I tried compression sleeves for the first time when I started running back to back long runs to train for the Hat Trick at Runner’s World Half and Festival. Long runs on Sat and Sun followed by sore legs Sunday evening and Monday. Sore legs and thoughts of how I was going to feel training to run a 50 miler in 2013.
After a trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods I was the owner of 2XU Compression Calf Sleeves – Refresh.
Wow! Never mind (for a minute) the science behind increased blood circulation, reducing blood lactate concentration, and reduced swelling and inflammation. They simply feel good on tired legs! And the science behind compression has proven true. My legs were not as sore and recovery time was quicker. Bring on a 3-race weekend!
Now, I’m deciding. For quad compression do I want leg sleeves, pants or shorts? And now that I think about it. Should I have chosen compression socks instead of sleeves? I wonder what the difference is.
Do you wear compression during or after a workout? What brand do you recommend? What do you do to shorten recovery time?
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I'm a wife, mom of 2, Swiftwick, FitFluential, Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador that is passionate about running, plant-based nutrition, fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy life is not about perfection. It's about commitment, effort and progress! 
I haven’t tried compression sleeves (lower on the ‘how do I spend my money list than gels and socks) but I want to!
Keep us posted as time goes on
Kate recently posted..1 in 500
Haha! I’m sure that is what took me so long to try them
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I haven’t used compression sleeves but I’ve heard they work wonders, as you say
Meredith @ Dare You To recently posted..Friday Photos: Oct 5-11
Hi Meredith. I should have tried them sooner!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
LOVE my compression sleeves and socks. I use them for recovery mostly. I do prefer the socks for wearing all day at work. My legs and feet feel 10x better on the really sore days. I’ve got ProCompression socks and CEP sleeves. I like both!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Running Pop Quiz
Thanks Angela. I’m going to check out ProCompression. I wish I could find them locally.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I know so many runners that swear by compression sleeves. I still haven’t tried them myself, but I’ve been feeling some soreness so I think it may be time.
Run DMT recently posted..Creamy Avocado and Roasted Tomato Fettuccine
Try them Deinse! You won’t regret it
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I wear compression socks after my long runs for a couple hours around the house. I am going to try them for my back to back days next week as I get deeper into my Goofy training. They definitely help my legs recover more quickly.
Hi Pam. So far I’ve only used them for recovery. I think I’m going to try running in them on back to back days and for ultra training starting after the RW weekend.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I like compression sleeves because I am very particular on the type of socks I run with. Compression socks do not allow me to run with my favorite socks! I also like compression tights – I used these after my first full marathon and it helped a lot!
Hi Jennifer! I’m leaning toward the tights instead of shorts. You have Zensah right?
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
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I love my compression sleeves for my calves and knees but have to get another pair for my calves soon, TheWife has confiscated mine and told me to they stink after I run in them, so that I have to leave them alone
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Harold recently posted..A Windy 5.0 Miles–10/11/12
Haha! Time for a new pair
I haven’t seen the sleeve for knees. I would love sleeves just for quads.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
My husband uses them and loves them!
p.s. Just posted and linked up my Insanity review. I see you are doing P90X again! Cool! I am thinking about re-doing X2 and even started it a little. But having a hard time finding a great workout time every day. So, I’m just doing what I can do to maintain until I figure it out.
Sandy
Sandy Cooper recently posted..Fitness Friday: Insanity, My Official Review
Hi Sandy. I’ll check out your review. Yes. My favorite P90X original again with one day of Les Mills Pump added for legs and X2 again in 2013.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I’d love to try compression sleeves or socks! I’ve heard so much about the benefits of them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Kierston recently posted..8 More Sleeps to the SAF and Physique Canada Stage!
Try them Kierston! You won’t regret it
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
Don’t they feel amazing?! I have both the sleeves and the socks.. I don’t think there is much difference, although the sleeves are easier to wear in warmer weather or wear under clothes all day if you need to. I’ve been thinking I need some for my hips/quads, too!
Laura recently posted..Race day goals and fueling
Yes! AMAZING! I’d love to find quad sleeves.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I have never used them, but now that you put it like that, I may have to get some! I never really understood what all the fuss was about, but you make them sound like a must have! Are you ready for the RW weekend!!?
Travel Spot recently posted..10 Running Tidbits
I don’t have many running must-haves but this is def one of them. Especially for long runs and back to back running days.
Yes! I’m ready and so excited
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I love my compression socks and wear them after every long run. I have compression tights that I wear in cooler weather races too and don’t quite notice as big of a difference as the socks. But, I’m thinking they’re doing something.
Carrie@familyfitnessfood.com recently posted..Best Body Bootcamp
Hi Carrie. I’m leaning toward the tights but what I would really like is to find quad-only compression.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I was SO CLOSE to signing up for the hat trick, but I’m only doing the 5K and half.
I use compression socks just as recovery after a long run. I’ve never run in compression gear before, but I hear people like the sleeves for that?
Amanda @ Run Principessa recently posted..Hell Week Defined
So we get to meet IRL! I’ve only used the compression for recovery too but seriously considering running in them next weekend for the Hat Trick. When are you arriving in PA?
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I have Tommie Copper claf sleeves and Procompression socks. I love them both. I usually use the socks to run in and the sleeves for recovery. I actually ran in my socks just yesterday and my legs felt so good!
Hikermom recently posted..My Bootcamp Experience
I looked for socks today. No luck. Did you buy your sleeves and socks online?
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
Yes I bought the socks online. Tommie Copper actually sent me the sleeves to review on my blog. You should contact them, I bet they would send you some too:)
hikermom recently posted..Free Rant Friday
I love compression socks! Haven’t tried the sleeves…I like the support for my feet too. I wear them while I run and after for recovery.
Mindy @Road Runner Girl recently posted..Fitness Friday…Marathon Training Week 2!
It’s a love shared by many! I think I want compression shorts. I looked today but wasn’t able to find any.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I wear compression after long runs. I love Zensah & Pro Compressions socks and I have a pair of Aspaeris shorts that are awesome! I have been able to recover quicker since I started using compression gear.
AmyC recently posted..Tufts Health Plan 10K
I totally agree about the recovery! I looked for shorts today but no luck. I’m trying a few other places tomorrow before I buy online.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I was told that the sleeves are intended to wear while running and the socks are more for recovery (and running) because it includes your ankles and feet. I love my socks!
Jenny @ simply be me recently posted..Rest Day Randoms – skating, Mojito, 10K, park, rail trail, tree climbing
That makes total sense. Run in the sleeves and my favorite socks and wear compression socks afterward. Thanks Jenny!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
i have a pair of zensah socks and a pair of procompression socks. i usually wear them after races or long runs and i love them. i’d love a pair of pants that would work on the whole leg and hips!
courtney recently posted..Fitness Poynters Extreme Fat Destruction::::Recap & Review
I would love to have the pants! I looked for shorts for the quads today but no luck. Trying a few other places tomorrow. Zensah seem to be the easiest to find locally.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I’ve never tried compression sleeves, though I don’t do much long distance running anymore every since my IT Band began having issues. Now I keep it to shorter HIIT runs.
Hi Ali. I’ve been using them after short runs too. They feel THAT good
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I’ve never tried compression anything (although I’ve recently become interested in Spanx!), mainly because I don’t run for long enough!
I’m amazed that they make such a difference. Every review I’ve read has praised them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jill.
Tamara recently posted..#FatblasterFriday: I get by with a little help from my friends
Hi Tamara. The difference amazed me too!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
Here I thought I was probably the last person to try out compression anything.
I still haven’t.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these. I should maybe try some out soon.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Fitness Friday – Upcoming Races
Try them Clarinda! You won’t regret it! I was sure I was the only runner that hadn’t tried compression
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I am a big fan of compression sleeves. I have calf ones and knee ones. I even have a compression tshirt. I have occasional knee issues so those are my favorites.
Dawn @ Dawnieslife recently posted..Being Brave and Facing the Dreaded Weigh In
I haven’t seen them for the knees. What brand do you use?
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
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I should have gotten these when I was pregnant with my boys, at the time I worked in retail. LOL They do look warm and comfey.
Lisa {Smart Food and Fit} recently posted..Barre Inspired At Home Workout
Lisa, they are awesome!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I usually wear compression after my runs. LOVE compression.
Jenelle recently posted..Fitness Friday
Hi Jenelle. I can’t believe I waited so long to try compression!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I LOVE compression sleeves, I wear Zensah brand! I think they really do help!
Hi Lea. Zensah seem to be the easiest to find locally. Agreed. They do help!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
Hi Jill!
I do have zensah calf sleeves, but my favorite calf sleeves and compression tights are Skins. See: http://store.skins.net/usa?gclid=CL6v_biT_rICFQSe4AodjnAA9w
They are a bit pricey, but very nice!
Hi Jennifer
The Skins look awesome but out of my budget. Ugh!
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
Allan and I love our Tommie Copper compressions sleeves and Allan has Reco fit calf sleeves that he wears on his right leg when he runs. We swear by compression sleeves in our house! Hope you enjoy yours!
Suzanne recently posted..15 Mile Run in Auburn
Hi Suzanne. How are you guys? I’m loving the calf sleeves! Now I want shorts for the quads.
jillconyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Trying Compression Sleeves for the First Time
I have several pairs of compression socks and do believe they help recovery. I’m planning on buying sleeves now, i think those are more convenient since you can wear either socks or just put on some flip flops
Christine recently posted..A Beautiful Run and a Problem
Hi Christine! I’m the opposite. I have sleeves and now I want socks. Sleeves for running and socks for recovery.
jillconyers recently posted..Top 5 Health and Fitness Apps
benefits of the sleeves vs. socks is you can take off your shoes after a race and put on some comfy sports sandals. Generally I have found that comp socks have more compression than sleeves, however I have not tried the brand you purchased. Everyone has diff opinions on what they love and hate so I would say just go for what fits your body best.
lisa J recently posted..Run for the Buds (DE) Race Recap
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