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Soon after I started really getting intorunningandtraining for half-marathons, I learned about compression clothing.
Courtesy of Nike
My legs hurt, and anything that could help was worth trying, right?
But recently I’ve started to wonder: Are these fancy pants really doing anything?
People with this complication are often instructed by their doctors to wear compression stockings.
Courtesy of Nike
They work by essentially guiding blood toward the heart and increasing the speed and volume at which it flows.
And then whatever findings one study comes out with, the next study shows the opposite.
This makes it hard to draw conclusions for a larger population of athletes.
Courtesy of Athleta
Most studies show that its not going to help with running performance.
The only real benefits that are shown is time of recovery is slightly improved.
And theres absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Courtesy of Lily Trotters
Its worth wearing them, says Borchers.
If you try it and it does nothing for you, theres no need to keep wearing it.
Some people actually experience negative effects with compression garments, Ferber says.
Courtesy of Skins
Restricted blood flow can result in numbness or muscle cramping for some.
If thats you, again, you might ditch it.
It really comes down to trial and error.
And another three will say it doesnt have an effect, Ferber says.
Its also important to note that no recovery technique will be effective on its own.
Getting your zzzs and eating properly to fuel and refuel your body are most important, Licameli says.
Athleta Sculptek Stealth Capri ($89,athleta.com) is another favorite.
Im really into wearing compression socks after training runs.