There are many “tips for recovery” out there when it comes to being a triathlete. Whether you’re deep into a training schedule or fresh off a triathlon, finding ways to properly recover will allow you to not only recover quicker, but also reduce fatigue on your body. The quicker your body recovers, the sooner you can hit the pavement again.
Common ways triathletes recover from a race include staying hydrated and replacing lost nutrients post-race, keeping the legs moving by walking after crossing the finish line, and soaking in a cold/ice bath. One of the newest ways athletes have learned to recover is by wearing compression socks or compression sleeves.
Most commonly worn post-workout or post-race, compression socks or sleeves can reduce recovery time through compression on your legs. Studies have shown that the compression around the calf muscle can improve your workout performance, lower the chance of blood clots, and prevent muscle damage to your calves. The graduated compression effect from the socks overall improves circulation, ultimately bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your leg muscles.
Let’s take a look at these 5 reasons to use compression socks:
- Protect Legs During Workout
While it’s more common for triathletes to wear compression socks after a workout or race, running in the socks can protect your legs from things on your run.
- Provide Support During Workout
While working out with compression socks is certainly a different feeling, the socks or sleeves can provide your legs the support they need during a workout to become less fatigued. The compression from the sock will help reduce any leg swelling you would typically get during a run.
- Provide Legs Compression After Workout
If you’re not comfortable working out in compression socks or sleeves, give them a try post-workout or event. The compression from the sock will essentially hug your calf muscles, making them feel less sore, and more supported post-race.
- Reduce Soreness After Workout
Not only does the compression from the sock give your legs a supported feeling, but they help remove lactic acid quicker from your tired muscles, which allow for a quicker recovery.
- Increase Blood Flow to Heart
An important component in race recovery is the movement of blood back to the heart. During athletic performance, increasing blood flow back to the heart is crucial because this is how blood is cycled through the body and how it picks up fresh nutrients, including oxygen.
Whether you prefer to wear compression socks during a race or after (or better – both), adding this simple piece of athletic clothing can completely change your workouts, especially in terms of recovery. The quicker you can recover, the sooner you can begin your next workout, so why not give them a try?
Looking for more tips on quicker race recovery? Please contact me for a free consultation!
Train Right, Tri Right!
Coach MJ
