[Closed] Compression clothing - what's the deal?

benefits? I believe the idea is that they allow the muscles to clear toxins, i am sure that i read something in the last week or so that suggests no measurable benefit. Could have been in cycling weekly but not sure.

As for performance enhancing compared to baggies, anything tight will offer an aero advantage. If your seriously concerned about performance ditch the baggies.

Bought compression socks after repeated calf trouble when running. Nothing else in my kit or routine was changed just to see if the socks actually made a difference. Was immediately able to up my mileage without experiencing the usual niggling warning signs. Recovery time (a claim of this type of gear) was perhaps very slightly improved but not by much.

Biggest difference was a lack of injury. Whether this is because of their enhanced support or leg muscles being wrapped and warming up quicker, I'm not sure. Either way, compression socks work for me. They do look odd though.

The Cycling Weekly article was about a small (so not conclusive) study showing no measurable benefit during activity but didn't cover any benefits for recovery (which is where it seemed to have started off being pitched before it moved into being used during activity for added muscle support as well). Can't say I'm convinced myself, certainly not enough to go out and buy new shorts but if I were looking for new shorts anyway I might consider it.

I use Skins reovery tights for skiing. Come off the slopes, shitshowershave and then pull on some slinky tights under my trousers. Out for a few [s]beers[/s] recovery drinks and some [s]lovely alpine food[/s] protein shakes and then wear the tights to bed.

They work for me, and that's all I need. My legs feel noticably fresher in the morning after wearing the tights versus not wearing them.

I've got a compression top that I sometimes wear. The only difference I've noticed is that it stops my moobs bouncing about quite as much.

I wear compression shorts under normal sports shorts when doing circuit training to stop the crown jewels from jangling about painfully.

HTH

stops my moobs bouncing about quite as much

That, and it holds one's gut in a bit. The only performance benefit is it stops the wasted effort trying to look buff by holding it in yourself. That and the julies support.

I've a couple of tops, I always percieved the benifit as being from stopping things jiggling arround, my arms feel much less tired wearing them than not, especialy on rigid bikes. Mainly jut use it as a base layer though.

I bought some [url= http://www.maxgear.co.uk/CompressionClothing/index.html ]maxgear compression tights[/url] when they were on offer (ignore the ion marketing stuff)

They seemed to help me when i cycled london to barcelona

Like Captain Flashheart I wear mine for recovery - in particular after a big day on ski hill, but I also wear them for long flights - I've never got on with 'flight socks' but previously suffered with 'legs of lead' after 9 hours etc in [s]cattle class[/s] economy.

Not scientific I know but for recovery & travel they've made a huge difference. Kindof like 'surgical support tights' for the active middle-aged 🙂

I definitely think compression tights help with recovery. Could be psychological though. I also wear them (plus top, under baggies!) whilst riding as they are very comfy & it feels like they are supporting muscles. Plus the 2XU stuff looks a bit like an X-Man costume which I feel makes me peddle harder. 😆

Compression legwear helps by preventing the blood pooling in the lower limbs and helping with oxygenation of the surrounding tissue.

Compression legwear helps by preventing the blood pooling in the lower limbs and helping with oxygenation of the surrounding tissue

Indeed - they are supposed to work by assisting your 'venous return' particularly when you are not moving i.e. asleep, or travelling.

They've certainly helped prevent me from suffering from the 'day after' swollen 'cankles'

Digby, what is this "Economy" of which you speak?

Got a bump up to First on my last flight, SYD to SIN, which was nice...! 🙂

what is this "Economy" of which you speak?

lol ... i believe the original term was 'steerage'! 🙂

nice one getting bumped to First! The closest I've ever come was getting one of the left over First Class in-flight meals .. 😕

The best thing about First? The port was at the right temperature...!

Upstairs in a BA 74 tonight. Unless I get bumped up again!

Anyway, back on track - I've never worn my tights on a plane as yet, but reading this does make me wonder if I should try it sometime. I had awful leg pains after a Cathy* flight back from HKG a few months back. Wonder if that was related to blood flow.

*Really odd seat. Upstairs, every seat faces inwards.