Compression Clothing - What’s it all About?
Ok, so plenty of athletes and sport enthusiasts wear compression clothing when exercising, including those well-known such as Allen Iverson and Paula Radcliffe, but what are the actual benefits of such apparel? Today’s post highlights the concept, outlining plus points of particular garments as well as the additional uses within the medical world.
Q: What is compression clothing?
A: The concept offers a highly engineered, elastic gradient compression fabric, with the ability to mold around specific parts of the body depending on your needs. Due to their molding nature, garments are ‘form-fitting’ and include shirts, shorts, tights, underwear, calf guards, socks and more. Think back to the days of spandex and you will be along the right lines. Compression clothing in comparison however is a much more sophisticated solution.
Q: How does compression clothing work?
A: This particular type of apparel comes with a deep medical history, providing a very interesting read. Research has shown the beneficial nature of such items when it comes to the increase of blood flow and circulation, resulting in more energy and vitality. With the ability to push further, personal goals can be achieved whilst safe in the knowledge that muscle damage will be kept to a healthy minimum.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: Studies have shown small anaerobic increases alongside the ability to clear lactate from the muscles. This means any stiffness or pain is aided. In addition, compression clothing can help to reduce the time taken for muscles to repair themselves - a plus point for any athlete or individual keen on exercise. As previously discussed, wearing such clothing will give you an edge when it comes to meeting and beating personal goals.
Q: Does this type of apparel help with injury?
A: The beauty of compression clothing lays within its ability to maximise recovery rates whilst aiding the reduction of muscle damage. The results - increased muscle performance. For exercise enthusiasts and athletes, this is an ideal solution.
Q: What compression clothing is best for me?
A: There are various options to choose from and this will highly depend on not only personal preference but the kind of exercise you do. For runners, compression tights are ideal. Because they are full length they will mold to each and every leg muscle, allowing you to push harder and for longer time periods. Downtime is lessened through rapidly increased recovery rates and there will be a notable difference in stamina. In contrast, compression shorts will wrap around the upper leg muscles whilst performing the same duty.
Complement tights and shorts with a long sleeve compression top. Massaging core muscle groups helps performance and recovery, proving ideal for runners, rowers, rugby players and cyclists.
Add calf guards and socks into the mix for particular muscle focus and all muscle areas are covered.
Q: Are there any other uses for this clothing?
A: Absolutely. Due to the healing benefits towards muscles, shorts worn during pregnancy help to alleviate the strain applied to the body when carrying additional weight from the baby. Some women will continue to wear compression shorts for a period of time after they have given birth.
Looking at the research into this particular type of sportswear, a reduced impact of 27% has been recorded whilst monitoring cricket players. In addition, muscle soreness lowered and a drop in hamstring injuries noted.
At Red Venom we offer a whole range of compression clothing for runners, cyclists, those keen on triathlons and more. Keep up to date with all the latest news and information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
