Compression socks - WTF!

So what's all this stuff about compression clothing and compression socks in particular? The theory is that the compression clothing is weaved in such a way to give a constant pressure around the muscle it is covering. This pressure is known to stimulate capillary blood flow. Now, during exercise this increase helps feed the muscles with their fuel without overdue work on the body’s circulatory system. Some research (Bringard A etal, 2006) shows a reduction in "energy expenditure" in distance runners when wearing compression garments compared to normal running tights. However, post exercise the compression garments work on the muscles & artificially increase capillary blood flow to help reduce the waste products left in the muscles at the end of exercise. They should be worn after exercise for a minimum of 2 hours but various recommendations state they shouldbe kept on until the following day, thus helping the muscles recover faster and allowing you to train harder day-after-day, week after week.

So that's the theory, what about in practise? I used compression tights before post exercise and found my recovey to be significantly enhanced. What does significantly mean? Well it is purely subjective, but I ached alot less the following day after a hard session and felt refreshed and ready to go. So what about these socks then? Well I tried the "X-Socks Run Energizer Sock" during the half marathon leg of The Vitruvian Triathlon on the weekend, and apart from looking like a plonker, they really worked. I felt much fresher during the run leg than my previous Middle Distance Triathlon race and the recovery the following day was awesome. Previously my calves (gastrocnemius and soleus) were very sore after such a hard race, but not his time.

So would I recommend trying them - yes! When we spend hundreds of pounds on new bike bling, what is £12 (or whatever thay are)? Go on, do it, you know it makes sense.