The whole point of wearing too tight clothing is to compress your skin in order for it to look thinner than normal, other times we call it compression garments.
The use of compression garments has exploded over the past decade or so, and it seems like everyone from Olympians to weekend warriors cannot sing their praises loud enough. Body-hugging garments meant to squeeze whatever body parts they cover, thus enhancing performance and recovery as well as improving circulation. But are they any good really? This article looks at the science behind compression garments, as well as some specifications and potential benefits of them.
What are compression garments?
Compression garments are a type of specialized clothing made from stretchy material such as spandex and polyester blends. These decrease the muscle oscillation and promote blood flow, providing anatomically correct graduated compression. Compression garments are of Two(main)
Types:-
- Sleeves/compression socks -calves & arms.
- Lower Body Compression Shorts and Tights
- Vests and Compression Tops for core support
- What Compression Garments Are Touted to Do
Many claims have been made as to the benefits of compression wear, with these being just a few:
Boosted Athletic Performance:
By increasing blood flow, compression garments accelerate the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles likely improving endurance while decreasing fatigue.
Less muscle soreness :
The force applied by compression clothing can decrease oscillation of the muscles, reducing post workout muscular harm and therefore less agony.
Enhanced recovery
It is thought to expedite the clearance of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes, aiding in faster recoveries.
Helps prevent injury:
Compression wear may help support muscles and joints as well, which carries the potential benefits of mitigating risks for things like sprains.
The Science
Studies have been mixed though, and research on the topic is varied in its effectiveness for compression garments. So here are the key findings:
Ideally, the compression garments show some evidence of enhancing performance by stimulating oxygen delivery to the muscles. That said, these impacts tend to be relatively small.
Reduce Muscle Soreness and Improve Recovery: The most consistent evidence is that compression garments can reduce muscle soreness and perhaps facilitate recovery. This is probably in part because of reduced muscle oscillation/ improved circulation.
Some athletes wear compression garments to help reduce injuries, but the science behind that is not as strong. Both of which are bigger risk factors in injury prevention than mileage.
User Reviews
Although many users claim positive subjective effects when wearing compression garments, like an enhanced sensation of support or reduced soreness. Athletes generally, wear them for a placebo effect during competitions to establish psychological comfort and confidence.
Common Compression Garment Specifications
Compression garments may have different specifications, so when selecting a compression garment consider the below mentioned things.
Fabrics:
High quality, breathable materials with wicking features that keep moisture at bay
Graduated Compression
Forces the strongest pressure at the end of legs or feet and decreases till it gets closer to your heart helping maintain proper blood circulation.
Fit:
Proper fitting is an important factor for effectiveness. The sizing chart and reviews ensure the correct size.
Choice:
Choose items with double-sewn seams and durable materials for long-lasting wear.
Final Verdict
Compression garments may not be the answer for immediate performance enhancement, but there are plenty of reasons you should give them a go when it comes to improving your recovery and reducing muscle soreness. Most often, it is a matter of personal choice or phony belief in their benefits. If compression wear is working for you and makes your workouts feel better, as well as lead to faster recovery they might be good investment in your workout gear.
My suggestion is to read reviews and try brands before buying, in order to find what brings comfort at a recommended pressure level. Keep in mind that despite being a good direction, compression garments are not going to be your savior, they should supplement an overall training and recovery approach rather than substituting it.
The take-home message: If you are thinking about wearing compression garments during your workouts, it can’t hurt. With scientific backing and user accolades, the payoff will probably justify the price for a lot of people. Therefore, it might be worth trying on compression garments if they work for you. Always choose quality, well-fitting wearables and consult a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions. Happy training! #Happy Compressing! With that said, you have everything to gain from trying out these restrictive articles the next time you workout or go chest-to-chest with an opposing competitor. Perhaps its just what you need to take your performance and recovery to the next level. Go ahead and take your fitness goals to the next level by continuing being pushed with compression garments!
Yet this is anything but and end-all be-all for compression garments. As with everything related to Science, there are new studies coming out all the time and your experience may differ. So there you have it — hopefully this should give an introduction to what compression garments are, their potential benefits and how for those who need them. Try to dominate that workout! #Keep Compressing On! Until then, rock those compression garments and keep getting the most out of them on your fit path. Of course, listen to your body and prep for a workout according—in the most comfortable manner—but do not shy away from these garments either. They may become form part of their fitness routine. Happy training!
So if you are an athlete looking for a competitive edge or just want to recover faster.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or posture athlete, most would agree — the right gear can make ALL THE DIFFERENCE in your performance and experience. Whether you need athletic wear to make your workout more comfortable, or possibly recovery faster this is all the proof I needed that it’s worth investing in good. Apart from compression garments, check out other exercise-enhancing attire and accessories like sweat-wicking gear to move your perspiration away towards the outer surface of apparel; a structured item to facilitate proper form in footwork as well as innovative gadgets for gym-goers. So why is staying up to date with the Ayurvedic method important for optimising your life in sport, especiallysportswear? Experience the merger of technology, style and performance to inspire your fitness fire with our push for greatness.
FAQs
Compression Garments Explained
Compression garments are skin tight fitting wear that supports your muscles and stimulater blood flow. Athletes use this type of clothing frequently in order to decrease muscle soreness and help with recovery.
So, how compression garments help recovery?
When it comes to recovery, compression garments help muscles recover for the next physical stress by squeezing the muscles supporting circulation and reducing muscle oscillation. These benefits can result in lower levels of soreness and time to recover between workouts.
Compression Garments — Performance Enhancer?
Although a number of studies have shown some performance enhancement with usage suggesting that compression can limit muscle vibration, increase recruitment patterns. Psychological comfort is also a good reason many athletes wear them during competition.
Compression Garments are for everyone?
Most people can benefit from compression garments. Anyone with medical conditions that affect circulation, such as deep vein thrombosis or factor v Leiden should consult a professional prior to using them BU!
Choosing the Right Compression Garment
Seek out shirts and tights that have graduated compression in a high quality, breathable fabric. Use sizing charts to ensure a good fit and read the user reviews for information on durability and comfort.
Is it OK wear compression clothing for more than just sports?
However, if you like wearing compression garments — for everyday activities then go ahead! These foot massagers are often used by people with a standing job or alternatively who travel extensively. Therefore, feel free to include them into your daily routine for other possible benefits outside the gym.
Caring For Your Compression Garments
To protect the longevity of your pieces you should always refer to the labels for advice on how dry clean or wash and tumble drying. Normally, they are hand-washed in cold water and left to air-dry. Do not clean your compression wear with harsh chemicals or under high heat. #Treat Them With Care! Keeping them clean will not only increase how long they last but also make sure that it keeps working the way its supposed to. #Long Live Compression! Don’t forget to provide your compression garments with just as much love and they will continue supporting you through all of the fitness things! Continue to dominate your workouts and recover like a pro with this specialized clothing!
In conclusion
While compression garments are by no means a cure all for improved athletic performance or recovery, they absolutely can be an important part of aiding your fitness goals. They could be the tight clothes you can wear to elevate your training and recovery — if they fit, are worn properly and maybe maintained over time. So why wait? They are available to use right now, so try them out and reap the rewards.’