Listener Maurine recently asked me about compression gear on Twitter. This is what she said: “I’d be interested in learning more about leg compression recovery systems. I’ve got lots of compression socks and pants. I’m looking more at machines.” Well, Maurine, today I am going to go through both!
What is Compression Clothing?
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Compression garments are often marketed as a type of magical second skin that is going to improve your athleticism. When reading the ads you might believe that by simply tossing on a pair of tight pants or socks you are going to be able to run faster, jump higher, and lift heavier. But it is not really like that.
For one, compression gear doesn’t provide enough support to make your muscles perform any different than normal. Despite what it feels like, that invincible feeling you get from sliding on those hardcore looking socks is mostly in your head. Your muscles may feel more supported, but that support is minimal. We’ll get into that later.
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