What Is the Benefit of Wearing Compression Clothing to Work Out?

Compression clothing can include any tight garment that compresses a part of your body, such as your legs, arms, abdomen, and back. To some degree, most compression garments can provide support, promote muscle recovery, and improve athletic performance.

You may see professional athletes wearing compression sleeves, shirts, or shorts — but amateur athletes and hobbyists can benefit from compression as well. In fact, anyone who works out can benefit from wearing compression clothing inside and outside the gym.

Learn the benefits of wearing compression clothing during a workout and identify which level of compression you need to get the results you want.

4 Benefits of Wearing Compression Clothing While Working Out

Every type of compression clothing offers its own unique benefits. That’s because each targets a specific area of the body and provides a unique amount of pressure. Read on to learn about the advantages of compression garments.

Support Your Muscles and Joints

Some degrees of compression clothing can provide just enough pressure to your muscles and joints to help prevent injuries like sprains, runner’s knee, or tennis elbow. This added pressure can also reduce strain during a workout and help you avoid muscle cramps while you exercise.

Muscle and joint support from compression clothing can also reduce or delay muscle fatigue that could leave you feeling sore and stiff after a workout.

When you wear compression garments pre- or post-workout, the extra support can make getting a deep stretch much easier and more comfortable.

Increase Workout Duration

Muscle support and pain relief work together to ensure you can go a little longer and a little harder — helping you get the most from your workouts. Plus, compression can help your muscle tissue rebuild more quickly during rest periods so you can get back to the gym quicker.

Lower Your Perceived Exertion

Compression garments give you extra support and comfort, making it feel like you’re using less energy. This can help you go for longer and avoid wearing out too quickly. Since working out is also about mental fortitude and staying focused, less pain and strain can make it easier for you to push through and reach personal goals.

Keep You Dry During Workouts

Sweat can be uncomfortable during a workout and can lead to chaffing. Many compression garments use breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon and polyester. These added layers don’t make you overheat or sweat more. Instead, they can bring moisture to the surface of your clothes, away from your body.

Types of Compression Clothing You Can Wear During a Workout

There are many different types of compression clothing, so you can find a compression garment that gives you targeted support where you need it. Here are some different types of compression clothing and how they work to alleviate pain and tension during workouts:

• Sleeves: Compression sleeves can be worn on a variety of body parts, including your arms and legs, to provide targeted compression to these muscles and joints. For example, you might wear a calf sleeve or a knee sleeve while you run, stretch, or lift. An arm sleeve is perfect for upper body workouts and provides ideal pressure that supports your biceps, forearms, elbows, and wrists.
• Shorts: Compression shorts offer extra support and pressure in the thighs and buttocks – an excellent option for runners and lifters.
• Leggings: Get support throughout the entire leg, from the hips to the ankles, with compression leggings. These are especially popular among runners.
• Shirts: You can find compression T-shirts and tank tops for support in the upper body. Opt for a long-sleeved compression shirt for upper body and full-arm compression. These are great for moisture wicking during cardio and boosted core support no matter how you work out.
• Socks: Runners and those doing high-impact workouts might consider getting compression socks to support foot muscles and alleviate pain starting in the feet. Or keep your toes free and choose an ankle compression sleeve to provide targeted relief.

How Much Compression Do You Need?

More compression isn’t always better. Too much compression can have adverse effects on your workout. On the other hand, light compression can give your muscles and joints extra support during a workout without restricting your movements.

Proper sizing is essential. When you wear any compression garment, it should feel snug but still a bit stretchy. Always follow the size chart to ensure you get just the right amount of compression for the benefits you need.

Choose Nufabrx for Your Next Workout

Coverage and compression are important when selecting a compression garment for workouts. But you should also consider what other pain-relieving benefits your compression clothing can provide.

Nufabrx HealthWear® technology provides just enough compression to deliver pain-relieving medicine directly into your skin, helping soothe soreness at the source. So, when you wear a Nufabrx compression sleeve after your workout you can delay muscle fatigue and target pain before it happens.