To Shave or not to Shave

A common practice amongst certain groups of male athletes is to shave their legs, chest and forearms. Where does this practice come from, and what possible purpose could it serve.

Bodybuilders traditionally shave from head to toe for show purposes, allowing the use of oils to enhance the look of the muscles they are trying to show off. In swimmers it is thought to provide less resistance, therefore less drag, which in turn makes for a faster swim. In fact there has been no inarguable scientific way to measure this, and in the end it is thought to provide nothing more then a useful psychological edge; when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you perform well.

Cyclists began this practice when it was said there were only two types of bikers, those who have crashed and those who are going to crash. It was logically explained that the absence of body hair, specifically leg hair, provided for an easier clean up of wounds and the reduction of infection. Although this is the explanation most professional cyclists, including five-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong, still cites, it is in reality more about tradition. It is expected of professional riders to show respect for their past and present peers by continuing this tradition.

When triathletes are asked about their participation in this ritual, they will cite one or more of the reasons used by swimmers and cyclists, as there is no triathlon specific need to shave. Some have joked that their leg hair acts as fishing lures during the swim portion, or that ?my legs are smoother then yours? is a great pick up line for women. Other reasons given are that it keeps them cooler, it makes massage easier and that a smooth muscle shows off the definition earned through hours and hours of training. One theme that is common is that once they started, athletes find it a difficult practice to give up.