While up in Huntsville this past weekend I had lots of questions about the funny socks I was wearing! I thought I’d take some time to talk about compression products – a growing trend in the endurance sport world. Not only does 2XU make amazing wetsuits, comfortable (and stylish) trisuits and great cycling and running gear, they also have a complete line of compression clothing. No, they don’t stop at socks – they also have tights, shorts, bike shorts, long and short sleeve tops and calf guards. 

Compression products provide a number of benefits including:

Improved recovery – aids in venous blood return, helping to remove lactate and other exercise biproducts from the tissues

Improved circulation – the graduated compression in the limbs aids in venous blood return to the heart and movement of lymphatic fluid

Reduced fatigue – muscle oscillation or vibration is a major cause of muscle fatigue, which can be reduced by wearing compression garments

Heightened agility – increased proprioception (which is essentially your sense of where your body is) which can improve balance and control

Reduced damage - 2XU compression has muscle containment properties which reduces muscle damage and can reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness – the culprit for post exercise soreness for 1-2 days)

2XU compression products have a number of other benefits – check it out (http://www.2xu.com/compression/benefits.html). I really encourage you to try them for yourself. I wear my compression socks for running, especially for hard or long workouts. The compression tights are great for travel, pre and post race, running in the winter…the options are endless! I also love my calf guards which are great for training and racing – this weekend in Peterborough I’m going to wear them right from the start, under my V1 wetsuit. 2XU also makes a black recovery sock which is not quite as tight as the competition socks, but provides great compression throughout the day – at home or at work (and the black colour means you won’t look silly in your dress pants!)