts. These shorts have an upside down v-shaped cutout on the outer leg seam which enables the person to have a greater range of movement than they would if the seams were together all the way down. 

• Split Shorts: These shorts have a loose fit and the leg seams offer an upside down v cutout at the bottom. The difference from the split shorts and the v-notch shorts is that the v cutout is created by the front panel, which overlaps the back rather than being part of the leg seam like the v-notch shorts. These shorts offer the greatest range of motion to anyone wearing them.

Aside from the different styles of bodybuilding shorts, you also need to consider the different types of fabrics that shorts are made of. Most of the time bodybuilding shorts are made from either synthetic or natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are made mostly of polyester, a polyester-spandex blend or a nylon blend. The polyester blend offers a good fit, stretch, durability, and moisture-management which prevents chafing and discomfort while training. Natural fibers, such as cotton, offer good stretch and movement but don’t hold up well against moisture. If you’re using these shorts in high temperatures it can cause chafing and might cause them to break down faster.

 Both fabrics are different but neither one is the wrong one, you might need a specific fabric depending on your environment and where you live. If you’re working out in cold temperatures, then cotton shorts might be the best option for you because you won’t have to worry about high temperatures. So before picking a pair of shorts, don’t forget to take a look at the fabric and consider which one would be better for you.