Compression Wear

How Compression Wear Helps Sports Athletes and Martial Arts Training

At first glance, compression wear may seem like a clothing choice reserved only for bodybuilders and other fitness professionals, but this isn’t the case at all. There are many different ways that compression wear can help athletes and martial artists train and stay injury-free over time, especially when they regularly participate in high-impact exercise such as running or martial arts practice. If you’re an athlete or martial artist who spends a lot of time on their feet or working out, compression wear may be right for you.

Good compression gear enhances performance

When athletes or martial artists want to improve their performance, they work to increase their endurance. This usually means more training—which can be a hassle. But if you wear compression gear when you train, it can actually help you boost your endurance so that you’re not getting worn out at practice as quickly.

Our feet need support too

Properly fitting shoes for workouts and sports help stabilize our feet, ankles, knees, hips, backs, necks—basically all of our joints. Because compressed materials increase blood flow and promote muscle recovery after strenuous activity (and more), compression socks are becoming a popular choice among athletes in a variety of disciplines who want to improve their performance or minimize soreness post-workout. A sturdy pair of compression socks can be worn while working out as well as during recovery periods to aid in reducing joint pain.

Squeeze all parts of your body

While compression wear is commonly thought of as an excellent way to help increase blood flow (which can have a range of benefits for athletes), not many realize that it’s also great for reducing strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints. The term compression wear refers to garments that compress or squeeze body parts when worn. This can help those parts recover faster from strenuous activities like sports or martial arts training.

Less pain during and after exercise

A study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism revealed that wearing compression clothing during a workout can help alleviate muscle soreness. Researchers found that wearing such attire reduces lactate levels by 20 percent during exercise, which is believed to reduce soreness. More research needs to be done to prove conclusively that compression gear minimizes pain in athletes, but it makes sense: Reducing lactic acid buildup during workouts should keep your muscles less stiff post-exercise.

Custom-fit compression gear increases comfort

When you’re pushing your body to its limits, it makes sense that you want to be comfortable. Custom-fit compression wear for sports athletes and martial artists helps support muscles, joints, and ligaments during rigorous training. The right gear makes a huge difference in how your body reacts to daily stressors. Investing in custom-fit compression clothing is an investment in your health.

Choose breathable fabrics

What makes a good compression garment? What’s more important: fit or material? Well, it depends on what you want to use it for. For example, if you are using a compression shirt to aid recovery after training then thin materials such as Spandex will be best suited as they can help draw sweat away from your skin.

Stock up on gear when you see discounts

Many times, sports stores like to clear out their gear as they prepare for a new season. This means that there are often great deals on gear if you know when to stock up. Find out when your sporting goods store has sales by signing up for their email list or following them on social media. Then, you can follow their lead and stock up during big sales instead of buying a small amount throughout the year.