Compression gear - beneficial?

calderstrake
calderstrake Posts: 12 Member
edited November 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I own two sets of UA compression gear (shirt and shorts) and wear them under standard fitness performance shirt and shorts when I'm doing HIIT classes or intense weight training.

I'm considering purchasing the new series with the heat vents and a thought occurred to me... is this even a good use of my resources and time?

Does anyone think feel they are getting a benefit from using compression gear or is it really just up to the individual (like wearing sweat jackets)?

Replies

  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    Benefit in what way?
  • chunkytfg
    chunkytfg Posts: 339 Member
    Do you think you are getting a benefit from them? If so go for it, if not don't.

    I think the scientific community is still undecided as to any measurable benifit
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    edited June 2018
    In my judgement, it's personal preference given what the individual is comfortable and confident wearing.

    What sort of benefits do you think you're getting? My understanding is that the science on the benefits of compression wear as it relates to circulation, stability, and athletic performance is rather mixed. That said, I have a drawer full of UA stuff that is super comfortable and works very well for the specific applications for which the fabric is designed; temperature and moisture management, etc.
  • Kalex1975
    Kalex1975 Posts: 427 Member
    I use Tesla compression base layers when I exercise because it helps keep all the loose skin I have from my weight-loss in place and not flopping around... so, it is beneficial in that respect. I am not sure if there are other benefits (real or imagined).
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    It's comfortable, moisture wicking and heats/cools appropriately.

    What sort of benefit would you want beyond that?

    Cool in summer, warm in winter, dry most of the time. and gives a bit of a tactile hug while training.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    I like compression pants or shorts; I can't exercise in floppy clothes. People with injuries like the sleeves and the socks.

    I don't know that it helps otherwise.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I like UA compression capris because I feel like they provide a little extra stability for my knee, which I injured several years ago. This might be purely psychological rather than a physical benefit. I wouldn’t expect compression gear to do anything dramatic, but there’s nothing wrong with it if you like it.
  • calderstrake
    calderstrake Posts: 12 Member
    Well for me, I *think* I'm getting a benefit of stability in range of motion and movement. Theoretically, it's wicking the sweat away faster than not using it, but I can't really prove that.

    Has anyone compared the solid fabric to the newer fabric with the heat vents or cuts in the fabric?
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    calderstrake wrote: »
    Well for me, I *think* I'm getting a benefit of stability in range of motion and movement. Theoretically, it's wicking the sweat away faster than not using it, but I can't really prove that.

    Has anyone compared the solid fabric to the newer fabric with the heat vents or cuts in the fabric?

    I assume you're referring to the SuperVent line? I've not tried any of that line but have a few non-compression shirts and shorts in the Armour Vent line which I believe the SuperVent replaces, and like them. The material itself seems to be the same as regular heatgear but a little thinner and stays dryer. Not real sure what effect the holes have for cooling in relation to non-vented heatgear. For what it's worth if you go on UA's web store and click the SuperVent tab I don't see any products currently listed, just a message stating "Sorry, we're currently working on more gear in this category. Check back again soon or contact us now - our Customer Service team is always ready to help."
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    edited June 2018
    AFAIK, the answer is still undecided.

    What I do know is that for compression to be beneficial (if it is beneficial), it has to compress. Simply being tight isn't enough. There's a lot of tight clothing out there... not all of it is compression, regardless of what the label/packaging says.

    So, when you ask your question... are you talking about next-to-skin layers, or are you talking about actual compression gear?
  • mutantspicy
    mutantspicy Posts: 624 Member
    I use them keeps the jewels in line. Prevents chaffing. The Sweat wicking seems to work well. I love my long ones for the winter months, when outside training it makes me able to keep my gear lighter because I don't need as thick of an outer layer. I also when I put them on it, I get in the right head space for working out. Mental trick I guess. I don't feel like I get any benefit in movement or strength or stability or anything like that.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited June 2018
    I've got lots of U/A (and other brands) of compression shorts & tshirts. About 10 each. I wear them all the time in lieu of traditional underwear; not just when working out.

    Don't know if there is any specific benefit to wearing them. Just like the way they look/feel on me as wekk as their quick dry characteristics. Cotton t's and shorts suck.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    I use compression gear, but I also have a lot of excess skin on my stomach due to massive weight loss.

    Why do you think you need it?
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    I can't imagine training without it !


    giphy.gif
  • HoneyBadger302
    HoneyBadger302 Posts: 2,085 Member
    Working out I don't wear specifically compression gear - leggings, yes, but that's just because I find them comfortable.

    Racing I wear compression socks designed for riding and a compression shirt (along with capri-length leggings). There are very noticeable benefits to the socks, especially on my "bad" leg. The shirt I find more comfortable overall, but can't say that there are measurable benefits beyond that.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    I'm more comfortable running in compression shorts and shirt, but more because it keep things from flopping around, both my belly and other "parts".

    Other than that, I see no need for them.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    Yes compression style leggings are beneficial to me. They ... hold everything in place..
  • Dani9585
    Dani9585 Posts: 215 Member
    hesn92 wrote: »
    Yes compression style leggings are beneficial to me. They ... hold everything in place..


    What she^^ said. It benefits my self-esteem and confidence :)
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    I'm more comfortable running in compression shorts and shirt, but more because it keep things from flopping around, both my belly and other "parts".

    Other than that, I see no need for them.

    Basically the same concept as sports bras (a compression top) for women. Bouncy is not comfortable when running.
  • calderstrake
    calderstrake Posts: 12 Member
    VUA21 wrote: »
    Why do you think you need it?
    I subscribe to Maslow's ideas, so I definitely don't think I need them for any reason at all.

    My theory is that the new fabric will wick away the sweat faster and ordered a set to test the theory. I had the idea that wearing the compression gear is just plain better, but now I'm re-thinking some of my previous notions and this is one of them.

    I'm also looking into sleeveless vs. tank top vs. muscle shirt vs. short-sleeved in HIIT and weight training scenarios.

  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    It what way is compression related to moisture removal/wicking?
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    I have a compression knee sleeve that I use on leg day and I've found that it really helps. Not for stabilization, but for comfort at least.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    calderstrake wrote: »
    VUA21 wrote: »
    Why do you think you need it?
    I subscribe to Maslow's ideas, so I definitely don't think I need them for any reason at all.

    My theory is that the new fabric will wick away the sweat faster and ordered a set to test the theory. I had the idea that wearing the compression gear is just plain better, but now I'm re-thinking some of my previous notions and this is one of them.

    I'm also looking into sleeveless vs. tank top vs. muscle shirt vs. short-sleeved in HIIT and weight training scenarios.

    99.99% of women wear compression gear to work out in... Sports bras. They keep everything in place, but even the "moisture wicking" ones don't make that big of a difference. Also, once it's soaked, removing it should definitely be counted as resistance training.

    I grew up in, and live in the desert Southwest. It's hot! 107° today. You want a sheet of sweat on your body, it really does keep you cooler. Hence why so many people that live in the desert will wear light cotton, but long sleeves in the summer.

    Also, go for sleeveless or tank, unless you shave your armpits. Very snug compression gear snagging a single hair, is not a pleasant experience. Found out why the men's (as well as women's) track team who wear running tights instead of shorts, shave thier legs.
  • beachbody4l
    beachbody4l Posts: 208 Member
    I went for a run last week in regular running clothes versus compression. Bad move on my part. If you have any loose skin you know how important keeping all that in is. I had rashes from where the skin was bouncing all over the place. With the extra stress and pain, my run time definitely suffered.
  • Purplebunnysarah
    Purplebunnysarah Posts: 3,252 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    VUA21 wrote: »
    calderstrake wrote: »
    VUA21 wrote: »
    Why do you think you need it?
    I subscribe to Maslow's ideas, so I definitely don't think I need them for any reason at all.

    My theory is that the new fabric will wick away the sweat faster and ordered a set to test the theory. I had the idea that wearing the compression gear is just plain better, but now I'm re-thinking some of my previous notions and this is one of them.

    I'm also looking into sleeveless vs. tank top vs. muscle shirt vs. short-sleeved in HIIT and weight training scenarios.

    99.99% of women wear compression gear to work out in... Sports bras. They keep everything in place, but even the "moisture wicking" ones don't make that big of a difference. Also, once it's soaked, removing it should definitely be counted as resistance training.

    Amen to the bolded.
    I have actually hurt my wrist trying to take off a wet sports bra.

    I sometimes have to get help... especially if I'm dead on my feet after a long run.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    The jury is still out on whether or not there are any tangible benefits other than improved recovery (compression after the workout) or avoiding blood clots on airplanes but I use compression tops for long runs in the summer time as I've found they're the only surefire way to avoid the dreaded bloody nipples.

    I also use full length compression tights for my longest runs. It may only be the placebo effect but I do feel a little less beat up after the fact.

    Bottom line is if you prefer to use them and feel like it helps wick sweat away etc faster keep doing what works for you.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    VUA21 wrote: »
    calderstrake wrote: »
    VUA21 wrote: »
    Why do you think you need it?
    I subscribe to Maslow's ideas, so I definitely don't think I need them for any reason at all.

    My theory is that the new fabric will wick away the sweat faster and ordered a set to test the theory. I had the idea that wearing the compression gear is just plain better, but now I'm re-thinking some of my previous notions and this is one of them.

    I'm also looking into sleeveless vs. tank top vs. muscle shirt vs. short-sleeved in HIIT and weight training scenarios.

    99.99% of women wear compression gear to work out in... Sports bras. They keep everything in place, but even the "moisture wicking" ones don't make that big of a difference. Also, once it's soaked, removing it should definitely be counted as resistance training.

    Amen to the bolded.
    I have actually hurt my wrist trying to take off a wet sports bra.

    Why is it important for women to work on upper body strength training: so that we can remove a sweaty sports bra without injuring ourselves (or others).

    I've showered in them before, so that I could use soap as a lubricant because I was so spent after working my arms and shoulders, I couldn't get the stupid thing off.
  • huntersvonnegut
    huntersvonnegut Posts: 1,177 Member
    I started wearing a pair of compression shorts (sorry, not UA) under my gym shorts when I started walking a number of years ago. Not for performance but to cut down on chafing. They might not be necessary anymore but I’m in the habit.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories