by Gregory Pivarunas

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2009

Different situations call for different clothes. A fancy dinner party demands a nice dress, or a good suit. Workouts, however, are much more casual and relaxed. The focus should not be on what one is wearing (though clothes are needed!), but on the body. Getting in shape does not require trendy sportswear, a snazzy gym bag, or a water bottle in a belt. It does require, though, that one feel comfortable during the workout, as much as possible. There will be enough discomfort that clothes shouldn't get in the way. That's why shorts are the best option, not pants, for a workout.

The first reason why shorts are so important is your body's reaction to strenuous work, even in a good environment. Exercise causes your body to heat up, and if you're wearing too many layers, air-conditioning may not be enough to cool it down. As your body increases its temperature, too much clothing becomes a burden and distracts from the workout itself. Who wants to think about how hot their clothing is making them feel, when the workout is already causing them discomfort?

Pants can cause extra stress to your body, start getting heavy from sweat, and just be a hassle. Shorts, on the other hand, are lighter, more comfortable, and help keep your body cooler, so that you can get the maximum results from your workout. This matters, not only when working out in a gymnasium, but also when exercising outside. Warm summers, often a temptation to go outside and get "fit", will be miserable in pants. Shorts are much better for this kind of weather. (In winter, pants might be needed for working outside, but few people do this. The gym stays warmer, and shorts should be used there every season of the year.)

Also, shorts fit better than pants. It's hard to get an exact fit on many gym workout clothes, and pants are no exception. If they are too long, it'll interfere with your workout. Too short, and they start to feel strange. Well-sized shorts are much easier to find in a store, and they're often cheaper. Pants can also get caught in weight machinery and be a hassle. Shorts are better looking, too. They emphasize why a person is at the gym, or outside. They are serious about their fitness.

Shorts are a much better option than pants when working out for these reasons. They allow a person to focus on the task at hand and make them feel as comfortable as possible in a grueling workout session. Their appearance is also more pleasing, and all in all, they fit in much better to the sports atmosphere.

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