Have you ever wondered why there are so many people that wear tight clothing to the gym? There is actually a lot more to it than just bodybuilders try to show off their physique. There is a science behind compression clothing and there are numerous health related benefits that can be gained from wearing compression clothing during workouts. From quicker recovery times to improved performance, here is a list of benefits that can be reaped from workout out with the right compression clothing.
- Provide Support
Wearing compression shorts or socks offer more support and help to stabilize your body as you train. The compression will actually add pressure to your muscles and support some of the strain while you work out. This increases blood circulation, which also plays a role in an improved recovery.
- Breathability
Even though compression gear is tight, it is very breathable. Compression clothing is usually made to allow for air circulation, keeping the body cool during exercise.
- Reduce Muscle Soreness
Research on the topic has found that wearing compression garments are effective in helping to eliminate muscle soreness and fatigue. This effect not only lasts during exercise, but after exercise as well. This means you will be able to perform better for a longer duration and compression can also reduce or prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
- Enhance Recovery
Wearing compression helps speed up the process of muscle repair after exercise. Compression garments can reduce muscle fatigue and increase blood pressure, great for healing and rebuilding muscle tissue. The compression can also help to ease swelling.
- Improve Flexibility
One of the defining features of compression apparel is its stretchiness. When exercising, you involve a lot of different movements including stretching, extending and lifting. Compression is a perfect choice of clothing for exercising as it will support you throughout all of your movements without holding you back. Some people may prefer to wear baggy clothes to the gym, but this could be very hazardous if pieces of clothing get caught in pieces of equipment during exercise.
- Improved Performance
Compression clothing may be helpful in increasing overall performance while exercising. Compression shorts, for example, can help to increase your overall vertical jump. Athletes can regain their maximum jumping ability even after an intense workout.
- Improvement in Perceived Exertion
Having a low perceived exertion means that less effort needs to be put in to complete a workout. For those who participate in extreme sports or endurance races, you will understand better than anyone the importance of a low perceived exertion. Past studies have demonstrated that endurance runners who wear compression garments report an improved perceived exertion and find their training more bearable.
