5 Compelling Reasons To Use Compression Garments For Running
Weight loss, better sleep, strong bones – these are just some of the health benefits of running. But when it comes to such exercise, the clothes you wear can also impact its quality. Workout clothes are not made the same way so they can make or break your performance. For this reason, investing in a pair of high-quality compression tights is an excellent upgrade to your present running gear.
Compression tights are usually made of nylon and spandex and are designed to snugly hug your body and legs. These unique features offer several benefits for running. Here are some benefits that should convince you to add compression pants to your running arsenal.
Facilitate Muscle Recovery
As in any sport or physical activity, it is important for you to recover quickly from your workout. Sore and aching muscles can interfere with your daily life. If your recovery rate takes too long, you may not be able to perform at optimal levels and make progress on your next run.
Aside from taking time to do warm-up stretches before starting your exercise, you can improve your muscle recovery by wearing compression leggings.
A study conducted by William Kramer, professor of kinesiology in the Neag School of Education, compared one group of women who wore compression garment for five days with another group, which did not wear any compression garment. The group wearing compression clothing was found to have better recovery of muscle strength and power. Furthermore, there was significantly less-perceived muscle soreness in the first group compared to the group not wearing compression garments.
Shield from the Elements
Serious runners don’t let something like the weather stop them from going for a run. For this reason, it is important to invest in good-quality running gear that will give you protection from all kinds of things, from inclement weather to insects.
Compression tights have an added feature of giving your legs an extra layer of protection. Scorching heat, cold winds, and thorny bushes can make your run uncomfortable and even dangerous. Wearing compression leggings gives you full coverage from these elements.
If it is particularly cold, make sure to wear compression tights that are designed for cold climates and with long underwear underneath them. Include other winter running gear, like a winter beanie and gloves to protect your head and hands from the cold.
Improve Circulation
Have you ever run while wearing ill-fitting workout pants or leggings in a fabric that is uncomfortably tight and thick? If you have, then you know how much it can interfere with your movement and general performance. You’ll suffer soreness and even chafing during and after the exercise.
Compression tights are designed to glide on your legs and body like a second skin. This design increases circulation in your legs, so it makes running easier and more comfortable. In addition to providing comfort, compression tights can improve your stamina and speed because it decreases energy expenditure. You focus more on your performance and progress and avoid getting distracted by pain caused by poor circulation.
Do note that some compression tights are made specifically for medical purposes. Take for example those that provide support to pregnant women or to people whose jobs involve standing for hours. These garments may help prevent disorders caused by poor circulation, like varicose veins.
Versatile Design
Different runners have different needs. For these various runs, you’ll need specific running gear to improve your performance. Whether you are into long marathons, short sprints, or recovery runs, there are compression pants that will meet your requirements and help you be at your best.
Some compression leggings are designed specifically for muscle support. This is important for long runs and for runners who are prone to aching and sore muscles. Compression pants with muscle support are also a smart choice if you are doing a recovery run.
There are also compression tights that feature more knee support if you have problematic knees. If you live in an area with particularly cold winters, go for thermal-compression pants, which are designed to keep you warm.
On the other hand, if you live in a humid and rainy location, you can pick compression pants that are lightweight and moisture-wicking, so they dry fast and don’t make you feel dehydrated and too hot while on the move.
Boost Movement
Speed is one of the things you want to improve on when you run, and wearing compression tights can help you constantly break your old record. You may have an ideal weather in mind when you run. Maybe you love running when it is only slightly sunny with no strong winds or rain, but you know you can’t control the weather. You still need to hit the pavement even when it’s cold and windy or even when it’s raining.
Compression tights can help you run faster even in these conditions because they are designed to glide smoothly and snugly on your legs. As a result, there’s less drag compared to wearing pants in a thicker and heavier fabric. Compression pants are also contoured so they reduce wind resistance and will not hamper your stride and movements.
