Why you should run in compression clothing
Graduated compression can help you improve your performance, relieve chafing and increase blood circulation. Here's everything you need to know about when to use them, how and why!
What the experts at 2XU call 'medical grade compression' originally came from hospital care. Typically, compression garments are divided into four different classes, with the highest classes available on prescription. However, the models that we find in the range at Sportamore are not prescription-only, but are graded in medical classification 1 and 2.
What is compression clothing?
- Compression clothing actually means clothing that exerts pressure on the body, but not all such clothing meets the requirements for graded compression. "Anyone can make clothes that fit tightly, but the difficulty is to create a graduated compression that provides the right pressure in relation to the distance to the heart, and maintains its fit and function in the long run," says Johan Wennerlöf from 2XU.
What are the benefits of using compression clothing?
- Medically graded compression stimulates the flow of blood back to the heart, increasing blood circulation throughout the body. "Compression garments also help to stabilize the muscles," continues Johan Wennerlöf:
- "When you put your foot down on the ground with each running step, small tremors or vibrations occur in the muscles, which are actually harmful. Compression reduces the tremors and that, together with the increased blood circulation, means that compression garments can help stiff muscles, provide increased endurance, faster recovery and prevent injuries.
Theproprietary material PWX (Power, Light Weight, Flexbility) from 2XU goes through countless product tests to maintain high quality and is the material with the absolute highest rated compression - only prescription clothing has higher.
When should I use compression clothing?
- Compression clothing is often used when you're out running or at the gym and want to perform better, but I can't emphasize enough how much it does for other parts of your life as well. For example, when you're at work and sitting still at your desk, traveling for long periods of time, or doing manual labor, it can be good to get some extra help with increasing blood circulation and stabilizing your muscles.
Why is it good to wear compression clothing specifically for running?
- Every time your foot hits the ground while running, it sets up a vibration in your muscles, causing a movement that actually breaks down muscle fibers and wastes the energy it costs your body to get the muscle back into the correct position. 2XU's compression tights help minimize the movement in your muscles, so you can last longer, stay whole and feel more energetic.
Who should use compression clothing?
- Contrary to popular belief, it's by no means only elite athletes or professionals who benefit from using compression; in fact, it's often the least trained who need it most. It's exactly the same with running shoes. The least experienced runner usually needs more stability and also has more loose parts that can create harmful vibrations, which gives a greater need for support from the training clothes, says Johan Wennerlöf, and summarizes:
- "The answer to the question is that everyone can benefit from our graduated compression garments, from the everyday hero to the world champion, to use at work, on the couch, at the soccer match or during a run.
Thanks to their rigorous product testing, 2XU has created a material that gives you maximum flexibility and power and minimum weight at the highest quality. As if that wasn't enough, 2XU's compression garments are also made with 360 degree circular seams, so that the compression pressure is evenly distributed across the body in all directions.
How tight should compression clothing be?
- Compression clothing should fit really tightly - a bit like an extra layer of skin. Your first instinct may be to struggle to get them on, but this is nothing to worry about. Check your size with the help of our size guides. Don't forget that we also sell models for extra tall people. Look for our "Tall sizes", XST, ST, MT, LT and XLT. After a while in compression garments, you will hardly be able to feel that you are wearing anything, you become one with your 2XU tights.
How to use compression garments:
Before activity: Train smarter - graduated pressure on the muscles speeds up the return of blood to the heart and lymph nodes. This contributes to a faster warm-up through increased blood circulation.
During activity: Perform better - stabilize muscles and reduce muscle vibration during training and competition. This minimizes the risk of strain injuries and muscle tears.
After activity: Recover faster - the increased blood circulation more quickly transports away lactic acid and toxins produced during exercise. This in turn can reduce swelling, speed up muscle rehabilitation and prevent exercise pain.
Daily use: Tired, swollen and heavy legs can also result from long periods of inactivity. For example, if you are standing or sedentary in the car, at work or on long trips, you may experience swelling in your legs and feet. Using graduated compression pressure,ras improves blood circulation and fluid transport in the body, reducing the risk of blood clots and heavy legs.
READ MORE: Expert tips: how your running shoes should fit on your foot
SHOP HERE: Our wide range of compression tights
