Sporting Performance and Compression Clothes

Compression clothes and garments provide mild compression to the muscles of the body by having a skin tight fight. It is argued that this increases the blood flow to and from the particular muscle group and further postulated from here that the increase flow of blood improves performance, aids muscle recovery and reduces the incidence of injury.

Claimed benefits of Compression Clothes:

• Increased venous return
• Improved stamina endurance
• Reduced levels of post-exercise muscle soreness
• Lactic acid removed faster
• Increased power and strength
• Improved body temperature control

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Whilst some of the research has suggested there may be benefits from using compression skins, there are some cautions for the amateur athlete or fitness enthusiast. The garment needs to be correctly fitted, too tight or too loose a fit and the any benefits may not be present. Also the compression clothes needs to be looked after extremely well, according to the manufacturers recommendations and also changed at relatively frequent intervals.

The price of the garment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of the compression provided and it may be that some compression clothes may be nothing more than expensive sporting fashion items. If you are considering purchasing compression shorts or tights then it worthwhile doing the research and finding reputable manufacturers. For example, the AIS in Canberra are in partnership with 2XU.

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