The Benefits of Compression Wear

When it comes to compression wear, I’ve dabbled. When I used to frequent long distance flights I invested in a pair of flight socks. Then I started running longer distances so invested in a pair of compression socks after I got a set of calf sleeves in a goody bag somewhere and felt that they worked really well for recovery.

Although I worked with a sportswear brand for a while, we didn’t really use the word compression as to be classified as such it needed to meet specific standards. But I watched as compression gear became more and more popular even if people didn’t fully understand the benefits and thought it was just a great way to make your butt look fabulous.

Compression Wear Is Not Just For Professional Athletes

So when SKINS contacted me about their range, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take my use of compression gear to another level and I picked out a pair of leggings (I’m not a fan of crops) and a matching bra.

The pieces I picked out are from their new DNAmic range; an exciting collection in which they collaborated with a Sydney based street artist – James Jirat Patradoon. What really caught my eye though were the bright and bold prints which are perfect for us everyday athletes!

Why Size Matters

I spent a fair bit of time on the website figuring out the sizing as they use a unique sizing system which is based on a Body Mass Index (BMI) / anthropometrical algorithm. Since I’ve had the outfit (I got the leggings before the bra as I actually needed to go down a size in the bra) I’ve worn the leggings everywhere and for everything; spin, HIIT, running. The sizing is pretty important as you only get the full benefits of the gradient compression if your SKINS fit you properly!

The basic premise behind compression wear is that by applying pressure to particular areas of the body you provide more force to help propel blood back to your heart which increases blood flow without having to use up more energy. Dynamic Gradient Compression increases oxygen delivery to active muscles while in motion and reduces lactic-acid build-up for more power and less recovery time.

Improved Recovery And Beating The Heat

All the garments uniquely wrap and support your key muscle groups to reduce movement and focus direction for less vibration in your muscles, less soft tissue damage and therefore less soreness after you workout! …and we all want less DOMS right?!

Then you can train again sooner and get results faster! …And having kinda had a summer in the UK it was great to know that the leggings (and all products) have built in UV protection of 50+ as well as moisture wicking properties drawing sweat away from the body quickly.

Yup, I picked the matching crop top to the tights. And yup, I have worn them both together on occasion. Usually I throw on a baggy top over the top to help break up the pattern at least until I get in the gym / studio. The bra has plenty of mesh which makes it even more breathable and the high neck means is pretty “on trend” and a style that I think suits my shape best.

I’ve mostly worn this bra for spinning classes and teaching as it’s perfect for low – medium impact workouts. I suggest you use the size calculator on the SKINS website to help you choose your size and save any faffing with returns and exchanges!

SKINS use the very bold hashtag #SKINSorNOTHING as they are confident that their scientifically proven compression wear can more than rival all other functional base layers out there! …and to be fair, I think I might agree!

Do you use compression wear when you workout?! Have you tried any SKINS products before?!

Elle