Those are some pretty fancy pants, to be sure, but its a bit hyperbolic.
With that, youre able to move more efficiently, and that makes workouts feel less tiring.
In other words, these are helpful for powerlifting competitions and little else.
So it seems it depends on the compression gear and the activity youre doing.
But the study also doesnt rule out the undeniablystrong influence of the placebo effect.
(Seriously, I did finish my all-time best.)
Theyre a viable and helpful option in place of blood thinning drugs and other more invasive forms of treatment.
Theyre also great for helping keep injured joints warm and providing some support to them.
Most compression gear manufacturers like the popular2XUlike to emphasize the recovery benefits.
They reduce muscle soreness, the product pages say.
And well, theres some truth to that.
Were not sure exactly why the gear helps with recovery.
One simplified version of a theory is that their compressive nature reduces the space available for inflammation and swelling.
Try compression socks to start (likethis one from 2XU).
Some people may never get used to the feeling and hate them, and thats okay, too.
My stance is that theyre just more functional and comfortable to wear, too.
If youre skeptical, you dontneedthem, so back up your money.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Images byPeter MooneyandRyan Gacayan.
