Compression gear is becoming more and more common among athletes, from NBA players to amateur runners. What are compression sleeves, socks, shirts and tights?
Athletic compression gear is very similar to the compression garments that have been used for decades in the medical field to improve symptoms related to diabetes, swelling and vein disorders. In fitness, compression gear is touted to help improve blood circulation, reduce blood lactate buildup, support the muscles, protect the skin, help maintain body temperature and reduce impact and pounding on muscles during exercise. It is also thought that compression sleeves or socks may help muscles recover more quickly after exercise. Studies on compression gear have found varied responses among athletes who use compression socks or sleeves. While some companies claim they can help improve performance. While compression gear may not be beneficial to all athletes, compression gear can be beneficial to athletes who may engage in an explosive movement, including sprinting, leaping and jerking; there may also be a psychological factor at play – athletes who believe compression gear works may benefit from the tight-fitting clothing.
Compression clothing has become somewhat of an umbrella term for items that exist somewhere on a spectrum of super tight and super revealing, often hilariously coloured garments. True compression wear does have a purpose and, if the science is to be believed, true benefits. Designed to increase blood and lymphatic flow to the specified limb, compression wear improves performance and shortens recovery time in both athletes and workout warriors when used post-exercise. The benefits of compression clothing, no matter how detailed, are not only flaunted, they are widely accepted by pretty much everyone in the sport. So much so that even if the science isn’t conclusive about recovery rates, compression wear is worn by many people during their workouts – both in and out of the gym. Long sleeves and skin-sticking fabrics keep them warm and dry on rainy days, and tight tops keep them squeezed in when training in the gym. Several brands are making such compression wears and selling them worldwide.
2XU Compression Apparels
This Australian brand is the world’s most technical sportswear company, driven by a relentless pursuit to multiply human performance, which delivers the best possible products in terms of quality and usability. 2XU compression garments are created to increase blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to muscles. 2XU Compression is scientifically proven to improve blood circulation, reduce blood lactate buildup, support the muscles, protect the skin, help maintain body temperature, and reduce impact and pounding on muscles during exercise.
Skins Compression Apparels
Skins Compression Clothing has been improving athletic performance in Australia for years. It has been an industry leader in performance compression gear for triathletes, multi-sport athletes and cyclists in the United States. Skins compression clothing is the world’s most advanced range of sports compression wear for performance and recovery. Skins compression garments are engineered to increase blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to muscles. Skins compression is scientifically proven to maximise the flow of blood, optimise the delivery of oxygen to working muscles, and improve the recirculation of blood lactate, so you can perform better for longer, support the muscle wrapping, and be proven to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and reduce recovery time.
Benefits of Compression Wear
Reduce the Risk of Injury
- Promotes Faster Muscle Warm-Up
- Minimises Muscle Oscillation and micro-tearing
- Targeted Muscle Support Reduces the Risk of Injury
- Graduated Compression Reduces the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Blood Pooling
Improve Performance
- Keeps Your Muscles in Place, Reducing Fatigue
- Improves Awareness of Body position (aka Proprioception)
- Provides Superior Blood Flow/Venous Return and Reduces Blood Lactate
Helps You Recover Faster
- Reduces Swelling
- Reduces DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Graduated Compression Increases Blood Flow and Lymphatic Drainage, Removing Toxins and Speeding Up Muscle Repair.
Conclusion
Compression wear has become a popular way to improve performance and shorten recovery time. This is partly due to the many benefits compression gears have. While some scientific evidence supports these claims, many people still wear compression clothing because they believe it works – even if the science isn’t conclusive. Several brands sell compression wear worldwide, and each brand has its unique benefits. Skins compression and 2XU compression are two of the most popular brands. Both brands offer scientifically-proven benefits that can help improve performance and speed up recovery time. When choosing a brand of compression wear, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to improve performance or speed up recovery, a brand of compression wear can help you achieve your goals.
