No matter how we run, where we run, running on concrete, treadmills, running for fun, or to lose weight. one thing is common. We all need to be comfortable with what we are wearing. The famous question athletes have in mind that if they can wear yoga pants for running. Or should I get a new pair of running leggings for running?
Well, Yoga pants are great as it is comfortable, flexible, and stylish, and they are great for the purpose that they it’s built for. It’s also quite stylish so many women like to wear it on a regular basis. But, when it comes to running it’s not the ideal choice. The reason is running leggings have lots of features that are missing from yoga pants.
Yoga Leggings vs. Running Leggings
They might both look similar at first glance, but they are different from each other. Yoga pants are made of lightweight and stretchy material that allows for maximum flexibility and movement that we typically required when we are doing yoga, or similar low-impact workouts.
Whereas, running leggings are designed to provide support and compression to the muscles, as well as to wick away moisture and keep the body cool during high-intensity workouts like HIIT running.
Running leggings might have additional features that might be missing from yoga pants. For example, yoga pants might not have big pockets to keep your phone, or water bottle while running, reflective strips for running at night time, and mesh panels for ventilation. Also, they might not be durable. Running pants are designed to withstand the wear and tear of running that’ll be missing from yoga pants.
Yoga pants might be more comfortable than running pants but it does not provide the necessary support and compression that are required in high-impact activities. Also, they might be wearing fast (might tear) while we are running so it’ll the utmost choice.
Benefits of Running in Running Leggings
Here are a few benefits that you’ll get from running in running leggings and miss from yoga pants.
1. Support and Compression
As running leggings are designed to withstand the wear and tear of running. It provides more support and compression to the mussels. It can be helpful in improving overall performance and reducing the chance of injury.
Also, It can help to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, allowing you to run for longer periods of time.
2. Moisture-Wicking Fabric:
When we run, we generate heat, which causes us to sweat. If this sweat stays on your skin, it can cause discomfort and chafing. Moisture-wicking fabric is a type of fabric that is usually made from polyester or nylon that is designed to pull sweat and moisture away from the skin.
It also helps to pull sweat away from the skin keeping us dry and comfortable during runs. Some moisture-wicking fabrics also have antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce odor caused by sweat.
3. Flexibility and Range of Motion:
As running is a High impact exercise it requires a lot of dynamic movement which includes, stretching bending, and twisting. Tights need to be able to move with you without any restrictions or discomfort.
Running leggings are made of stretchy and flexible materials like spandex or elastane that can provide a full range of motion without any restrictions or discomfort.
Always choose running leggings that fit well without being too tight or too loose, to ensure maximum comfort and performance during the run.
4. Reflective Strips For Night Runners
A reflective strip is a safety feature that might be missing from yoga pants. It can be found only in running leggings.
These are strips of reflective material that are sewn into the fabric of the leggings, usually on the sides or back, to increase visibility when running in low-light conditions.
When light shines on the reflective strips, they reflect the light back to its source, making you more visible to drivers and other runners. This can be especially important when running in the early morning or evening when visibility is reduced.
5. Pockets for Storage
Running leggings might have additional storage pockets to help keep your bringing together. These deep pockets will help you to keep your phone, water bottles, and keys while running.
6. Mesh Panel
As running is a high-intensity workout, it produces more heat and not wearing such leggings that have a mesh panel can produce more heat. These are usually only found in running leggings around the back of the knee, and thighs for better ventilation.
It is designed to be lightweight and breathable, allowing air to pass through the leggings, and keeping you cool and dry throughout the running session. The mesh panel becomes a necessity when running for longer runs or when running in warmer conditions.
Not only it is functional but adds style to your running leggings. Most running leggings have stripes or geometric shapes, to create a unique and eye-catching look.
Cons Of Running in Yoga Leggings
Well, Yoga pants may be comfortable for daily wear and for other low-impact exercises, but they not be the finest choice when it comes to running. It might lack the support that we required while running. also, since it is made of lightweight material so it might not be durable.
It’ll be great if you invest in running gear since you plan to run on a daily basis.
Well, for these reasons you might not wear yoga pants for running.
Lack of support: Yoga pants are designed for low-impact activities like yoga, and may not provide the necessary support for high-impact activities like running. This lack of support could lead to discomfort or even injury.
Breathability: Some yoga pants may not be as breathable as running-specific leggings or shorts, which could cause you to overheat during a run.
Durability: Yoga pants may not be as durable as running-specific gear and could wear out more quickly due to repeated friction against the skin or other surfaces.
Visibility: Many yoga pants are dark or muted in color, which could make it difficult for drivers or other runners to see you during early morning or late evening runs.
Pocket space: While some yoga pants do have pockets, they may not be as secure or as functional as pockets on running-specific gear.
Can I wear yoga pants for walking?
Alright, I do understand that yoga pants are not powerful to bear the hold of running but can I wear them for walking? Well, the answer is yes!
Walking is a low-impact exercise with a limited range of motion. Yoga pants are made of comfortable and stretchable material that can bear the load of walking.
Can Running pants use for yoga?
So, I do run regularly and have my running pants but to relax my muscles I want to do yoga. Should I buy a new pair of yoga pants or will it work?
The short answer is running pants can be used for yoga but yoga pants can not be used for running.
As both pants are designed for different activities but they share some similar functionalities. Both of them are made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that allows for a full range of motion.
However, there are some differences between running pants and yoga pants that may make one more suitable for a particular activity than the other.
For example, running pants may have features like compression technology, breathable mesh panels, and reflective detailing. On the other hand, yoga pants may have a higher waistband, a looser fit, and a softer fabric that is better for yoga.
I’m Shafey. An avid runner since 2012. I am one of few people who like doing cardio instead of muscle building. I love spending time on treadmills, tracks, pavements, or any surface rather than exercising with dumbles.
With all those years of experience and spending the whole night reading blogs and researching different concepts of running. Learned a lot about new tips and tricks. In those years tried different running shoes (from $ to $$$). I got a great knowledge that can be shared with others. I may not be a professional running coach but YES an experienced runner who can guide right to beginners.✌️✌️