The Use Of A Compression Shirt And Its Escalating Popularity

By Geoffrey Guiles

Almost every one of us, if not all, today participate in various sporting activities, or perform various training exercises to keep our body healthy and in good shape. As these activities and exercises require us to exert much effort to burn fats and calories, we are always left hot and sweaty after the workout. As such, many today are wearing compression shirts when performing these activities to wick moisture away from their body.

Spandex, polypropylene, Lycra, and neoprene, in combination with other kinds of synthetic and natural fabrics, are the materials commonly used in the manufacture of compression shirts. These combinations of materials result to a tight-fitting, yet comfortable pieces of garments that excellently reduce muscle vibrations. As such, these materials are more commonly worn by athletes to reduce fatigue that is brought about by excessive muscle vibrations. Nonetheless, these garments are also being used today for a host of other purposes.

There are indeed a number of benefits that can be derived from the use of compression shirts. Among these is the reduction in muscle vibration-these garments hold the muscle tightly to prevent unnecessary movement, which in turn reduces energy use and the onset of fatigue. Also among these advantages that can be derived from the use of these tight-fitting garments is the reduction of blood lactate concentration during maximal exercise bouts. They also enhance lactate removal and subsequent exercise performance. Scientific studies have also found that the use of these tight fitting garments help reduce effects of delayed muscle soreness in the days following strenuous exercise. These items are also designed to improve blood flow.

Upon closer inspection of the different benefits that can be derived from the use of compression shirts, one would say that these shirts are generally designed for the use of athletes. True enough, these shirts are being worn by athletes to protect their muscles from injury, maintain their body temperature, and wick away moisture from their body-and hence, enhance their performance. Nonetheless, these shirts are not exclusively worn by individuals participating in various sporting activities; rather, they are also used for a variety of medical applications. These garments are often used to aid patients in the recovery process after surgeries such as liposuction and are also used for medical conditions such as lymphedema and pregnancy.

Compression shirts are now available in the market in a huge variety of types and brands for consumers to choose from. As such, choosing the best is often a tedious ordeal. Before making a purchase decision, one of the important factors that should be first determined is where the shirt will be primarily used. These tight fitting shirts can today purchased in two general types: body shaping shirts which are used for medical purposes as well as those looking to shape their body, hide excess skin, and conceal fat and sports attire shirts which are primarily designed to be used by individuals participating in various sporting activities.

Compression shirts are indeed excellent inventions that can keep athletes always on the go. They are also excellent tools that may aid in the medical field. As such, choosing the best one among the multitude of options is vital in ensuring that we benefit from their use.

About the Author:

Geoffrey Guiles is a professional soccer player from Germany. During trainings and even in actual play-offs, Geoffrey always wears a Kompressionsshirt (the german word for "Compression Shirt") to keep him cool and comfortable despite the heat.