Is exercising in jeans safe and healthy? RFK Jr's unusual workout raises eyebrows

Time of India

2 days ago

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, is known to be a health freak (comes with the job, maybe). However, unlike the common gym-goer who dons comfortable clothing like t-shirts or tank tops with leggings or shorts, the 71-year-old exercises in jeans.
No matter how skinny, baggy, dark or light-wash, jeans and boots constitute RFK Jr's popular and controversial gym uniform. Recently, he even went on a hike in the American summer, donning a pair of jeans. But is denim an ideal workout wear, and how does it affect health? Let's figure it out below!
How does it feel to wear jeans during a workout?
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For those who have tried the Health Secretary's gym fit, jeans are a big NO. Recently, a USA TODAY wellness editor tried running three miles in jeans, and the feeling was described as "constricted, contained and confounded."
They shared how the humidity and sweat were trapped in their legs, and the usual breeze of air they felt while running in shorts was nowhere to be found. They also tried their hands at a solid core and gym session and ditched the jeans by the end.
According to Truett Hanes, an athlete and Guinness World Record holder, who has run a marathon PR in denim pants, jeans don't "slow me down too much."
'The biggest takeaway is if you want to get something done, then you don't need the perfect circumstance or the perfect gear,' Hanes said.
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'Make it happen—and if it happens to be in jeans, then even better.'
A Men's Health writer also tried working out in jeans for a week. While he was able to do all kinds of exercise, from running to weightlifting, he wrote that he would still prefer the normal workout gear.
A social media creator who goes by the name @Atlaspowershrugged, said that his journey of wearing jeans began as a way of convenience while juggling his kids, but later led him to increase his online engagement.
'During my kids' nap, I'd run out and do a workout, and I happened to be wearing jeans during the nap,' Atlas told GQ.
'If I post a cool lift in jeans, there'll be five people asking why I did it in jeans, which is engagement", he added.
Is wearing jeans during a workout healthy?
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The saying each to his own, is the ideal answer to this question. Are jeans the best workout gear? No. But are they the worst? According to some dedicated gym-goers who work out in denim, they are good.
However, unlike the ideal polyester gym wear, jeans can cause you some health problems when worn regularly for physical exercise.
Restricted movement
: Jeans are not as flexible as stretchable polyester, and thus, your range of movements in core exercises and pilates could be extremely limited.
Low breathability
: As mentioned above, rather than soaking up the moisture or aiding in the air flow, jeans trap the heat and humidity, leading to irritation and overheating during exercise.
Chafing
: Chafing is a proven disadvantage of working out in jeans. The harsh material and seams of the jeans rub against the skin constantly during a workout and can cause chafing and pain.
In a conversation with Newsweek, Justin Kraft, a personal trainer from Denver, advised against denim as sportswear. "I get the logic behind the added resistance jeans might create, but that's pretty much where the benefits stop," he began.
"Restricting that flow with tight fabric is a fast way to hinder your performance and could lead to bigger issues, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or sciatica," he explained.
"Jeans also limit your range of motion, which is crucial for exercises like squats, lunges and deadlifts. If you can't hit those full ranges, you're not only cheating your muscles but also increasing your risk of injury."
"Plus, the thick material, seams and lack of breathability in jeans will turn a good sweat session into a chafing nightmare," he said, substantiating the points mentioned above.
If resistance is your aim in training, the trainer advises the use of methods such as sandbags, slam balls, battle ropes and balance discs.