Are you a track and field enthusiast? A basketball loving kind of guy? Or do you fancy becoming the outside hitter of a volleyball team? You can be the athlete that you want to be.
It is not a walk in the park though, it takes time, patience and discipline to be an athlete. Carl Lewis (track and field), LeBron James (basketball), Regla Torres (volleyball) all went through rigorous training to become the legends that they are today.
Training can be exhausting and will definitely take its toll on your body. Thankfully, compression garments were invented; these are pieces of clothing, such as socks, stockings and various sportswear that can ease the hardships of training. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a regular person who enjoys outdoor recreational activities, take note of these compression garments and performance footwear to make your sports aspirations and life adventures safe and fun.
Compression stockings
These are specialized hosiery, designed to avoid the occurrence of, and guard against further progression of venous disorders. Wearing compression stockings will improve blood flow in legs, which helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent, blood clots. The stockings also alleviate aching and heavy feeling in legs. Like most compression garments, the stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up, allowing for better blood circulation.
There are different types of compression stockings, each vary in pressure (from light to strong pressure), lengths (from knee-high to the top of the thigh) and colors. Knee high compression hose aids in the treatment of ulcers of the lower legs. The stockings must be worn throughout the day, the pressure will be felt around the ankles and less pressure higher up on your legs. It is also important to remember to wash the stockings each day with mild soap and water and to replace a pair every three to six months.
Compression shorts and tights
These are form-fitting garments that cover the waist to mid or lower thigh. Compression shorts have paneling, which adds a higher degree of pressure to the thigh and hamstring. Made up of bands that hug muscles, thighs, buttocks and calves, they come in various lengths.
Athletes are usually the ones seen wearing these compression garments but there is an increase in interest and sales for these products replacing jockstraps because it offers the same function all the while being fashionable. The garments also contribute to enhanced athletic performance. An Australian study in 2011 revealed that compression shorts improved blood flow and/or oxygen consumption in runners and triathletes. In another 2011 study, this time coming from Occidental College in Los Angeles, runners were able to jump higher with less perceived exertion when wearing compression tights.
For women, there is an additional use for compression shorts. There are companies that manufacture specialized women’s compression shorts, these can be used before, during and after pregnancy and are also helpful in supporting upper and lower abdominal muscles, Caesarean wounds and perineal stitches.
Compression sportswear
Several well-known athletes are firm believers of compression sportswear. Dwyane Wade claims his knee and arm bands help keep him injury-free. Ben Greenfield, trainer and ironman triathlete, is a believer in using the compression for recovery, “I’m flying over to race in Japan tomorrow, and I’ll wear compression tights the whole time, they keep my blood flowing when I can’t make it flow myself.” he says.
The main benefits of compression sportswear is that it keeps the muscles warm to avoid muscle strain and fatigue, and wicks away sweat from the body to prevent chafing and rashes. For the upper body it is advisable to wear a tight, supportive shirt after sports or weightlifting as it can apply the kind of pressure that has been proven to cut down on swelling and inflammation. For quads, glutes and hips wearing compression shorts can help squeeze blood back to the heart, slowing fatigue. NFL linebacker Bryan Scott always wears compression shorts. “I sleep in my recovery skins during training camp,” Scott says. After a long run, a swollen ankle is an unfortunate sight to behold; they can also come about during flights, long drives, or time behind the desk. Compression socks can reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis, a blood clot usually found in the leg.
Performance apparel
Slowly but surely performance apparel is becoming a player in the sportswear industry. Popular among athletes of all ages and skill levels, performance apparel has several advantages like better blood circulation and faster recovery time for muscles. The apparel is offered by manufacturers in two fits: compression and loose. Both fits however are hydrophobic, which means it will keep you cool and wick away sweat. Like any other piece of equipment, performance apparels can get smelly, it must be washed before further usage.
Athletic/performance footwear
Whether you prefer walking or running, or both, it is a must to own the right pair of athletic shoes. There are a number of benefits associated with brisk walking or running such as drops in blood pressure, weight and increases in lung capacity. Take note of your shoes’ midsole foot cushioning, the area between the ball and the heel of the foot, for it can reduce some of the stress placed on the heel, ankle and toes during a run. Arch support on the other hand is critical for individuals with flat feet. Finding the right pair of shoes can save you so much grief specifically injuries, in addition to that, it will be key in delivering improved athletic performance.
Last but not the least, it is important to know your shoe size, know your foot’s particular quirks so that you will be able to pick the perfect pair of shoes. Most major brands now offer a model to suit every foot type.
There are compression garments and performance apparels for every age, gender, size and sport. Find the right ones and you will definitely have a better time training, exercising and playing your favorite sport. Weekend warriors (regular people) enjoy several outdoor activities and unlike athletes we do not have resident physicians to attend to our needs after a game/activity and that is why compression garments are important, they help avoid injuries and in effect decreases the probability of acquiring an injury.
John Carlo Odchigue