![]() Here we take a look at the facts and fictions surrounding one of cycling's most misunderstood fads. There is more conclusive evidence regarding compression's benefits during athletic competition, but cyclists seem reluctant to trade their kits for nondescript compression wear. Science has yet to prove a benefit for cyclists using compression garments for recovery. It turns out that what cyclists-even pros-say or believe doesn't necessarily jibe with reality. But the question remains: Do athletes get the same benefits from tights as bed-bound patients? Ever-increasing numbers of amateur racers-presumably without pro-level travel demands-emulate their heroes by wearing compression garments to the bike shop as well as the race venue. Pros such as Lewis say that they can feel the difference. Some of the greatest benefits are claimed by pro cyclists who often face demanding travel schedules: "I wear compression gear almost every waking hour, except for when I'm on the bike," says American pro Craig Lewis.ĬW-X, Skins, and 2XU, three of the most prominent manufacturers of compression garments, all claim that wearing their tights and socks can improve recovery speed, and, if worn during sports, can boost overall performance. Thirty years later, compression garments have become a part of our sport, and are popular among runners, triathletes, and other athletes. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Sometime in the 1980s, professional athletes got to thinking: If increased blood flow was good for patients with circulation-related maladies, wouldn't it also benefit them? Soon, racers started regularly slipping out of their newfangled spandex shorts (this was the 1980s) and into women's support hose after races. With added pressure, the blood in those latter veins speeds up. Blood is pumped to the extremities via high-pressure arteries, but it trickles through low-pressure veins located just beneath the skin on its way back. The idea is fairly simple: Increased pressure on muscles accelerates the flow of blood to the heart by accentuating human physiology. What he's really getting is a little harder to define.įor years, doctors have relied on compression stockings to improve circulation in diabetic and bed-bound patients, as well as to treat lymph edema and phlebitis, among other conditions. His legs were fresher than anyone else's, and he's recovering faster. ![]() When it comes to compression, he's a true believer. Either way, he'll keep that look for hours, from the postrace diner stop right up until he showers as he seeks to recover from the hard efforts of the day. As soon as the race is over, he'll pull his bibs off and roll the squeezy fabrics back on. ![]() ![]() He wore the tights in the car on the way to the race-and maybe slept in them last night. If you've raced a bike in the past few years, you've probably seen that guy-the guy with the tights-out in the parking lot. ![]()
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