Dec 15, 20173 min read

5 Benefits of Compression Clothing

What is compression clothing?

Compression clothing is a term for skin-tight clothing worn by athletes. Unlike the skin-tight clothing worn for fashion, compression clothing is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery.

The Top 5 Benefits

1. Increased Blood Flow

This style of clothing isn’t just something made up by fitness gurus to sell more product. It’s actually used as a form of treatment for people with poor circulation. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition, common in those with diabetes, that causes the narrowing of the blood vessels and arteries due to plaque build-up. It can be especially dangerous in elderly people who have a history of consuming diets rich in saturated fats, and causes tingling and numbness in the extremities. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, doctors often prescribe compression socks or sleeves to increase blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. When gentle compression is added, the increased pressure causes blood vessels to straighten out, allowing blood to flow more freely.

Athletes can take advantage of this exact same mechanism. Our muscles demand more oxygen when we’re running, lifting weights, or jumping rope than when we’re resting. Because we can’t breathe any more efficiently, the best way to get more oxygen to our muscles is to straighten our blood vessels with compression.

2. Decreased Recovery Time

The increase in blood flow works two-fold to decrease recovery time. When worn during a workout, the increased blood flow delivers more oxygen, preventing an excess lactic acid build-up. When worn after a workout, increased blood flow helps to flush out whatever lactic acid was created during cardiovascular exercise, rejuvenating your muscles and decreasing your recovery time. The faster you can get back out there, the faster you’ll be able to meet your fitness goals.

3. Muscular Support

Compression clothing is thought to hold the muscles in place, helping to reduce strain. Here’s an example you may be familiar with: if you’re an active person, you’ve probably purchased and worn a pair of socks with arch support. The tight band that runs around your mid-foot can prevent strained arches by not allowing them to drop down and stretch before they’re warm and ready.

While it’s always important to properly warm up before any exercise, compression clothing works on the same idea. It’s easiest to pull a muscle during a difficult movement requiring full exertion, and it’s safe to say a little extra support can never hurt.

4. Sweat-Wicking Properties

This type of clothing is generally made with spandex, polyester, or nylon. When touching the skin, these materials wick sweat away and allow the moisture to escape via evaporation. Not only will you stay drier, you won’t have to walk around in baggy, wet clothing on your way home from the gym.

5. Comfort

This is a big one. No matter what type of clothing we choose to wear, it has to be comfortable if we’re going to work out in it. Many athletes appreciate the tightness of compression clothing, and many would probably wear it even if there were no benefits.

Compression clothing also reduces chafing, which is a huge relief for athletes who enjoy running, cycling, triathlons, horseback riding, hiking and other sports. Wouldn’t it be nice to say goodbye to anti-chafing creams and spreading deodorant all over your body?

They’re great for layering under clothing, as well. On a cold day, a compression top and pair of compression pants will help keep you warm, whether you’re out for a run or just running errands around town.

Give It A Shot

We hope you’ll give compression clothing a shot! As jump rope enthusiasts, we’re in the market for mostly leg sleeves and socks. Our favorite brand is Go 2 Socks. They have a huge variety of styles, available in every color of the rainbow.