Opinions on compression gear?

[bluebug32]

Does anyone use compression gear either while cycling or after? If so, do you think it helps? Do you use tights, just on the calves...etc?

[Kiwi Stoker]

DH and I use them after cycling. Usually the full length tights although DH has just purchased calf sleeves as sometimes he finds full tights too hot.

They work, really do relieve the ache in your legs and help with swollen legs/water retention issues. We wear them to bed at night if we have to ride two days in a row, or when we cannot get a massage.

I am not entirely sure about the claims that are made about performance and wearing while exercising. NZ Consumer magazine looked at scienetific studies and didn't find any evidence of that, but did find evidence to support recovery.

[Eden]

I wear compression tights for recovery. I have no idea if they do anything for performance, but they definitely reduce soreness.

[bluebug32]

Thanks! What brand do you wear? I've noticed a huge difference in price in some instances.

[OakLeaf]

I'm a huge fan of them for recovery, and my drugstore Futuro brand work just fine.

I really like the CW-X tights for longer runs, too, but KiwiStoker is right that the research on compression during activity is equivocal. CW-X incorporates a design that's supposed to be like kinesio taping, so maybe it's that rather than the compression that helps me. Or maybe it's just placebo effect. :p

[Eden]

I also have CW-X. We got a team deal on them, plus they come in sizes small enough to actually compress me... (Skinz, from their size chart probably would not)

[spindizzy]

I use them after races. Epsom salt bath, ice bath and tights. usually feel pretty good the next day. Start off in bed with them but usually peel them off in the middle of the night..too hot. Currently use 2XU but I've lost some weight so the compression factor is a lot less. I am considering Skins for my next purchase.

The only item I find somewhat distressing is the claim that they help to "flush out toxins"..what exactly does that mean? I can buy improved circulation and faster recovery but the rest...Phooey!

[Kiwi Stoker]

We use Skins, but I do find the overlocking does shed threads a bit. I tried a first generation Nike which had no compression action, but I think they have changed the design.

Zoot does compression gear which is super expensive and I have heard people struggle to put it on! I think to be happy wearing it, you need to have some compression but it is relatively easy to put on or you won't wear it.

In regards to the ones with the extra "strapping" make sure it sits on the right place for your body. DH wear an XL for width but finds the strapping was in the wrong places as they also have "height" as a factor. I like Skins because it doesn't have any extra strapping so you the the benefit do matter how tall you are.

[chicagogal]

I use them after races. Epsom salt bath, ice bath and tights. usually feel pretty good the next day. Start off in bed with them but usually peel them off in the middle of the night..too hot. Currently use 2XU but I've lost some weight so the compression factor is a lot less. I am considering Skins for my next purchase.

The only item I find somewhat distressing is the claim that they help to "flush out toxins"..what exactly does that mean? I can buy improved circulation and faster recovery but the rest...Phooey!

It's the improved circulation that helps "flush out toxins". Improved circulation gets the byproducts of metabolic breakdown (lactic acid, for one) back into circulation so that it can be detoxified by your body.

[surgtech1956]

I'm a fan of the Champion C9 clothing at Target. They sell compression items, usually less than $20. Are all compression clothing the same?

[bluebug32]

I'm not sure how I feel about wearing compression gear during hot summer rides (esp. since most of the soreness I feel is in my quads, hamstrings and glutes; so calf sleeves probably wouldn't cut it.). It sounds like people have good results with it for post-riding. Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming. I wonder, too, if the most expensive ones are that much better??

[Becky]

I use the CW-X tights, while DH has a pair of Zensah tights. We used them with great success at night while on a supported bike tour. We both felt that our legs felt fresher after multiple days of riding than they would have otherwise.

[marni]

I love my zoots compression tights for recovery. Can't imagine riding or running in them, but I wear them around the house under my jeans after rides and gym workouts and they do make a difference.

I also have a pair of compression stockings, the type they put on you after surgery, which come up to mid thight but they don't feel as good as my zoots, plus they fall down. They were ok when I was in bed or shuffling to the bathroom but I am so beyond that now....I should probably just toss em, but the tightwad in me says no, so.... there they sit.

[jessmarimba]

I also have CW-X tights (X-mas present) and I think they did help me get over some IT band issues, which were why I was given them. But I also don't like to take them off after I run or ride in them! They do wonders for recovery.

[spindizzy]

Bluebug-

Here is a blurb that Joe Friel wrote re: the compression calf tights that a lot of athletes wear in races.

http://www.trainingbible.com/joesblog/2007/10/can-your-socks-make-you-faster.html