Fast track: muscle power—the benefits of compression apparel
Some of the most impressive stands at ISPO 20101—held in Munich, Germany, during February 7-10, 2010—belonged to companies dedicated to the manufacture of compression garments.
Compression has been used in the medical sector for more than 150 years—especially in stockings—for treating a wide range of blood circulation problems.
But it is only over the past decade or so that its benefits for athletes—during and after exercise—have come to be truly appreciated and exploited.
The trend for athletes to use the technology is thought to have begun when Paula Radcliffe, a British record breaking distance runner, began wearing over-the-calf style compression stockings in competitions. These were much publicised in the early 2000s.
Since then, the compression garment market has evolved and expanded to include singlets, shorts and even full body suits.
In fact compression garments are being employed in almost all sports, not just endurance running. They are used by players in team games—such as football and rugby, basketball and baseball—as well as by participants in running, swimming, cycling and athletics.
Compression has been used in the medical sector for more than 150 years—especially in stockings—for treating a wide range of blood circulation problems.
But it is only over the past decade or so that its benefits for athletes—during and after exercise—have come to be truly appreciated and exploited.
The trend for athletes to use the technology is thought to have begun when Paula Radcliffe, a British record breaking distance runner, began wearing over-the-calf style compression stockings in competitions. These were much publicised in the early 2000s.
Since then, the compression garment market has evolved and expanded to include singlets, shorts and even full body suits.
In fact compression garments are being employed in almost all sports, not just endurance running. They are used by players in team games—such as football and rugby, basketball and baseball—as well as by participants in running, swimming, cycling and athletics.
FROM MEDICAL TO SPORTSWEAR: A 150 YEAR OLD TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION APPAREL
MEDICAL COMPRESSION APPAREL VERSUS COMPRESSION APPAREL FOR SPORTS
TWO LEADING SUPPLIERS: 2XU AND SKINS
2XU
Skins
THE VIEW OF A MAJOR SPORTS BRAND: ADIDAS
BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION APPAREL
MEDICAL COMPRESSION APPAREL VERSUS COMPRESSION APPAREL FOR SPORTS
TWO LEADING SUPPLIERS: 2XU AND SKINS
2XU
Skins
THE VIEW OF A MAJOR SPORTS BRAND: ADIDAS
