When it comes to sportswear, compression pants or tights have emerged as not just a stylish improvement to your wardrobe, but also deliver countless other benefits for competitive athletes and casual exercisers alike. You’re probably reading this because you’re curious what compression pants actually do for your body and if they're right for you. So, let's dive into the world of compression gear to examine the benefits, who should consider wearing them, and why they've become a staple in the athletic and fitness communities.
The Benefits of Compression Pants
Improved Blood Flow for Better Endurance
One of the primary benefits of compression pants is their ability to enhance blood flow and ensure more oxygen in the blood. Typically constructed with a spandex and polyester blend, compression pants aid in increasing blood circulation from the legs back to the heart during workouts or athletic events. This boost can reduce cramping and fatigue as well as elevate energy levels during workouts, offering a performance edge and quicker recovery times for wearers.
Elevated Muscle Support, Increasing Performance
Whether you’re a long-distance runner during a 5K or a wide receiver running quick, short-burst routes all game, your hamstrings, quads, and glutes need all the help they can get. With increased support and stability to those core muscle groups, compression tights can deliver that extra aid you need when looking to perform above the competition.
Reduce DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
Right after a game or lift, your adrenaline is still at relatively high levels. It isn’t until the following day that the soreness from the prior game or workout hits you like a brick wall. The increase in blood circulation and support from compression tights aids in reducing inflammation and facilitates the lymphatic system in draining lactic acid in the days to follow, getting you back in the gym or on the field faster.
Enhanced Balance and Proprioception
Ever seen videos of NBA players standing on stabilization machines or stability discs? Having good balance isn’t just for yogis. It’s vital for athletes to not only perform well, but also reduce the risk of injury during takeoff and landing situations mid-game. What most people don’t realize, however, is that the continuous stimulation of sensory receptors by compression pants help to improve proprioceptive function, allowing athletes to better understand and interpret their balance in critical scenarios.
Aid for Ailments and Chafing
For athletes young and old, nagging injuries are often a part of life and an unfortunate byproduct of constantly pushing yourself each and every day to be better. Issues such as swollen legs, nerve pain, circulation problems, or even post injury complications after an ACL or MCL tear that often don’t require such drastic assistance like a knee or ankle brace, benefit incredibly from lighter assistance like compression leggings. Many of our prior customers also purchase Single Leg Tights for an added layer of comfort underneath their knee braces, which also helps to reduce abrasion and chafing both between the skin and the knee brace, but also between the thighs as they get back into the swing of exercising again.
Instrumental Material Benefits
Most compression tights are crafted with lightweight materials, maximum flexibility, sweat-wicking technology, breathability, and sometimes insulation (depending on the intended season). Each of these features combine to deliver a product that allows you to move quickly and efficiently during performance, keep cool and dry when necessary, or warm and comfortable depending on the weather.
Stylish Appearance
Arguably the most popular reason athletes and fitness enthusiasts choose to purchase compression tights is for the cool factor. Watch any NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, or NCAA game and it’ll be hard to miss the widespread adoption of compression gear. As more and more superstars craft their looks using compression garments like Ace Compression Shirts, younger generations will begin to follow. Obviously, the performance and medical benefits are a plus, but more often than not, athletes will make outfit selections based on fashion appeal, which is why it’s our job to ensure those selections come with the comfort and functional benefits highlighted above to ensure performance isn’t hindered but elevated even more so.
Who Should Wear Compression Pants?
Compression gear was originally designed to provide top athletes with both recovery and performance benefits, but more and more everyday gymgoers have begun sporting similar products. Compression pants are generally safe for most people – it’s up to you to determine which brand, features, and styles resonate best with your personal fashion and performance requirements.
Athletes at all levels, active individuals, frequent travelers, those on their feet or sitting for extended periods, and individuals recovering from injuries can all benefit from incorporating compression tights into their everyday routines. Even senior citizens dealing with nagging nerve pain, muscle soreness, or blood circulation issues are prime candidates for compression apparel.
How Long Should You Wear Compression Pants?
This is a difficult question to answer because of how distinctive it can be to each individual. The specific duration for wearing compression pants depends entirely on personal comfort and unique medical conditions. While there's no strict limit, individuals with medical-grade compression pants need to be mindful of intensity, adhering to recommendations from healthcare professionals before spending extended hours in the same tights.
Whether you’re a high-level athlete or simply someone looking for some relief from various nagging ailments, compression pants can deliver a versatile solution. Embrace the numerous benefits, listen to expert medical advice, and step into a product that seamlessly intertwines style and functionality. They’re more than just a trend, they're a performance-enhancing revelation.
