2XU Elite Compression Tights

There is no doubt that compression clothing helps improve circulation. You may have noticed your grandmother wearing compression stockings decades ago. Compression garments are commonly used in the medical community to help improve circulation post-surgery, prevent blog clot formation, reduce fluid retention and swelling, and speed injury recovery.

It makes perfect sense that the makers of athletic garments would utilize these technologies, as any product that improves post work out circulation will in turn assist in recovery. The 2XU Elite Compression Tight is a step forward in compression technology. Using a thicker Lycra yarn (50 denier) the Elite Tight provides a bit more compression than similar products I have tried. Another drawback to some compression products is that material thickness does not allow the fabric to breathe well enough, or it retains heat marginalizing the garments to cold season training only. The Elite fabric breathed well enough to not overheat me during a run on a 90 degree day. Although the fabric provides good compression it is not thick or heavy feeling and breathes well.

Sport compression garments generally promise two things; improved performance and improved recovery. Do not expect to knock minutes off of your next race with any clothing item, but I do believe the Elite tights have some value during your work outs. During high intensity intervals that require recovery periods in between efforts any increase in venous return is welcome as waste products are more quickly flushed out. By improving circulation, warm up and post effort recovery may also be improved. 2XU claims the product aids in endurance and may reduce muscle vibration and trauma. Eccentric contractions (ex. downhill running) are the most damaging. When viewed in slow motion you can see how the working leg muscles stiffen and vibrate upon impact. I could feel a marked reduction in muscle vibration while wearing the tights.

I believe the real value is for the 2XU Elite tights is not so much in improved performance but improved recovery, particularly post race. Because athletes have lower heart rates and resulting circulation at rest, they are more at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots that form usually in the legs. These clots can travel to the lungs or brain causing serious damage; even death. If you compete in an event and immediately get on a plane or sit in a car for long periods you may be at risk for DVT, especially in a dehydrated state when the blood thickens. I think the elites should be standard issue for any ultra distance athlete traveling long distances post race, or just for post race recovery.

I give the 2XU a thumbs up for use during your work outs but more specifically to aid in post work out recovery and circulation.

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