Athletes are increasingly wearing compression gear that gives them a constricting fit. When folks go to the gym or out for a run, you can frequently spot them sporting the aforementioned apparel. These accessories can be socks, sleeves, or other things, and they are available in a wide variety of colors to complement the workout attire you already own. They are well-known for their ability to aid in support, improve blood flow, and enhance one’s performance in athletic endeavors.
However, how you utilize them is just as essential as the fact that wearing these clothes might help you burn more calories while exercising and improve your health more quickly. According to Fred Hernandez, who works with PRO Compression, not all clothes that are designed to compress you are created equally. It is essential to have the knowledge necessary to choose the appropriate size for each piece and to know when to wear it. This guide will provide you with all of the knowledge you require to get the most use out of these garments.
The Circulation of Advantages
Why do people decide to wear compression gear in their daily lives? The benefits range from providing additional support for the muscles and joints during a workout to reducing the amount of muscle discomfort experienced afterward. And if you’ve ever had delayed-onset muscle soreness, sometimes known as DOMS, then you already have firsthand knowledge of how excruciating muscle pain can be.
The manipulation of your arteries results in an increase in the efficiency of your circulation, which is what drives all of the benefits that you feel from wearing this supportive wear. According to Robin Hodges, fitness physiologist and licensed massage therapist at 89 & Ivy Massage Therapy in Bentonville, Arkansas, “the wonderful thing about compression gear is that anyone can use them and enjoy the advantages.” And with consistent use comes improved performance in the gym as well as a speedier recovery, as well as a reduction in the quantity of lactic acid that is built up. Recovery from strenuous exercise, prolonged standing or sitting, injuries, and conditions that affect the lower legs can be aided significantly by a reduction in swelling and pain, as well as an improvement in circulation. These factors are all equally important.
Compression sleeves, when worn during exercise, enhance blood flow to a specific limb, which in turn feeds your muscles as you work out and assists in the removal of lactic acid from your muscles. The filtration process is helped by the increased volume, which leads to a quicker recovery. Not to mention the fact that compression sleeves for the legs can also serve as a barrier against skin abrasions that may occur when carrying out particular lower-body exercises such as the deadlift.
It should come as no surprise that the benefits extend beyond the confines of the gym and into the world of work, where individuals are on their feet for the majority of the day. According to Hernandez, “Compression socks and sleeves are very popular among the medical community,” which includes nurses, doctors, therapists, and technicians who frequently work shifts that are 12 to 14 hours or longer. “Compression socks and sleeves are also very popular among athletes,” says Hernandez. Compression socks provide additional support, which helps reduce swelling in the legs and feet, aids in joint support, and helps combat varicose veins. Compression socks also help fight against varicose veins.
How to Measure Your Sleeve Length for the Perfect Fit
When it comes to selecting the appropriate compression clothing for you, size definitely counts. Hodges claims that the compression sleeves are designed to have a close fit but still have a degree of stretch to them. According to her, “They do not need to be uncomfortably tight” because doing so can prevent the body from receiving the adequate amount of blood flow. During your workout, you want to be able to move freely while still having the sensation that you are being supported.
The majority of compression companies include a recommended sizing chart, which can be found on either their website or the package of the product. When selecting the appropriate size for compression gear, all you need to do is measure the area of your body that needs support and choose the size that is advised for your sleeve.
For instance, in order to get the right size arm sleeve, you will need to measure your bicep, and in order to get the right size compression sock, you will need to measure the widest section of your leg as well as your shoe size. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that an item does not fit properly if you are unable to move freely while wearing it, and you may need to consider purchasing a larger size. Once you’ve found the compression gear that suits you best and are wearing it, you can look forward to experiencing all of the benefits!
When to compress Everything depends on the timing. According to Hernandez, the greatest times to wear compression gear for the highest performance benefits are both when you are training and while you are recovering from your workouts. These are the most optimal times.
Compression clothing is worn during exercise to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, which in turn delivers nutrients and hydration to the muscle tissue. Additionally, it lessens vibration, which helps to improve the effectiveness of muscle mechanics. During the recuperation time, continual compression helps lower inflammation and swelling, as well as helping in draining out the lactic acid, which promotes faster (and less painful) healing. This is accomplished by reducing the overall blood flow to the affected area.
The practice of wearing compression garments throughout these two significant occasions will enhance one another and bring about a host of additional advantages.
Try This Out: Techniques of Graduated Compression
After you have your dimensions, the next step is to ensure that you have material of a high quality, which is an absolute must. According to Hodge, while shopping for a compression sleeve, the most crucial thing to look for is one that is of high quality and not made of a low-cost material. After all, you are making an investment in your body, and you want to make sure that it is of the highest quality possible. Here is where graduated compression shines brighter than the competition.
What exactly is it? Increased blood flow and the ability to repair damaged soft tissue are also benefits of wearing graduated compression gear, which applies pressure only where it’s needed. According to the explanation provided by PRO Compression, “the further away from your heart you are, the more compression you feel; supporting healthy circulation.” When you are upright doing activities like running or sitting in a conference for a business, the goal is to let your blood return to your heart more easily and efficiently.
If you are on the market for a new compression sleeve or looking to try one for the first time, keep the following in mind: Size, quality, and timing will make your experience with wearing compression the best effective it can possibly be!