talk to me about compression wear please!

Since I'm new to bike riding I don't know all the technology about compression wear. I got a pair of compression shorts--not because they were compression, but because of the length and quality of the chamois. I noticed on the ONE ride that I've worn them that my left leg (which has muscle and nerve weakness due to a prior back injury) was not fatigued or "bothered" after the ride. It was only ONE ride with these shorts so perhaps it was a fluke. Today I went downhill skiing for the first time this season and the left leg had severe muscle fatigue to the point of quivering and shaking so I quit after only 1/2 day. I was wondering if the compressions shorts or compression tights might help me while I try to build up strength in the quivering quads and burning calf muscles. Mind you this quivering muscle thing skiing is due to much tension on my part, but also after 900 miles of cycling since September 1, which I thought would help me prepare for skiing.

I've also heard that anything (even an ACE bandage) that helps your muscles is actually making the muscles weaker because the garment or bandage is doing the work the muscles should be doing--is that true?

Should I try compression wear for my weak muscles skiing? Cycling is easier, but should I try it there as well? Any truth to the old theory that garments supporting muscles just keep the muscles from doing their work?

I would appreciate your thoughts, please.

I'm no expert. But I think if the compression and support factors were harmful, then therapists wouldn't have turned to kinesio tape for injuries. Which might be another option for you to check out.

I ALWAYS wear compression when I ski (XC, telemark, or regular alpine downhill). It certainly can't hurt. And maybe it's in my head, but it seems that I recover more quickly. The difference when I tele ski is astounding. :)

One way compression seems to work is by increasing the resting tone of the muscles through action on the sensory fibers within the muscle. (spindle fibers, etc.)

When the resting tone is higher, your muscles are working a bit harder. Using compression in this case is NOT going to make the muscles weak.

Kinesiotape works more through drag than through compression, but it also facilitates the muscle activity, and again is not going to make the muscles weak.

(though you may *feel* weaker when you take the tights or tape off because the facilitation drops back down to normal again and the comparison is a bummer)

Can you clarify what you mean by "compression shorts"? Are they just normal cycling shorts with a chamois (ie...Pearl Izumi, Shebeest, Gore, Castelli, etc)? If so, then that is all I ever wear while riding. Or are you referring to actual "compression" garments such as the Zoot compression wear, CW-X apparel, or 2XU compression garments? I have worn CW-X tights in the past for running, and I did find that they helped support some problem areas for me (lower back, abs). There are also compression garments used for "recovery", too...but I have never tried any of those.

By "compression shorts" I mean specifically the Louis Garneau Neo Power Shorts advertised on TE. I got them because they were long, but they are advertised as compression shorts.

The other thing I don't really understand is the theory behind compression "recovery" wear vs. compression wear that is worn WHILE biking. Thanks!

I don't wear compression while riding or working out but I swear by my zoot compression shorts and tights for recovery. I put them on immediatly after the post ride/workout shower and wear them for a couple of hours. No matter how hard I ride or work out, I haven't had a stiff or sore leg muscle for several years.

Compression aside, another recovery/post ride/pst workout therapy I rely on is two acid zapper tablets, or two sports legs tablets and an espresso or latte with a dash of chili powder, cinnamon and a teaspoon of cocoa powder. I recently found a chili powder cocoa mix made by Mc cormcks spices which saves me having to use seperate components. Yumm plus the caffeine in the espress and cocoa give me a lift, the chili and cinnamon continue the burn and the acid zappers flush the lactic acid.

It all about "better living with chemicals" ;)

I adore my Neo Power shorts, but I don't consider them "compression gear" at all. They're just regular, well made cycling shorts with a chamois that I get along with very, very well.

I also adore my CW-X compression running gear, but I can't imagine that compression shorts would be comfortable on a bike. I have a pair of cycling shorts that's just plain too small, and it's like dragging my sensitive parts across the chamois every pedal stroke. Ouch. I don't know how they'd be able to make shorts that fit compressively on the thighs and glutes but left the chamois as a "normal" fit.

I wear CW-X while skiing and I think in my case it keeps my knees from swelling, so there is less fatigue in the joint at the end of the day.

I've only been skiing for a couple of years, and when I've experienced the kind of fatigue you are talking about, it is due to either a) nerves due to a lack of confidence (maybe because it's my first day out in a while or because I am skiing new terrain) or b) inappropriate fore/aft balance due to poor boot fit + binding angle.

Right now I'm really happy with my boots, but even with my CW-X tights I can tense up and work the wrong muscles if I get nervous and forget what I'm doing.