Running tights are a garment worn by people who use running or jogging as a form of exercise. They may be worn by people who are exercising outdoors or indoors on a track or a treadmill. The garment can be useful for people who are running outside in an area that has low brambles and bushes that might cut or irritate the skin. Wearing running tights while exercising in wooded areas is also a good way to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.
One of the benefits of wearing running tights during extended runs is that they can reduce the risk of irritation to the inside of the thighs. Depending on one's body shape, the thighs may rub together during walking and running. Even if this contact is limited, it can create painful chafing and even blistering during long runs. Running tights fit closely to the legs from ankle to hip and help to reduce this sort of irritation.
Some people choose to wear running tights while exercising in cold weather. In addition to protecting the legs, this garment also offers insulation. Some tights are even made with extra insulation especially for running in cold weather. It is common for runners who live in areas where temperatures fluctuate dramatically from season to season to have a few kinds of tights to wear in different temperatures.
There are some running tights that are designed specifically for people who are battling joint pain, especially in the knees. These tights are designed with extra bands of Lycra®, elastic, and nylon that wrap around the knee area and serve almost as a brace. Tights made with these kinds of features are usually the most expensive.
For those who like to run at night or in the early morning hours when the light is still dim, there are running tights with reflective strips that run down the length of the leg. These can be very useful for people who run on roads that don't have sidewalks or barriers. Sometimes bikers wear these tights as well for the same purpose of increasing their visibility.
Running tights are made for both men and women. They are often black, but can also be found in other colors such as red or blue. They are commonly sold at sporting goods stores and can be ordered from companies that specialize in fitness equipment.
