วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 15 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Triathlon Clothing: Guide to Compression

<p class="articletext">Compression has been used in the treatment and prevention of venous problems for many years; it is now being adopted by triathlon athletes to provide the following functions:<br />
<br /> 1. Stimulating circulation to specific muscle groups<br /> 2. Reduce the build up of lactic acid<br /> 3. Providing support and stability to targeted muscles<br /> 4. Reduce muscle vibration<br />


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Athletes in many sports, not just triathlon, wear compression garments before, during and after exercise for the following reasons:<br />
<br /> 1. Improved performance<br /> 2. Delay the onset of fatigue<br /> 3. Reduce the risk of injury<br /> 4. Reduced muscle discomfort<br /> 5. Speed up recovery times<br />
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Key Considerations & Next steps <br />
<br /> 1. The main purpose for buying the compression item - some items are designed for general use whilst others are specifically designed to be worn before, during or after exercise so check your item does what you want.<br /> 2. The area of the body you are hoping to target - compression clothing are generally targeted at specific muscle groups so make sure you are buying the most appropriate item for your needs.<br /> 3. Research the different compression garment options for a specific muscle group - for example, if you are looking for calf support whilst running would you find a compression sock more comfortable than a calf guard or a stirrup?<br /> 4. The practicality of wearing the garment - for example, if you are looking to wear a calf guard for the run discipline of a triathlon do you really want to wear it for the swim and bike disciplines if not do you want to spend the time in T2 to put the item on?<br /> 5. Consider the effect of adding an additional layer of clothing - in cold weather conditions the addition of another layer on your torso may not be a problem however in hot weather this may lead to overheating.<br /> 6. Ensure you buy the correct size - compression clothing by its very nature is designed to be tight so make sure that it is, loose compression clothing will not work. Most manufacturers will have detailed sizing charts. If you are between sizes then opt for the smaller size as long as it is still comfortable.<br />
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Next steps: <br />
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Once you have taken these considerations in to account do your research and give it a try, some triathlon athletes swear by it whilst others are indifferent.<br />
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FAQ: Here is a selection of frequently asked questions regarding compression:<br />
<br /> * Does compression work? Always a popular question, all we can say is that some athletes swear by it whilst others are indifferent. We at Tri20 have had good experiences with it but we will never know whether or not we would have had the same results had we not been wearing it!<br /> * Can I wear my compression wear under a wetsuit? Yes you can but be aware that moisture of any kind will degrade the materials faster and be especially careful of using them in chlorinated water such as swimming pools. Always follow the manufacturer's aftercare instructions.<br /> * Am I allowed to wear compression clothing in races? In the majority of races it is allowed however it is always worth checking as it is prohibited in some events.<br /> * How long do I need to wear my compression garment to gain maximum benefits? It is generally accepted that the longer the garment is worn the greater the benefit in recovery. However we have read articles that talk about effective time frames between 4 and 24 hours.<br /> * Are there any medical conditions that mean I should not wear compression garments? Always check with the manufacturer's guidelines; I have seen articles referring to the use of compression stockings during pregnancy before so am sure that other information will be available.<br /> * Will compression items restrict my range of movement? The materials used in this type of clothing are typically very thin and should not be restrictive. If they are restrictive this may be an indication that you have the incorrect size, if possible try before you buy.<br /> * How do I know if I have the right size? Most compression clothing manufacturers will have a comprehensive sizing chart available. Generally speaking, the clothing should feel tight whilst still providing a full range of movement and should not cut in to the skin or pinch the skin at any point of contact. If you are between sizes then opt for the smaller size as long as it is still comfortable.<br /> * Is compression wear appropriate for younger triathlon athletes? It is always worth checking with the manufacturer's own guidelines; there are some manufacturers that do youth specific garments.<br />
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Putting your compression garments on <br />
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Compression garments are designed to be tight fitting and as such you should take care when putting them on to prevent damage to any part of the item. Whilst the materials used compression clothing do possess excellent elasticity qualities we would recommend taking your time and don't force larger limbs through small openings - for example if you are putting on a calf guard, take care when fitting this over your foot. Be especially careful with the clothing gripping areas which are always slightly less stretchy. It is often easier to progressively pull the clothing into place rather than try and get it on in a single movement.</p>


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