Compression Garments

Short version: placebo
Long version: Got bored at the office and decided to research the performance and recovery effects of compression garments - you know, the ridiculously priced tights, stockings and leggings from 2xu, skns....which, by the way - hospital caliber for one third the price at mall-wart. Anyway, several different testing situations - cycling time trial, explosive activities (jumping, squatting...) and consecutive day activity - covering a variety of groups - trained cyclists, rugby players and other team sports. The goal - do compression garments decrease exercise induced muscle damage, and hence, enhance recovery; and do compresssion garments worn during activity increase performance.

Give it a thought........................yes, you are a sucker for marketing and advertisement.

NO physiological benefits and NO performance enhancement. Wait, wait, wait: what did you pay for: Reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness, that's right placebo effect.

What is to come from all of this:
#1 Do not wear your stockings with shorts, in public. period.
-A.

Something to Talk About

Preparation and Attitude. You attitude determines your preparation. I am routinely hard on myself, and it all boils down to sleep. Why do I drink a pot of coffee in the morning, well - Jack Bauer is saving the world one hour at a time, and it just so happens to be every Monday night. Which leads me to dragging into the locker room, late, half asleep; change of attitude - less than 4 weeks to New Orleans, standing in Lake P., feeling a pee or 2, or 3 more before the start, bam focus, the fastest race of your life. Be realistic.

Your preparation determines your outcome. Analyzed my underwater swim video - front quadrant swimming, Grant Hackett freakin' amazing. Hit the pool for drills, drills and drills, early vertical forearm. Attitude, attitude, attitude. Mediocrity is too easy. Be realistic. Goals for the race posting soon.
-A.