Latest news with #running
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Running Really THAT Bad On Your Knees? The Answer May Surprise You.
You're probably familiar with the idea that running is bad for your knees. It's a pervasive thought that keeps many folks from going out for a jog. Some people say running is hard on your joints while others say the impact can cause arthritis. Is this true? Or is running just a fitness regimen with a bad rap? Thanks to recent research, doctors now have a more full view of running's impact on the knees (and other joints). Below, doctors shared with HuffPost their thoughts on whether running is safe for your knees. 'Anybody that already has arthritis or any other type of medical condition or orthopedic problem should probably consult with their doctor to ensure that running is safe for them,' said Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the medical director of the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are lots of restrictions and symptoms associated with arthritis and injuries, and they vary greatly from person to person. 'We want to make sure that we're treating each individual person appropriately,' Fleming said. If you notice sharp pain or even a dull pain in the joints after each run, you should see a doctor before you continue your running regimen, added Dr. A.J. Monseau, an emergency medicine and sports medicine physician at West Virginia University. This way, a doctor can figure out what is going on before a larger issue happens. 'I think there's good evidence at this point that running can actually improve cartilage health to some extent, as long as we are not injuring ourselves,' Monseau said. Healthy cartilage allows your joints and bones to function properly and in a painless manner by lubricating the joints and absorbing the shock that happens when you move around. This way, your bones don't directly feel the impact. Running can also 'help strengthen the muscles and the bones around the knees,' according to Dr. Sean Thompson, an orthopedic surgeon and owner of East Coast Bone and Joint Surgeons. '[Running] can help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density,' Thompson shows that exercise like running can help build strong bones. Folks with osteoporosis have weak or brittle bones because of a loss of bone density. It's particularly common in women who are postmenopausal. The loss of estrogen that happens in menopause can also cause a loss of bone density. As Thompson mentioned, exercise, particularly before menopause (but during menopause is valuable, too), can help build up bone density and give folks higher levels of bone density when the estrogen loss does begin. A common misconception is that running can lead to knee arthritis, but experts say that isn't accurate. 'If you look at the most recent research that we have on this subject, the short answer to that question is we don't think that running causes arthritis in your knees,' Fleming said. Some evidence even shows that recreational runners are sometimes less likely to develop arthritis when compared to non-runners, Fleming said, but added that it's unclear if it's the running that leads to a less arthritis incidence or the healthier lifestyle that's often followed by runners,such as a healthier diet and a dedicated workout regimen. 'Strengthening the muscles around the knee, like the quads or the gluteal ... muscles, and especially the core muscles, can help to prevent injury from running, especially when you're first starting,' Thompson said. This aligns with the activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine, which recommend strength and resistance training in addition to cardiovascular exercise, said Monseau. If you haven't exercised for some time or are nervous about potential joint pain, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of pain. First, you should consider doing a warm-up. 'That is a completely personal thing. If your body and your knees and your hips and everything feel good after a rather gentle warm-up for even a few minutes, that's probably sufficient for you, but some people find that they need longer time of warming up before they really get after it,' said Monseau. You should also start training gradually, said Fleming. Meaning, if you are a new runner who's training for a half-marathon, you shouldn't go out and try to run 5 miles without building up. 'We often see people develop injuries whenever they start preparing for a marathon, and often it's because they're doing too much too soon,' Fleming said. 'The other big thing that can help prevent injury or help prevent arthritis is just making sure that you're using an appropriate running form and you have the appropriate equipment — you have a decent pair of running shoes,' said Fleming. 'These are all pretty simple things, but if you overlook them, and you run in a way that doesn't support these things, you can definitely develop some pain and have a greater risk for injury and arthritis down the line.' You can talk to anyone from a sports medicine physician to personal trainer to physical therapist about proper running form and proper running gear. Many towns even have dedicated running stores you can visit for shoe fittings and advice. Running on softer surfaces such as a track or on the grass can be a good option, said Thompson. Research shows that there's less impact on your joints when running on these kinds of surfaces. 'If there are limitations that don't allow the individual to run, even walking at a brisk pace or incline walking can show similar benefits to running,' Thompson said. 'The general rule of thumb that I often tell people is movement is so important for overall health, and I'm not very picky in terms of what type of movement you go out and get, whether that's running or cycling or weightlifting, just as long as you're doing something,' said Fleming. 'So, if running is something you want to do, I fully encourage you to give it a try, as long as it'll help you move more,' he added. Beyond the benefit to your joint health, running is also good for your mental health and your cardiovascular health. Plus, regular physical activity (like running) can lower your risk of dementia and certain cancers. So, the benefits of running on your health potentially outweigh any of the joint or arthritis risks you hear about, Fleming said. Running Experts Reveal The Foods They Avoid For A Poop-Free Run 'Rucking' Is The Latest Walking Trend You Need To Try. Here's Why. Study Reveals How Much Exercise Older Adults Need Each Week To Live Longer
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Faith Kipyegon didn't run four minutes for the mile – but this is how she can succeed next time
Georgia Hunter Bell has just finished a jog around the idyllic Tuileries Garden. It's a scorching Friday in the Parisian sun, and the 1,500m Olympic bronze medalist has started to feel the fatigue from last night's run. It was no ordinary run, either, a pacing job that didn't quite reach 800m, an event she has claimed gold in a Diamond League meet already this season. But that searing pace still lingers because Hunter Bell travelled at sub-four minute mile pace, nine seconds faster per mile than her national record pace needed to claim bronze at last year's Paris Olympics in the 1,500m. Her endeavour was all part of Faith Kipyegon and Nike 's audacious attempt to shatter a barrier first transcended by Sir Roger Bannister in 1954, and while more than 2,000 men have followed, no woman has achieved the same feat. Kipyegon was on track at half-way and only faded as the bell approached, slipping back to finish in 4:06.42, 1.22 seconds better than her existing world record but more than six seconds outside her ambitious goal. This mark will not be officially recognised by World Athletics due to the use of 12 pacers, including 10 men, and a pair of unverified Nike super spikes, the Victory Elite FK, built with 3mm more foam to further accentuate a trampoline effect that has revolutionised running in recent years. 'I'm exhausted, but I've proven that it's possible,' Kipyegon, who also wore a special aerodynamic skinsuit with '3D-printed aeronodes,' defiantly declared afterwards. 'It's only a matter of time before I think it comes our way, even if it's not me, it will come one day. 'I will not lose hope. I will still go for it.' It should be noted, for context based on World Athletics Scoring Tables, Kipyegon target, in terms of points, was the equivalent performance to a 9.61 seconds in the men's 100m (Usain Bolt's world record remains 9.58 seconds) or a 3.22:98 men's 1,500m (well clear of Hicham El Guerrouj's 3:26.00). She was not just attempting to go where no woman had gone before. No woman had even considered breaching the four-minute mark. 'Physically it felt really good,' Hunter Bell tells the Independent after practicing in the days before the extravagant event at the Stade Charlety. Hunter Bell was selected, based on height and stride length, to replicate Kipyegon's role in practice alongside the elite men drafted in, including double-Olympic medalist Grant Fisher and Team GB's Elliot Giles. The formation, devised over the last six months in Kenya, shielded Kipyegon from 'turbulence'. 'We were doing 400m reps in 60 seconds per lap pace, but it felt more like 65 seconds for the effort,' she adds. 'So it felt a lot easier than if you were just trying to run a lap on your own. And so it was cool to feel that, I think, also just from kind of an emotional, less tangible standpoint. It felt really nice. 'The guys around you talking about how they can help you out. You just feel really supported. And it really made me think that, yeah, she's obviously much better than I am. So if it felt like that for me, then surely it will feel really good for her. It gave me a lot of faith that she could do it.' Hunter Bell and her fellow Nike athletes were tasked with training twice per day since Sunday, with the team spending each day together, including meals, to build chemistry and cohesion to perfectly execute the plan on Thursday. 'I've never seen Faith like struggle,' Hunter Bell recalls. 'Like every time she races us, be that in an Olympic final, the Diamond League, she's always so clearly ahead and although she's obviously working hard, she seems totally within herself and there's no struggle on her face. 'Yesterday was the first time that I've really seen her hurting, a little bit of form going, a little bit of strain on the face. So that really just put into perspective just how hard of a feat it is. 'So I think, in hindsight, it will now be a case of chipping down [the women's mile world record]. It's not going to go from 4:07 to 3:59, it's going to be chipped away over the years like she's already taken a second and a half off. 'Think about Eliud Kipchoge's 1:59 marathon, that had some failures before it, then they got it right. So I think they'll be able to take away some learnings, then just hope that in the future, they'll be able to bring it down.' Hunter Bell is adamant Kipyegon is still the woman to do it, though a move to the 5,000m next year could derail the three-time Olympic champion's plans. But the 31-year-old revealed she is committed to a future attempt. 'I had a quick chat with her afterwards and said, 'do you think you'll have another go this year?' And she was like, 'probably not this year, probably next year'. It might take another five to 10 years to break the four-minute barrier, but I can see it going down by a second every year.' Kipyegon might still be the dominant force in the 1,500m or mile, but Hunter Bell insists her compatriot Beatrice Chebet, a double-Olympic champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m, could attack the barrier too, harnessing her greater strength. 'I actually don't think [the mile favours a runner with a speed background such as Keely Hodgkinson],' Hunter Bell adds. 'I actually think it's more the other way. I think you have to have a really strong endurance base to be able to do a challenge like that. Having a great kick is amazing. Coming through in two minutes is well within Keely's and my capability, but those two laps make such a difference. 'It's getting into the practice of running 60s consistently versus what Keely can do, running 52-53 seconds per lap. That's amazing speed, but you just can't do four of those back to back. There's just no way.' Nike will be determined in the coming months to make refinements, much like they did between Kipchoge's first attack on the two-hour marathon barrier in Monza in 2017, before returning to Vienna two years later, with tens of thousands of fans on the streets able to witness history. 'I think hosting it in a full stadium is a good idea, maybe at the end of a Diamond League as the final event,' Hunter Bell concludes. 'Then you'll definitely have a sold-out stadium, such as London in a couple of weeks, which is sold out at 60,000. Every bit of noise makes a difference. We really saw that in the Paris Olympic final last year. It was so loud and we ran so fast. So I think that could definitely help.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brenton Doyle scores on the fielder's choice
Muskego native Trenni Casey will run 161 miles during six days from Platteville to Wauwatosa to raise funds for MS Muskego native Trenni Casey will be running 161 miles during six days as part of the MS Run the US cross-country relay, starting in Platteville and ending in Wauwatosa.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Feeling Aimless When You Run? Here's How to Figure Out Your Pace for More Focused Miles.
LOTS OF NEW runners think of their pace as a badge of honor and a gauge of progress: the faster, the better. But if you're constantly chasing speed with no strategy, you could be selling yourself short and limiting your ability to achieve long term goals. Your running pace is a tool, whether you're chasing a personal best race time or just trying to stay injury-free and enjoy your time on the road. Varying how fast you're running throughout a week of training will help you get the most out of every mile—after all, not all runs should feel the same. Even the fastest athletes dial-in different speeds depending on what they want to do during their workouts. By dialing in the right pace to match your goal for each session, you'll be able to train more efficiently, recover better, and actually get faster. Most of your mileage (yes, even if you're training for a marathon or even faster distance races) should actually be at what's called an easy pace. 'Easy—or conversational pace—is best described as running at a speed where you are in total control of your breathing, where you can be moving and still carry on a conversation with a running partner,' explains Doug Guthrie, founder of GU3 Training, a USATF-certified running coach. A simple way to lock into an easy pace is to stop thinking about the numbers on your watch and start thinking about your rate of perceived exertion (RPE)—a subjective scale from 1 to 10 that ranks how hard you feel like you're working at any given moment. Easy pace should fall at about a three to five effort level out of 10—'a speed where you are in total control of your breathing, where you can be moving and still carry on a conversation with your running partner,' says Guthrie. That effort might translate to different speeds day to day depending on any number of factors, from how hot and humid it is outside to whether you fueled properly pre-run to what you did the night before and how well you slept. Keeping the bulk of your running easy is important because, according to Guthrie, these easy pace runs help build up your aerobic base. "Think of your aerobic base as the foundation of a building," he advises. "The better the foundation you develop, the more load you can start to add on later as your fitness develops." By keeping the effort easy enough on these runs, you're never overtaxing your body to a point where you need extra recovery. In fact, these types of sessions can actually act as a form of active recovery, keeping your blood flowing and loosening up your muscles in between harder efforts. FYI: If you're distance training, your long run pace should be pretty close to your easy pace—but the experts say it's okay if that long run pace even slower, because the intensity increases as the miles click by. 'Long run pace should feel like you could do this all day,' says Olympic runner Jeff Galloway, founder of the Run-Walk-Run Method and Runningman Festival coach. 'You should be able to have long conversations, sing along with your music, and never really get out of breath.' Once you've nailed your easy pace, you can build around it. Many training plans—even for beginners—reference 5K, 10K, tempo, half marathon, and marathon pace in workouts. It can be confusing if you're never toed the start line of a race, but runners of all levels can figure out their race paces and incorporate them into training. A simple place to start? The mile. 'A timed mile run at a hard pace—walk breaks during the mile are okay—gives us a ton of information,' says Galloway. 'If you've never run a hard mile before, take the first half at a 'hurried conversational' pace. Then for the second half of the mile, progressively get faster until you finish feeling as if you couldn't have run at that pace for more than a few more seconds.' Galloway calls that test the Magic Mile. From there you can do some math to figure out different paces: Add 33 seconds to get your target 5k pace Multiply by 1.15 to get your target 10k pace Multiply by 1.2 to get your target half marathon pace Multiply by 1.3 to get your target marathon pace If you don't want to do that math yourself, Galloway created a calculator that allows you to plug in your mile time and quickly calculate all your other race paces, including a suggested easy pace. These suggested paces also correspond to different effort levels on that RPE scale. If easy pace tops out at a 5 out of 10, Galloway says marathon pace would be a 6 or 7 out of 10 (about two minutes faster), half marathon pace would be a 7 to 8 out of 10 (about three minutes faster), 10K pace would be an 8 out of 10 (about a minute slower than 5K pace), and 5K pace would be an 8 or 9 out of 10 (about 30 seconds slower than an all-out mile). You can also use heart rate as a metric. First, estimate your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220. "Your heart rate on easy runs should be between 60 percent and 70 percent of your max," says Galloway. From there, the percentages increase: 70 to 75 percent of your max for marathon pace, 75 to 80 percent for half marathon pace, 80 to 85 percent for 10K pace, and 85 to 90 percent for 5K pace, he explains. Just keep in mind that these will all be estimates. Running watches aren't perfect when it comes to monitoring heart rate (chest straps tend to be more accurate)—so it's still important to listen to your body to gauge effort. "Technology can still fail us now and then, so following the old school 'huffing and puffing' rule is really useful,' says Galloway. 'Breathing rate is your natural heart rate monitor." Essentially, as the distance gets shorter and the pace ramps up, your effort will increase. You'll go from being able to have a full conversation to the point where you can get a few words out between breaths to only being able to speak one to two words as you huff and puff (insert expletive about how tough the workout is here). Get familiar with what those effort levels feel like, and you'll know when to push and when to chill without checking your wrist every 30 seconds. Running at the same pace day in and day out might feel comfortable—but eventually, you're going to hit a performance plateau or just get sick of the same old workout. 'Choosing specific paces for specific runs helps runners target race goals, improve fitness, and avoid injury,' says Galloway. Mixing up your pace helps target different energy systems in your body too, which is essential for developing well-rounded fitness. 'Easy runs build your aerobic system and endurance,' says Gurthrie. This kind of low-intensity, steady state running also uses fat for fuel, he adds, improving fat metabolism alongside cardiovascular gains and boosting your muscles' ability to use oxygen. Because this type of running is less taxing on the body, easy runs allow you to accumulate volume safely, which is one of the most important factors in endurance training. When you speed up, you'll switch to different fuel sources. "Higher intensity running requires that your body tap into glucose as fuel, which produces lactate," says Guthrie. That burning feeling in your muscles when you're working at an RPE of 7 or higher? That's lactate build-up. "Training at this intensity teaches your body to effectively buffer that lactate so you can run at the higher intensities for longer periods of time." Whether you're going fast or slow, there are different benefits for your body. Each pace has a purpose, and only running fast or slow (or more likely, somewhere in the middle) can leave gaps in your training. But there's more than just the physical benefits to consider. Changing up your pace and the types of workouts you take on will help to keep your runs interesting. You'll teach yourself how to tune into your body's effort, and allow yourself to rely less on external tools like watches. Ultimately, figuring out your pace builds resilience and speed—which will help you in the long run, no matter your goals. You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
CNN
17 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
I swapped my favorite Lululemon running shorts with a pair from Amazon. Here's how they performed
When the long, hot days of summer roll around, I love lacing up my sneakers and heading out for a jog. For years, I struggled to find athletic shorts that would sit securely on my waist without riding up or constricting my thick thighs. Lululemon's Fast and Free shorts are consistently praised for being some of the most comfortable and flattering running shorts out there. After my old shorts bit the dust last spring, I decided — after much consideration — to give this $78 pair a go for myself, and they've been my go-to running shorts ever since. But just because I love Lululemon's shorts, doesn't mean I won't consider more affordable alternatives to help keep my summer workout wardrobe stocked. To try and save myself a few hundred dollars, I headed to Amazon and grabbed a pair of the top-rated (and under $30) CRZ Yoga running shorts to see if they could give Lululemon's a run for their money (pun intended). Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Classic-Fit Split Shorts Lululemon's Fast and Free shorts are beloved by runners for a reason. With hidden pockets to store essentials, an adjustable waistband and a lightweight design, they're the perfect mix between comfort and convenience. They are an investment, but these are the shorts you'll hope are clean the next time you want to pace out some miles in the blistering heat. CRZ Yoga High-Waisted Dolphin Running Shorts An almost identical-looking alternative to the Fast and Free Shorts, these CRZ Yoga Dolphin Shorts are comfortable, available in an array of colors and even made of the same materials as Lululemon's shorts. They lack the thoughtful features that make Lululemon's shorts better suited for running and vigorous workouts, but if all you're after is some lightweight and affordable athleisure, this CRZ Yoga pair hits the mark. 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane 11 21 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, 3 back pockets No 3 inches 3 inches Yes No XXXS to XL XXS to XL On first inspection, the CRZ Yoga Dolphin shorts and the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts look virtually identical. Both have a high-rise waistband that sits comfortably across the lower stomach. I found the stretchy waistband on the CRZ Yoga shorts to be very comfortable and flattering, but it's made of a thicker material than the Lululemon shorts and feels more prone to trapping sweat and heat, which for a sweaty gal like myself, isn't necessarily what I'm looking for in running shorts. Both shorts are cut in a 'dolphin' style, with side slits on both thighs, rounded corners and an overall shorter length designed for uninhibited movement. This specific cut lends itself to a lot of thigh exposure, especially once you start moving. Between the two shorts, the Lululemon pair has a higher slit and less fabric overlap between the front and back panels. While this put more of my thigh on display, it also led to less fabric bunching around the top of my thighs than when I ran in the CRZ Yoga shorts. In addition to their overall lightweight profiles, both shorts have mesh liners for extra coverage and comfort. Neither liner felt too tight or led to extra chafing, but the Lululemon liner stayed in place better during runs and vigorous workouts. The liner in the CRZ Yoga shorts was fine during stretching, sitting or standing, but tended to shift in the innermost part of my thighs when I ran, leading to some awkward readjustments. Lululemon's liner was also thinner, which helped keep things feeling more breathable, even during the hottest and sweatiest of days. While the Lululemon and CRZ Yoga shorts look identical, there's quite a difference between their running performance. You can tell Lululemon's shorts are made with runners in mind. The Fast and Free shorts have three pockets on the back waistband that are big enough to hold running gels, keys or other small items you want to keep close. Previous versions of these shorts also had three pockets, but in an altered layout: two in the front of the waistband and one in the back. The sides of the shorts are also adorned with small reflective dots. They won't give you a ton of visibility if you're running in low light conditions, but it's a runner-oriented detail worth noting. The Lululemon shorts include a drawstring waistband so you can tighten them for a more secure fit. In all honesty, Lululemon's drawstring isn't my favorite; it gets the job done and keeps the shorts in place, but it cinches the fabric around my waist in a way I find unflattering. I think this is more of an issue if you, like me, are between sizes and need to size up for a roomier fit through the hips and thighs, which can leave some extra gapping around the waist. Speaking of sizing, these updated Fast and Free shorts fit differently from Lululemon's previous versions. When I bought these shorts last year, the sizing was numerical — size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and so on. Now, Lululemon offers the shorts in alpha sizing — from XXXS up to XL. Since I like the fit of my older Fast and Free shorts, I bought the corresponding letter for the numerical size I already have. When the new shorts arrived, they were much tighter through my hips and shorter in the back than my previous pair. Though they fit and I could have run in them, I ended up returning them and grabbing the next size up for a more comfortable fit. The CRZ Yoga shorts are available in sizes XXS to XL, but had a more true-to-size fit. Sizing issues aside, I still found the Lululemon shorts better for running performance than the CRZ Yoga ones. Though the CRZ Yoga shorts are comfortable and I like how the waistband lies flat against my stomach, there's no way to adjust the fit. This isn't an issue if you're lounging around or doing lighter workouts like stretching or yoga, but while running, I did have to pull the waistband back up multiple times after it slipped down. There are also no pockets on the CRZ Yoga shorts. I prefer to run without a running belt or hip pack if I can, and when I ran in the CRZ Yoga shorts, I had to stuff my house keys into my sports bra, which wasn't ideal. The features on Lululemon's shorts aren't groundbreaking, but at least they're there. Having a place to store your keys or running gels and a mechanism that keeps shorts from sliding down makes all the difference when you're on the move and in the zone. Color options aren't a deal breaker for me when it comes to running shorts, but it never hurts to feel like you can find something that will perfectly match your workout wear aesthetic. Lululemon's shorts come in 11 colors, including two current 'trending colors', which the brand launches seasonally and changes frequently. For instance, even though I bought them less than a month ago, the deep plum color of the Fast and Free shorts I tested isn't available anymore. As someone whose workout wear has been prone to stains from sweat, self-tanner and sunscreen, I tend to steer away from light-colored workout wear. Lululemon only has four colors available right now that I would consider 'dark', with the others leaning more into the pastel color trend of spring. The offerings feel a bit limited, but the seasonal color drops are part of what makes Lululemon feel exclusive and keeps runners repurchasing shorts every season. CRZ Yoga has 21 color options for its running shorts, carrying everything from neutrals like white, black and brown to bold hues like red, pink, green and blue. Though the Sparkle Blue color of the shorts I tested was just as bright and bold in person as it looked on the Amazon page, heavier sweat droplets were visible on the fabric. Though this was not my experience, in some of the reviewer photos, it looks like the mesh liner is visible through the backside of the shorts — mainly with lighter shades like the white, pink and yellow colors. Like I said, limited color options isn't the biggest purchasing factor, but if you're looking for shorts that can match with the rest of your workout wardrobe or more options to rotate into your athleisure outfits, CRZ Yoga has a better selection. If style is all you're after, the CRZ Yoga shorts are pretty much a spot-on silhouette match to the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts. They're comfortable, come in an array of vibrant colors and can be worn for an array of workouts. Just bear in mind that you might have to readjust them often, and they're not outfitted with pockets to store your essentials or an adjustable waistband. For true performance in your running shorts, Lululemon's shorts are the better pick. Lighter and designed with a drawstring waistband, pockets and a breathable mesh liner that won't slide around, the Fast and Free shorts put runners at the forefront. You might have to size up for the best fit, but summer runners — myself included — will enjoy reaching for these shorts again and again. Do the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts or the CRZ Yoga running shorts have mesh liners? Do the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts or the CRZ Yoga running shorts have mesh liners? Yes, both the Lululemon Fast and Free and the CRZ Yoga running shorts have mesh liners. While both liners were comfortable to wear and didn't feel too tight, I found that the Lululemon liner stayed in place better during runs and vigorous workouts. I also found the liner in the Lululemon shorts to be thinner and more breathable on especially hot days. Are the CRZ Yoga or the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts heavier? Are the CRZ Yoga or the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts heavier? CRZ Yoga lists the weight of its shorts as 92 grams or about 3.2 ounces. To check, I weighed both shorts at home using my kitchen scale. The CRZ Yoga shorts came in slightly heavier than stated, weighing in at 125 grams, though it's possible that size variations could explain the difference here. Lululemon's shorts felt lighter in my hand than the CR Yoga shorts, but the brand doesn't list the weight for its Fast and Free shorts on its site. The Lululemon shorts weighed in at 114 grams on my kitchen scale. All in all, you don't notice the 11-gram difference while you're moving, since both shorts have a lightweight feel overall. Which brand's running shorts has more color options: CRZ Yoga or Lululemon? Which brand's running shorts has more color options: CRZ Yoga or Lululemon? The CRZ Yoga shorts are currently available in 21 colors, while the Lululemon shorts come in 11. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Lululemon Fast and Free shorts and the CRZ Yoga running shorts to see which performed better for exercise and casual wear.
