Running causing thighs to touch?

James Auman

Barefooters
May 30, 2019
15
6
3
54
Raleigh, NC
As I have been getting outside more and mixing in barefoot running here and there, I have noticed my thighs area starting to touch, both during activity and just standing still. It's annoying and on longer runs, I get a bit of chaffing. This hasn't been an issue in the past 20-30 years of running, so I'm trying to figure out what changed. I'm 49 yrs old 5 ft 9 in. 158 lbs. Around 18-19% body fat according to the fitbit scale . Legs look pretty decent (I'm happy with them - see my avatar) I have been taking more medicine as I've gotten older so I am suspicious of one of the meds causing bloating in areas (or water retention). I've had that happen before . I cross train a few times a week. Core exercises. Bodyweight stuff Oh, and we bought a treadmill last Christmas and I used that heavily over the winter. Any ideas what is the likely cause of inner thighs touching where they didn't used to for decades ? Any tips on troubleshooting? Anything I should start doing? Or stop? (in the meantime I have been trying those antichaffing products like Bodyglide, and have been looking for running shorts that cover the inner thighs). Thanks!!
 
It's probably the exercises you're doing that are causing your inner thigh muscles to develop that way.
 
I've had good luck with compression shorts on long hot runs. I've got a pair by Everlast that are really nice. A pair by UA that are decent. Pre greasing with an anti-chafe stick or coconut oil helps too. Chafing between the cheeks sucks as well.