I have noticed that a lot of weight lifters use compression leggings and shirts.

After reading up on different opinions on the matter, it seems to be split down the line.

Some say it helps with stamina, recovery, etc...............while others say it provides no benefit but rather just an fashion accessory.

What has your experience been Nation?

I have seen opinions on this as well but I will say I recently purchased new training gear and I bought Under Armour Sleevless, Tank Top and Training Shorts. A bit on the pricey side and although the shorts are stated as compression shorts they are by no means tight like leggings. I will say it was the best decision I've made because I use to wear mainly Basketball shorts and they some what restricted movement. I almost forget I am wearing anything at all. Feels good, I can move freely and they are also the Hot/Cold material. I also like my body being able to show the goods more than baggier clothes would allow.

IMO comfort and looks are pretty calling to me and a good set of training gear will take your training to a completely different level itself. Now I just need the right pair of kicks.

Thanks for the feedback.

Hey snake, it depends a bit on which kind of 'tight' clothing it is that you have seen.

In weightlifting, especially also powerlifting there is a certain kind of training clothing gthat actually "helps" them to lift up to 50 kilo higher or even more.

In powerlifting so called "bench shirts" are in an own lifting class. There are equipment lifting classes as well as no equipment classes and each have their own competitions as the differences are quite big.

Whilst the equpment class, really just becomes a material war - as in: who has the most expensive high tech bench shirt. The non-equipment class is merely really based on the athletes strength on it's own.

So those are 2 different ways of lifting. And equipment lifters also traina nd lift a bit different of course more based towards their gear.

And then of course just the tight clothing, which became a bit more of a thing since last year for men too. As @Adawg38 already said, it hinders less in movements. Especially such as squats etc, and on a bench you don't need to worry that everyone can look into your shorts :P

Plus it keeps the siniews tight on the body and functions a bit like a ellbow / knee wrap would as well.

Some also swear on the termic effect of it. Keepinmg your muscles more warm and ready for load.

That#s the 2 differences i could point out for you. Hope that helped too =)

Snake,

Outside of powerlifting where this type of clothing helps with lifts, it is best to have comfortable clothes that "breathe". If you can't easily sweat and lose body heat as well as let your skin breathe, you will overheat and create the perfect breeding ground for nasty skin infections like Staph. Gyms are filthy and all that bacteria gets all over you when you are working out and sweating. Also, we all have various strains of staph living on our skin without incident. Some strains are "foreign" to our body and you can become "colonized" if exposed to these strains which leads to boils and other infections if you get a cut or open sore on your skin. Tight fitting clothing creates an environment that can lead to problems.

John

Thanks Crood

That is a very interesting point John.

Will keep that in my mind for sure.

My opinion on compression gear is this...

I feel as tho it works, I feel like o get better blood flow, better movement, and just a better performance. Does it actually give me this? I haven't done scientific tests on my muscle fibers to test their effone you so I don't know exactly but it can 100% help mentally. It can give me the mental boost to feel stronger. That's enough for me to want to own it and wear it to the gym.

should you wear it?

In my advice I think you should go and buy one piece of conpression clothing and try it out and see how you feel using it if you feel like it works then go ahead and use it, and buy more! If you get no benefit from it at least you will have some nice looking gym gear!

Read this man! Talks about benefits etc of compression gear.

http://muscularstrength.com/article/Compression-Wear-Benefits-Recovery-Why-Under-Armour-Worth-Investment

Jordan

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!!

I wear comp shorts literally for no reason other than to keep the nads out of the way. Ever sit on your nuts? Hurts. This is the only thing that benefits me from them which is a big enough reason for me. Kind of like a bra for your jewels.