Active3 main benefits of wearing compression shorts from better performance to reducing the effects of DOMSWearing compression shorts can help you in a variety of ways, from faster recovery to greater muscle stabilityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Active3 main benefits of wearing compression shorts from better performance to reducing the effects of DOMSWearing compression shorts can help you in a variety of ways, from faster recovery to greater muscle stabilityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Wearing compression shorts can help you in a variety of ways, from faster recovery to greater muscle stability
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: PRESSIO)
(Image credit: PRESSIO)
Compression shorts provide a plethora of performance benefits to enjoy before, during and after your training sessions, so it should come as no surprise to hear that these super-tight garments usually come with a much higher price tag than your regular, looser training shorts. But it is with good reason.
According to Jamie Hunt, ex-triathlete and founder of compression clothing brandPRESSIO, “compression wear does so many amazing things. It prevents muscle tears and over-use injuries, helps support muscles, lowers your heart rate to increase your anaerobic threshold, and improves blood flow to remove toxins. People who have worn true compression products will know these benefits and know what I’m talking about.”
Sounds great, right? But if you still need convincing to splash the extra cash, read on to hear more about the science behind compression shorts and how they can do wonders for your workouts. Then, head on over to our round-up of thebest compression shortsso you can choose the right ones for you and reap the benefits for yourself.
Benefit #1: Improved performance
‘This increased blood flow means that more oxygen ends up reaching muscle tissues, helping them heal in order to reduce muscle fatigue so athletes feel fresher and lighter between sets and workouts - great for making performance gains.’
(Image credit: Nike)
(Image credit: Nike)
Benefit #2: Faster recovery
Remember that increased blood flow? Well, it also helps to reduce your recovery time between workouts. Because when you wear compression clothing after exercise, you help to increase blood pressure in the area so the process of rebuilding your muscles is speeded up, thus helping to heal broken muscle tissue and rebuild your muscles faster.
A2017 studypublished in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance noted that “researchers [on compression wear] consistently report reductions in perceived muscle soreness and improved perceptions of recovery when compression garments are worn after exercise, whether it be cycling, team sport activity or distance running”, and these findings were also supported in their own research.
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‘Just remember, if being used for recovery, be sure to use compression as soon as you can after a workout to truly maximise the benefits,’ adds Morrison. ‘And equally, only wear compression garments for short periods of time, between 2-4 hours, especially as your body gets used to its presence.’
Benefit #3: Greater muscle stability
The impact of running and jumping during physical activity can send shocks and vibrations through the body, leading to muscle fatigue and risk of injury. But research shows the tightening force of compression clothing can help to better support and stabilise certain body parts as you train, like the quads and knees, to take some of the strain and even improve performance.
A2020 studyconcluded that “lower limb compression garments are effective in reducing muscle displacement, soft tissue vibrations, and muscle activation associated with the impact forces experienced during running.”
Furthermore, a2021 studyshowed that compression shorts “reduced the vibration and muscle activation of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings during drop jumps…without compromising neuromuscular performance”, and concluded that external compression can also be used to “reduce energy consumption and potentially enhance sports performance during strenuous activities that involve exposure to impact-induced oscillations.”
While there’s not a ton of research to support the theory that compression clothing can reduce the risk of injury, one2019 studyinvolving male football players found that compression shorts helped to reduce groin pain. And there’s little doubt that a thicker, well-structured pair of compression shorts can lend support to the hips and knees during load-bearing workouts.
Indeed, many powerlifters are huge fans of compression clothing, includingDave Tate, strength and conditioning expert and founder ofElitefts, who is known forwearing full-coverage compression bodysuitswhen he lifts, which only helps to strengthen the idea that compression wear really does provide support in all the right places.
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