SNL often featured gray-haired old ladies in outdated clothing topped of with knee-high skin colored socks; turns out the joke is on us because compression pants and compression socks for running are all the rage and they knew it first!
Originally sold in drug stores to increase circulation for issues like diabetes and arthritis, these days compression gear has undergone a revolution and I’m in love.
Are Compression Pants Good for Running?
While the medical community still utilizes compression apparel for healing, there continues to be debate about the benefit to athletes.
This is largely due to the low number of scientific studies…BUT that’s changing and part of why I want to talk about it again today!!
What Do Compression Pants Do?
Compression pants and other gear, usually made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, conforms snugly to the body preventing oscillation of the muscle during impact and increasing blood flow to the area.
Let’s break that down in plain English:
- The reduction of oscillation, or muscle movement, is thought to prevent energy waste.
- Assists in maintaining proper body alignment.
- While increased blood flow ensures that the muscles are receiving a constant supply of oxygen, which is required to sustain performance or enhance recovery.
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