Should You Wear Compression Gear?

The primary rationale behind wearing compression gear is that they may enhance blood flow return to the heart thus improving oxygen flow to the muscles, leading to increased endurance capacity. And there is the notion that because muscles are kept more stabilized there is better muscle efficiency and muscle fatigue is minimized. Lactic acid is also more speedily removed.

 

However, these claims have not withstood scientific testing for enhanced performance. Does this mean you should can the idea of getting compression gear? Not so fast… Although, some studies have inconclusive results for enhancing performance there has been a plethora of studies that supports the link between decreased post-exercise soreness and the use of compression gear.

For me personally, it’s about the support, especially on the trail,” says coach Jenny Hadfield. In her own running, she has seen great benefits to using compression garments: She wore a pair of compression shorts during the TransRockies Run, a 115-mile stage race through the mountains. “I found having compression, especially on my quads, really helped in decreasing muscle movement with each stride and reducing impact forces.”

During the TransRockies stage race, Hadfield would throw on a pair of compression tights at the end of each day, finding them to be more convenient than an ice bath out in the middle of the wilderness. “I didn’t have any of the visible swelling in my legs the way I do without compression,” says Hadfield.

“As an athlete, one of the most important things you can do is focus on your recovery,” Hadfield says. “Would compression tights enhance my VO2? Probably not. But it allowed me to recover faster, so in the next stage I could run with greater mobility than if my legs were swollen.”

 

So now that I’ve convinced you to try a pair of compression socks, shorts or leggings… which are the best brands and where are the best deals…next up!