Training & Nutrition - Does muscle compression mean anything?

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MarkS
11-29-06, 02:13 PM
The biking shorts I purchased promised to provide "muscle compression". Hmm. Wouldn't compressing the muscles make it harder for blood to get to them? Is there any proven value to muscle compression, or is this just a catch-all hype term for manufacturer's of sports clothing?

Enthalpic
11-29-06, 03:02 PM
Runners have been using them for a while now. The theory is that the muscle spends a considerable amount of energy just holding itself in place during the jarring foot-strike phase. I doubt it would have much effect on cycling, as the muscles are not shaken like they are during running. I have a pair of compression tri shorts and use them for both running and cycling… I can’t tell if they do anything besides keep “the boys” in place.
timmhaan
11-29-06, 03:05 PM
i agree. i think it's mostly BS for cyclists.

the advantage you'll see from a form fitting pair of shorts is aerodyamics, whisking sweat away, and comfort on the saddle.