I recently saw a question here about using compression clothing while exercising. I do not have any compression clothing. But if it they are a valid exercise tool to enhance a workout I would like to know so I can consider buying one or not. And if it is just hype then I would like to know so I do not waste time thinking about it.
What are the pros and cons of using compression garments while exercising? And if one is used on the belly should exercises like crunches be avoided?
Typical compression clothing, in my experience, won't give you much direct performance benefit (running faster, lifting heavier etc).
The reason I wear compression shirts/shorts are mainly for comfort and temperature control. If it's really cold out, compression heat clothes can help you stay warm and limber. And if it's really hot, long-sleeve compression cold gear actually helps your sweat evaporate, cooling you off (remember to drink a lot of water in this case).
Also, compression shorts are nice and tight, meaning they won't ride up and cause chafing on runs or long bike rides.
It also just kind of feels cool to wear them, you feel a bit like a pro athlete wearing super cool gear :)
Basically, unless you're going to be playing in extreme weather, or if you have some underwear problems, I would say compression clothes are unnecessary.
I believe that compression clothing does serve a purpose, especially over longer distances and more strenuous activities. Runners many times will wear compression calf covers or compression forearm covers. This can help to prevent swelling in the muscles, keep you cooler or warmer depending on the conditions and material, and also protects your skin from elements and environmental dangers.
The previous poster outlined some other benefits, such as keeping your manhood in place, feeling cool like an athlete, and the benefits of high tech sweat removal. These are all secondary to the true benefit which is the prevention of swelling. Talk to any serious distance runner- ultra marathoner would be a good place to start, and they can immediately describe the benefits that I've outlined to you.
As far as in your specific situation, unless you are turning into a more rigorous athlete, it doesn't sound like you should need these. The benefits, while meaningful, are very minor for most us
The noted recovery benefits are said to stem from the fact that the compression prevents an additional load on the muscles comming from vibrations and inertial movements, e.g. when a foot strikes the ground during a run.
Indeed, there's a feeling of a greater body coherence to it. Probably, it doesn't make this difference for less dynamic sports and work-outs, where those other noted reasons would prevail.
And performance-wise: in some weight-lifting competitions, compression suits were banned. Guess why.
I wear the shirts for my back, it basically gives you an extra layer of skin and huge support. Helps with posture. I know runners, football/basketball/soccer players wear compression shorts to help aviod tearing/pulling muscles around the groin. Other reasons are posted and im sure there are other reasons why...
Personally, I wear them for a couple of reasons, and I think they are certainly worth the investment. One, I have very bad bulging veins due to multiple pregnancies. Wearing the compression leggings, it not only helps keep the blood flowing as it should, it eases the pain. They also seem to have help in my recovery time. Body temperature control is also helpful to get out the door when the temperatures drop. Also, as we age and if getting back into fitness is where you're at, you may not be as firm as you'd like and lets face it. No one wants to go work out, when it shows, that you need to work out. Unfortunately, this reason is out of vanity, but you look better in them. And when you look like you know what your doing, your mind thinks it can do anything! Good luck in your search.
Compression sportswear is worn by some athletes during exercise to prevent chafing and rashes, and post-exercise to ease muscle stiffness and quicken recovery time. Here are a few ways they help:
Compression garments are not good for you! Restricting blood flow? God knows how much damage it does! It sometimes pushs it causing damage to other parts of the heart, brain etc! CAUTION on using these!
