To compress or not?

[roadie gal]

I like compression clothing more as a recovery item than I do when riding. I hate feeling like I'm in a sausage casing! That being said, I have both compressive and noncompressive riding shorts. I don't notice a difference when I ride.

[lph]

I like and much prefer compression clothing for rides (or runs or other vigorous exercise) up to an hour and a half. I dunno, I feel faster and more efficient, nothing jiggling If I plan to be out longer than that I prefer slightly more forgiving clothing and a looser waistband or bibs, since intensity is naturally lower and I'm more likely to eat along the way.

[tamiknight]

OK, thanks for the quick replies! So there is no science that afirms that blood flows better,,,stamina is improved,,, or that my butt will be smaller?! Re; the comment on lycra, some are softer than others and lighter than others, in my short time biking. Onward, I am sticking with comfort!
Tami

[OakLeaf]

Wait, we didn't say there was no science! We gave our different preferences and impressions.

Here's an article from the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine that I came up with on a quick search. According to the abstract,

Compression garments may alter potential indices of the repair processes accompanying structural damage to the skeletal muscle following eccentric exercise allowing a faster cellular repair.

That's just from a quick Google, and pulling out the first peer-reviewed article I saw...

Here's a NYT article from a few months ago, referencing other research (preliminary conclusion being that worn during events, compression garments benefit endurance athletes but not middle-distance runners; effect on recovery was apparently not examined).

Another summary of research, with citations.



...wondering what the post-workout window for benefit might be, and scurrying off to put mine on - the boys beat me up on this morning's ride!

[tulip]

Once you experience scrunching up of fabric in uncomfortable areas, you will appreciate the benefits of lycra/spandex. But the important thing is the you're comfortable. So do whatever is comfy for you.