Why do triathletes wear arm sleeves

Post 2 of 18 views. In general wearing compression will help to speed the recovery, they have the added benefit of preventing sunburn as well. I wear sleeves for racing and compression tights for recovery after, the only down side to the sleeves that I see is if it is not a wetsuit legal swim they are not worth putting on in transition because they take too long and if you get a wrinkle in them it can get really annoying.

The other downside is that depending on the brand they don't all breathe that well, this can be a good thing on a cold race but in most cases they can get pretty hot in the warm races. I have found them more important post race for recovery than during the race though, especially if you wear the tights or socks.

Post 3 of 18 views. I wear the sleeves for races oly and longer. I find it tends to reduce fatigue in my calves when running. No problems wearing them under a wetsuit, and quite often I'll tuck the timing chip under them as I've accidentally ripped the chip off before while removing my wetsuit. Don't usually wear them for training runs, but I'll put them on after. A lot of apparel manufacturers sell compression sleeves, but not all actually offer medical grade compression - usually anywhere from mmHg.

Word of advice - get black, not white - especially if you are doing longer events where you make rolling 'pit-stops'.

Post 4 of 18 views. Compression has been shown to possibly increase proprioception. I don't wear them for any reason other than they're comfortable for key workouts. Same for after some hard efforts. Compression tights are just comfortable after a race or hard run. Post 5 of 18 views. Besides white handlebar grip tape it's one of the best ways to look "pro". Post 6 of 18 views.

Wear them for recovery, not during races. Post 7 of 18 views. I don't think they do a thing for my actual, in-race performance, per se. However - wearing them in races, seems to dramatically improve my recovery from said races. It's like night and day. I also wear them for recovery, period. I'll even sleep in them when I feel the need. I'm a big fan. No downside, other than looking even more like a total dweeb - but that ship sailed for all of us, long ago.

Post 8 of 18 views. I've never worn them in a race, but I think I'm stupid not to wear them. Compression giants 2XU use their MSC technology in these sleeves to map muscle geometry and allow the best compressive fit.

These arm guards are optimised for performance and reducing muscle fatigue. Sign up to receive our newsletter! You've been subscribed to our newsletter. Already have an account with us? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Triathlon terms and conditions and privacy policy.

We are not talking technology as in the kind that you find in your running watch, but rather the kind that goes into the precise blend of fabrics and garment construction. Why, then, if compression wear is really about recovery do people wear compression gear during a workout or a race? Many believe that it helps them reduce injury, swelling and cramping during an event.

We have first-hand experience with compression wear allowing racers to finish a race after suffering an injury that would have caused clotting and swelling. The makers of compression gear also note that the garments support better muscle and bone alignment.

Think about running with a knee brace — the knee feels more supported, but just as importantly your brain is reminded to keep your joints an alignment as your run.

The same logic applies to good compression gear. Health benefits aside, compression gear is often used because it is simply comfortable. This is why you see runners and other workout enthusiasts often wearing compression shorts or shirts during warm workouts, workouts in which staying dry is a priority.

Compression socks are still the most popular type of compression wear for runners. The gear they tend to use covers the gamut — ranging from socks and sleeves for leg and shin splint issues to shorts or shirts for various reasons. It is definitely most common to see runners use compression socks or sleeves. The sleeves are particularly common because they still allow the runner to use the running socks of their choosing — something that often is carefully sought-out in the running circles.

As for compression shorts, we most commonly see runners use them for two basic types of injuries. The first are groin strains or pulls. A good pair of compression shorts can help with alignment and also provide just enough pressure to help comfort the groin injury.

The second injury that is often address by compression shorts is a tight hip. Much in the same way that compression socks or sleeves can help manage inflamed and sore shin splints, compression shorts can provide needed pressure for a sore hip.

A good pair of compression tights can be a perfect piece of colder weather running gear, serving as a great solo layer until temps are down to about 45 degrees, and as a great base layer when temps go below that. From a comfort standpoint, compression clothing is often used for two very different reasons. The first is to use as a base layer under other clothing during a colder-weather run. The firmness of compression gear does a great job of helping keep heat in and evenly distributed around the skin.