Compression Gear for Performance

Why is compression gear so in vogue? Is it fact or fad? Is there really something to the new compression gear that enhances athletic performance? How can I use compression gear to add to my workout? These are all questions that we hope to answer. If you have watched the olympics, you’ve seen the major trend towards new body compression suits of the speed skaters, downhill skiers, swimmers, and track athletes. On the streets and trails, more and more joggers have been sporting “performance enhancing compression gear,” and we will take a look at the make up and physics behind these new threads.

What Makes Compression Gear Superior

The combination of different elastic properties of material blended to create a suit worn exteriorly that manages internal systems shows true innovation. Fabrics that provide more stability are specifically tailored to support the quadricep muscles and follow the fibers of the IT Band and calves. Tracing these structures and compressing the muscle bellies with other elastic material decreases the amount of unnecessary sway and oscillation that occurs within the muscles during exercise. Excessive pulling of the muscles away from the bone during each contraction is what puts tension on the tendons and creates damage and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and tendinitis after prolonged exposure. Research done on specifically made compression gear supports theories on improved speed training, power production, and time to recover.

IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Faster warm up and enhanced overall circulation. Graduated compression of the limbs actively encourages and increases venous return to the heart and lymph to the lymph nodes. The thickness of the material directly on the skin also maintains body temperature in variable climates.

HEIGHTENED AGILITY
Heightened proprioception increases senses and awareness for enhanced stability and agility. Proprioception can also help with improved technique as you remain aware of your body’s positioning, improving the balance control system and muscle coordination. Try compression gear during your next agility training and you will notice the difference.

REDUCED FATIGUE
During exercise, your muscles repeatedly contract and relax, creating vibration forces in the recoil phase. This major cause of muscle fatigue, known as muscle oscillation, can be reduced when wearing compression garments. This leads to improved muscle endurance, strength and power.

IMPROVED RECOVERY
Therapeutic rated fabric provides greater pressure and recovery benefit by helping the pumping action of the cardiovascular system; removing blood lactate from exercising muscles leading to faster muscle repair. Compression allows for muscle containment which reduces muscle damage during exercise and minimizes swelling post-exercise. Additional benefits include significant reduction of exercised-induced conditions such as Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

Look for Compression Gear with Specs

Circular Knitting to promote even compression throughout

Graduated Pressure Knitting to increase venous return: tightest in the middle, delivering oxygen to extremities during and after exercise.

High Guage Denier Fabrics for a long lasting material that does not wear out or lose effectiveness

Endurance Lycra or Spandex that is maintains its elasticity for the best compression

Antibacterial

Moisture Wicking

Sun Protection with UPF Proof Listed

Things to Consider

While studies have shown the amazing effects of compression gear, these tests were only done on the highest end fabrics and tested on athletes. The high cost of these training suits reflects the amount of research and energy put into the unique design and cheaper knock off versions should be purchased with that in mind. But, with that being said, the simple idea of compression garments has been around for a while and used in the medical field post surgery, to treat burns and to help manage edema and effusions after acute injury. Be conscious of the size and fit of the compression gear you seek out. Tighter is not always best. Garments should fit “skin tight” and should be comfortable, allowing full range of motion of the extremities. They should not cut off circulation below the level of the cuff. If your hands or feet become swollen, the gear is too small.

Other Uses for Compression Gear

Prevent Varicose Veins. Nurses walking around the hospitals and people in other professions that spend a significant amount of time on the feet have been recommended to wear compression stockings to help prevent varicose veins.

Prevent DVT. Other uses for these stockings has been to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a non-active population or for people who are traveling for long periods of time. To reduce the swelling in your feet that happens on planes from the change in altitude, you can even try wearing a tighter pair of socks that go up to below the knee.

During Pregnancy. Graduated tights specifically made for pregnancy can help decrease the amount swelling that happens in the feet and ankles, support the back and belly, and reduce the jiggle in your derrière. They even come in fashionable styles for all seasons!

Take a Look at These Brands and Styles

Elevate your fitness gear and achieve a new PB today. Check out these sites to help you get an idea! 2XU Compression,Speedo, Underarmour, Adidas, Nike, and many other brands that have promote compression as a special feature.