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.