Look and Feel Powerful: Deconstructing the Myths Behind Compression Gear

What is so great about compression wear? Well, these tights, shorts, shirts and other garments make your thighs look tighter, your butt looks firmer and your stomach flatter. However, this is not the reason why compression wear has suddenly become so famous. In fact, many professional athletes swear by this gear and claim that it helps them boost their athletic performance. On the other hand, it can reduce your risk for delayed onset muscle soreness, prevent deep vein thrombosis, improve blood flow to your muscles and even reduce cellulite (yes, ladies!). However, if you've done your homework and researched compression wear and its benefits, you probably ran into some unpleasant data. Don't worry, before you throw your new pair of compression sleeves in the trash, understand that there are many myths out there about compression garments. So bear with me as I dismantle some of them, and reveal the truth about these clothes.

1. Compression gear is only for pros

Even if you are not a professional athlete, there is no reason you shouldn't benefit from compression gear as well, especially if you want to improve your performance. Wearing this type of clothes can help reduce muscle damage and fatigue and also delay muscle soreness. Since it eliminates toxins from your body faster it prevents swelling. Therefore, if you want to reap the benefits of compression gear, just go ahead and buy it. After all, you don't need a doctor's recommendation.

2. Any compression wear will suit your needs

Before you go ahead and splurge on compression gear you need to realize that every piece of that equipment has its purpose. For example, during a workout, you should wear compression gear that reduces the risk of injuries, whilst after it you should opt for the kind that maintains snug compression on muscles that are prone to being sore. If you have a sore calf muscle but you want to start running again, choose a compression sleeve for your calf that will minimize vibrations during your run. It is important that you know what you want to accomplish with your compression wear and then buy it accordingly. Therefore, do a little research before investing in this type of gear so you are sure you are buying equipment that is right for your needs.

3. There are a lot of compression clothes that don't get the job done

Unfortunately, the term compression wear is not protected, so basically, any brand can produce super tight clothes and just stick a ‘compression wear' label on them. This is why you need to keep your eyes open and do your research before you go shopping. Keep in mind that compression clothes are not just tight, they are anatomically shaped elastic clothing made to specifically fit certain parts of the body, whether it is calves, thighs, arms or elbows. If you are not sure whether a product marked as ‘compression wear' actually works for compression, ask other people for advice or read reviews on resourceful sites such as GearWeAre

4. You cannot wear it during the summer

To be honest, during those hot summer days when it seems like the pavement is melting, wearing something tight that sticks to your skin is probably the last thing you want to do. However, keep in mind that these products are made with light, breathable materials so that you can wear them anytime, without feeling like you are stuck in the oven. These materials allow air to circulate through the fabric, which protects you from overheating. This gear is also dry-wicking, so it protects you against fungal infections and blisters.

5. Your muscles will get weaker because you are not activating them

Just because your muscles are getting the support they need doesn't mean they are not active. In fact, studies show that the support will even help them perform even better and you will easily achieve more precise movements.

6. It doesn't keep you safe from injuries

Although wearing compression gear doesn't mean you will never get hurt, these garments are used to minimize the risk of injuries. Since compression wear holds your muscles together better, it gives you better body control when you are running or jumping. In other words, instead of using all of its energy to hold itself together, with this gear your body can spend more energy focusing on its performance. Since you will be more aware of what you are doing, you will less likely injure yourself. It is that simple! Compression gear has suddenly become incredibly popular, but for a good reason. Whether you are a professional athlete, an average competitor, or an occasional gym enthusiast, you can surely benefit from the appropriate use of compression garments. Ask around, see what people recommend, read online reviews and find the equipment that works best for you and suits your needs.