Compression Top and Pants

Zola.

Hi Folks

I am going on one of those tough mud runs in the summer, through lots of swamps etc.

Been told I need compression top and trousers.

Does anyone have any recommendations? If theres someone out there who makes good gear and isn't expensive, please recommend some brands.

I know there is Under Armour, but for some reason they strike me and the market leader / most expensive.

tomtontom

I was going to say Under Armour, they have good prices on Amazon. Definitely not the most expensive, not sure where you've got that from.

RichardD1970

You don't "need" compression kit, but it can help (it stops my wobbly bits being too wobbly as well as the other benefits ).

Most of ours we have picked up at Aldi, but you have to catch it when it's in.

daivid

As above I don't think you need them but might want them. I have compression shorts I use in winter, and find them very helpful with hamstring issues. Mine are skins, and were far from cheap. For tops I've never had compression wear as such though I have base layers by Underarmour and helly hansen which are good if it's very cold or to wear under a wetsuit or such.

In summer I would think all you are after is something that will be comfy even after it gets soaked, no need for serious compression ware and cheaper alternatives should do fine.

jenniewb

I've only ever seen 2XU and Skins (available from running shops). The idea/theory with compression wear is that if you are exercising intensely (anerobic if less than an hour or for more than an hour or so with a degree of aerobic intensity) then your body will respond with a degree of inflammation as the muscles suffer micro-tears (it's the micro tears you need to form stronger muscles and for muscles to grow over time).


The inflammation is very normal but can hinder repair and recovery time as it prevents as much circulation and so means it takes a little longer to repair as the inflammation slows things down. It's the circulation that really helps with exercise recovery as it is able to send energy and nutrients to help the muscles grow but at the same time help get rid of any waste or toxins which are a result of damaged muscles.


There are no doubt many other theories around compression wear (such as one about it helping shape muscles or correct posture) but these tend to be theories rather than proven facts. From what I understand compression wear is mostly about reducing inflammation so you can 1. work for longer and 2. recover at a faster rate.


That being said; if you are injured or already experiencing inflammation before you don the compression wear, you are likely to be compressing your circulation rather than compressing and reducing the inflammation so watch it or you can end up with circulation issues such as numbness and risk of other problems down the line. So make sure that if you do wear compression wear that you pay attention to how it feels and keep an 'eye' on any tingling and weakness which is unusual; symptoms tend to be your body's way of warning you something is wrong.


Other ways to deal with inflammation which I've heard about vary from drinking more water (to help flush out toxins and boost circulation- though not drinking too much water which can cause weakness and fatigue).
Taking ibuprofen before exercise (ibuprofen reduces inflammation- though it can cause water retention so don't over-do it).
Sports massage (n/b; this is not the same as a regular massage, it takes a bit of work and focuses on specific problem areas. You often work with the sports massage practitioner rather than sitting back to enjoy!)
And sleeping enough.

Compression wear is expensive and in my experience can help with injuries and if you are exercising intensely for more than an hour and your doing this many/every day but the regular normal hour in the gym..etc; I wouldn't waste your money as the kit is expensive and the compression does weaken over time as all fabric naturally degrades no matter how expensive it is.

RichardD1970

jenniewb wrote: »

Sports massage (n/b; this is not the same as a regular massage, it takes a bit of work and focuses on specific problem areas. ou often work with the sports massage practitioner rather than sitting back to enjoy!)

Lol, my wife had a couple of sessions of spots massage to iron out a couple of issues before her first marathon.

It definitely wasn't something you could sit back and enjoy :eek:

edgex

If you look on Amazon, theres a brand called 'Sub' available, they are about the cheapest you'll get.

Wouldn't bother with anything more expensive for ToughMudder etc, as you have to assume they could be wrecked afterwards.

tafelmoneysaver

It is more important to wear something that doesn't absorb water when wet.

I did one last year and wore only quick drying running shorts and t-shirt. There were many people struggling with their soggy and heavy tops and trousers after the first river crossing!

Huskyrunner

I wouldnt bother re spending a fortune on under armour gear or compression stuff if your doing a tough mudder event.



A decent lycra base layer something like that

http://www.dare2b.com/womens-insulate-base-layer-set-black.html

then some adidas or nike running tights too go over the top. You can get cheaper base layers on ebay but they tend not too last 5 mins.