You might be wondering what compression shorts are used for, and if they really work. Compression gear is becoming much more popular among athletes of all levels, and you might be surprised to find out that you can reap serious benefits by wearing compression shorts during your workouts.

WHAT ARE COMPRESSION SHORTS?

Similar to spandex shorts, compression shorts are made up of a stretchy material that forms to your body and produces compression (pressure) in your butt and thighs. Numerous studies have examined the effects of compression shorts on athletic performance and injury prevention, and many found benefits of such compression garments for athletes.

TOP 10 BENEFITS

• COMFORT
• IMPROVED STRENGTH RECOVERY
• BETTER RECOVERY AFTER STRENUOUS EXERCISE
• GROIN SUPPORT
• REDUCED MUSCLE FATIGUE
• STRAIN PREVENTION
• A LOWER RISK OF MUSCLE SORENESS
• IMPROVED PERCEIVED EXERTION
• INCREASED POWER & BETTER JUMPING ABILITY
• BETTER MUSCLE OXYGENATION

1. COMFORT
While compression shorts do apply pressure to your butt and thigh area, many athletes find such garments quite comfortable with little wind resistance. Compression shorts cause less chafing and friction than more traditional athletic shorts, plus they won’t ride up when you’re running, squatting, doing sit-ups, or stretching, among other activities.

2. IMPROVED STRENGTH RECOVERY
Even when you’re lifting weights (or participating in other forms of strength-training workouts), compression shorts provide you with performance and muscle recovery benefits. A 2014 study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that compression garments promote muscle strength recovery after bouts of resistance training.

3. BETTER RECOVERY AFTER STRENUOUS EXERCISE
Sports couple jogging for fitness running in beautiful landscape nature outdoors

Recovering from strenuous exercise can be a lengthy process and muscle soreness is more likely to occur when you’re new to intense training sessions. Luckily, compression shorts can aid in muscle recovery after strenuous workouts. Pressure (compression) garments may have greater advantages to improve recovery following an exercise bout, says Human Kinetics.

4. GROIN SUPPORT
Need a little extra groin support, or need a sturdy place to hold a cup)? Compression shorts with cup pockets are for just this purpose. They provide a convenient, comfortable way to protect sensitive body parts while you train or compete. Shorts with cup pockets are perfect for baseball and football players who need extra protection, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

5. REDUCED MUSCLE FATIGUE
Purchasing compression shorts, and wearing them during workouts, helps improve athletic performance by reducing fatigue. UPMC Health Beat says that wearing compression shorts helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue during and after workouts, resulting in better, faster and longer runs without feeling quite as tired when you wear compression garments. This is an excellent reason to try a pair!

6. STRAIN PREVENTION
Believe it or not, compression shorts also help reduce your risk for strains. Additionally, Healthline says compression garments even aids in strain recovery. So if you’re prone to this type of sports-related injury, compression shorts may be right up your alley.

7. A LOWER RISK OF MUSCLE SORENESS
Sore muscles after training sessions can be brutal, so if you could prevent this nuisance from happening, would you? Compression shorts are a good option to reduce your risk for delayed onset muscle soreness. According to Men’s Health Magazine, compression gear worn during heavy exercise reduces this type of soreness. So give it a try — run, bike, train, or play sports with compression shorts and see if you notice a difference.

8. IMPROVED PERCEIVED EXERTION
When you’re training for extreme sports or endurance races, it’s beneficial to have lower perceived exertion (a more effortless workout). Doing so can make training sessions more bearable, and can improve athletic performance. A 2016 study published in Sports Medicine found that compression garments like tights, shorts and socks improved perceived exertion in endurance runners.

9. INCREASED POWER & BETTER JUMPING ABILITY
Male athlete performing a pole vault

Want more power during and after workouts, and better jumping ability? Compression tights may help improve jumping performance in athletes after endurance events. According to Runner’s World, compression gear makes it easier to regain maximum jumping ability post-workout, which is a bonus when you’re looking to get back on the track, field, or court after an intense workout.

10. BETTER MUSCLE OXYGENATION
Your muscles need oxygen to function properly during workouts. Compression garments are designed to increase the amount of oxygen that they recieve, according to a publication by Research Gate. Compression are designed to promote blood flow and improve oxygenation of muscle tissue, which can enhance athletic performance during short bouts of exercise.

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