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.

[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)