In the realm of sports medicine, professionals with extensive experience working with top athletes and sports teams have observed numerous trends in the athletic world. Among these, compression clothing stands out for its universal benefits.
These snug-fitting garments are not just for professional athletes. They offer advantages for everyone, from athletes participating in extreme sports and endurance races to those leading a more sedentary lifestyle.
We highlight 8 reasons why compression clothing is a beneficial addition to anyone’s wardrobe, regardless of their level of physical activity or fitness journey.
1 - Enhanced Strength Training
Compression clothing boosts blood circulation, which doesn’t directly increase strength but aids in smarter training. Enhanced circulation means better muscle support and stability and less fatigue, muscle pain, and soreness. This allows athletes to train more effectively, making the most of their workout time.
For nonathletes, wearing these garments during everyday activities like walking, gardening, or household chores can provide a gentle, yet effective way to support their muscles, improve overall comfort, and enhance daily energy levels.
While traditional compression clothing provides improved blood circulation for smarter training, incorporating weighted compression clothing like KILOGEAR can add an extra dimension to your workouts, subtly enhancing resistance for even more effective strength training.
Compression clothing aids in performance during activities and the recovery period afterward.
2 - Improved Caloric Burn
Compression clothing itself does not directly increase calorie burn. However, wearing compression gear is known to make athletes feel more comfortable and supported, leading to longer and more intense workouts, which indirectly contributes to increased calorie burn.
The same goes for the everyday person. If wearing compression tights, for example, makes everyday activities more comfortable or encourages a person to be more active, this indirectly will lead to increased calorie burn.
In addition to the indirect calorie burn benefits of standard compression clothing, weighted compression clothing such as a weighted shirt or weighted leggings can further amplify this effect. Adding a slight, unobtrusive weight that challenges the body more during everyday activities or during workouts will increase calorie burning.
3 - Better Posture
Wearing compression clothing offers essential support to key muscle groups, significantly aiding in body alignment. This is especially beneficial for the core, back, and shoulder muscles, all of which are crucial in maintaining good posture. KILOGEAR enhances this benefit by evenly distributing weight across the arms and legs.
This unique design activates and engages the core muscles more effectively, further reinforcing the proper posture and providing an added level of support. Plus, better posture means stronger core and back muscles to support better sports performance or athletic performance.
Compression clothing can be functional and fashionable!
4 - Versatility with a Purpose
Compression clothing has evolved far beyond its athletic origins. It's not just compression socks and arm sleeves anymore. Today, the market offers a wide array of styles, colors, and designs, making it easy to integrate into your daily attire.
Whether you are looking for a legging for a yoga class or a supportive compression shirt to wear to work, there’s something for every need and taste. This fusion of function and fashion means you can enjoy the benefits of compression clothing in everyday life with different sporty looks.
Brands like KILOGEAR lead the way with designs that blend seamlessly into your wardrobe, offering both the aesthetic appeal and the functional benefits of weighted compression support.
5 - Support for Aging Population
As the body ages, issues like poor circulation, joint pain, and muscle fatigue become more prevalent. Compression clothing adds gentle pressure which helps with increased blood flow. This is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation and reducing the risk of swelling in the extremities. Plus, the extra support from these garments helps stabilize joints and reduces muscle vibration.
The physiological effect of this type of support is better balance and coordination, which ultimately reduces the risk of falls. By wearing compression clothing, older adults can enjoy increased comfort and improved mobility.
Weighted compression clothing can further aid in muscle strengthening and balance without overwhelming the wearer.
6 - Enhanced Neurological Functioning
The gentle, consistent pressure provided by compression clothing can be soothing for the nervous system, offering benefits for individuals with certain neurological conditions. For those experiencing sensory processing difficulties, the proprioceptive input from compression clothing can be calming and help in managing sensory overload.
Additionally, the enhanced body awareness promoted by these garments can aid in the improving coordination and spatial orientation, which are crucial for individuals with neurological challenges affecting their motor skills. While compression clothing is not a cure for neurological conditions, it can be a valuable tool in a holistic approach to managing symptoms and improving overall comfort and function.
The addition of weighted compression provides even more proprioceptive input. The extra weight can further assist in grounding and stabilizing, offering additional benefits for those seeking to improve their neurological function and daily comfort.
Caring for muscles during the recovery and rest period is key!
7 - Faster Muscle Recovery Post-Exercise
Compression clothing is highly beneficial during the post-exercise period. It accelerates muscle strength recovery after strenuous workouts or physical activities. The compression helps reduce muscle swelling, muscle oscillation, and inflammation, speeding up the muscle tissue's healing process. This leads to a decrease in muscle soreness and stiffness.
For athletes, this means less downtime between training sessions, better post-training recovery, and less delayed onset muscle soreness. For non-athletes, it translates to less discomfort after physical exertion, quicker recovery time before your next workout, and added support for all tired body parts.
Weighted compression adds a gentle, continuous massage-like effect to this recovery process. It helps reduce lactic acid buildup, which speeds up the recovery window and helps with injury prevention after any exercise performance.
8 - Temperature Regulation and Comfort
Many compression garments are designed with materials that aid in temperature regulation, keeping the body cool in hot conditions and warm in colder environments. This thermoregulation feature is crucial for maintaining optimal body temperature during various activities, enhancing overall performance and comfort. This is especially important to avoid overheating which can cause muscle damage and is an overall uncomfortable experience.
Tips for Wearing Compression Clothing
If you’re just starting out wearing compression clothing as a part of your everyday wardrobe, we have some tips for you. While it may seem like low perceived exertion to add weight or compression to your body, there can be a ramp-up period.
Start Gradually
If you're new to compression or weighted compression clothing, begin by wearing them for short periods. Gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts to the feel and weight.
Ensure Proper Fit
Make sure your compression clothing has a secure fit but is tight enough. It should feel like a second skin without restricting movement or circulation. For weighted garments, ensure the weight is evenly distributed and comfortable.
Layering
The right compression clothes can be worn alone or layered under other clothing. For outdoor activities or in cooler weather, you might wear it under your regular workout gear for added warmth and support.
Use During Various Activities
While compression clothing is great for workouts, it's also beneficial for everyday activities. Wear compression shorts, for example, during walks, household chores, or even work to enjoy its benefits throughout the day. Wearing KILOGEAR longevity shorts while walking the dog or doing household chores turns those activities into calorie-burning moments.
Focus on Targeted Support
Choose garments that target your specific needs. For example, if you have issues with your legs, compression leggings might be ideal. For upper body support, a compression shirt would be more appropriate.
Care and Maintenance
Follow care instructions carefully to maintain the integrity of the compression fabric and weighted elements. Proper washing and drying will prolong the life of your garments.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how your body responds to compression wear. If you experience discomfort or circulation issues, adjust the fit or reduce the wear time.
Combine with Regular Exercise
For maximum benefits, combine wearing compression clothing with a regular exercise routine. This combination can enhance performance, recovery, and overall fitness.
Consult with a Trainer
If you have specific health issues or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or a trusted excellent personal trainer before using weighted compression clothing to ensure it's appropriate for your needs.
Experiment with Different Types
There are various types of compression clothing available, from socks and sleeves to full-body suits. KILOGEAR weights are removable, so you can easily experiment with a weighted short and if you like the results, wear the weighted tights or leggings the next day, providing versatility so you can experiment with different types to find what works best for your lifestyle and fitness goals.
The benefits of compression clothing are extensive and varied. From improving strength training and posture to aiding in recovery and neurological function, these garments are a valuable addition to any fitness or daily routine.
KILOGEAR’s weighted compression takes these advantages a step further, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maximize their physical potential and well. Check out more at KILOGEAR.com
