If you keep up on the latest trends in fitness gear, you’ve probably heard of compression clothing. Once reserved for diabetics and individuals with circulatory problems, compression gear can provide a number of advantages to athletes and fitness buffs, alike. Keep reading to learn more about compression garments, including information on uses, benefits and much, much more.
Compression Clothing: What is It?
Compression garments can be described as tight-fitting, elastic articles of clothing, which are worn to enhance blood flow and prevent swelling. For decades, compression clothing was worn in a medical capacity, as it was often recommended for individuals with diabetes, vascular diseases and those in post-surgical recovery. Nowadays, though, compression clothing has become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts of all types. Designed to promote circulation and stabilize targeted areas of the body, compression garments are becoming more and more popular among professional athletes, fitness buffs, and individuals looking for added protection in their daily physical activities.
What are the Benefits?
No matter your fitness level or overall health needs, compression clothing can provide numerous advantages to both athletic performance and quality of life. For example, compression gear has shown to provide many benefits. Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Enhanced athletic performance. Due to its effects on circulation and muscle movement, compression gear can enhance athletic performance in a number of ways. Most significantly, these benefits include heightened aerobic threshold, which promotes longer, more intense sessions of physical activity. Also, compression garments help clear the muscles of lactic buildup, which also lends to workout intensity.
- Quicker recovery. A faster post-workout recovery is another great benefit of compression gear. Since compression garments promote healthy circulation, they can shorten recovery time by facilitating blood flow, thus aiding in the body’s delivery of nutrients to the muscles. Combined, these effects reduce swelling and discomfort, and generally lend to a healthier workout and recovery.
- Reduced chaffing. By drawing moisture away from the body, compression clothing can prevent and reduce painful chafing, as well as help regulate body temperature and promote overall comfort during workouts.
- Increased mobility. By supporting muscle and circulatory health, compression garments can increase range of motion in the muscles and joints.
- Reduced risk of injury. By promoting healthy blood flow, improving stability and enhancing recovery, compression garments can significantly reduce wear and tear to the body. For example, when worn on the legs and feet, compression clothing (like socks and hosiery) can prevent conditions like edema, deep vein thrombosis, pulled muscles, joint problems, nerve damage and more.
- Enhanced energy. Since sluggish vascular function can sap energy levels, compression garments can boost vitality and reduce fatigue by supporting healthy flow.
Is Compression Gear Right for Me?
Considering all the advantages associated with compression clothing, you may be wondering if these garments are right for you. And while most anyone can benefit from the effects, compression clothing can provide extra advantages for individuals like the following:
- Runners. Pounding the pavement (or sand, or dirt or wherever your runs take you) can be extremely hard on the legs and feet. In fact, runners commonly experience injuries relating to the lower extremities, some of which include nail problems, joint pain, blisters and broken veins. However, runners can help protect themselves, not to mention improve performance, by wearing compression socks, hosiery or leg sleeves.
- Cyclists. Like running, biking can lead to excess strain on the lower extremities. For this reason, compression socks and sleeves are recommended for avid cyclists.
- Beginners. Beginners to any sport or physical activity are prone to various types of injuries. Compression garments can help protect the body, as well as reduce stiffness, soreness and discomfort.
- Dancers. Dancers, as well as individuals who participate in other types of high-impact aerobic workouts, can benefit from wearing compression hosiery.
- Individuals at risk for circulatory problems. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, vascular disease or other illness affecting the circulatory system, or have a family history of these conditions, compression garments can provide substantial protection against ulcers, a worsening of symptoms and other complications.
What Types of Compression Clothing are Available?
In addition to socks and hosiery, compression clothing is available for virtually every area of the body. Check out options like the following:
- Sleeves. Compression sleeves are available to fit calves, ankles, wrists, forearms, elbows and knees.
- Tops. Compression tops can be found in a variety of sizes and styles, and include long-sleeved and short-sleeved options.
- Outerwear, such as jackets and pullovers.
- Bottoms, including tights, leggings, pants and shorts.
Now that you know more about the advantages of compression clothing, you’re better equipped to suit the types that best suit your health and fitness needs. Get on board with this fitness trend, and start experiencing all the advantages it has to offer!
Comments are closed.