ASK THE PACK | UKRUNCHAT
We caught up with UKRUNCHAT to discuss the benefits of compression as a runner!
As runners we are always striving to go further, faster, and for longer. We live for post-run endorphins and even when our muscles are aching, rest and recovery don’t come easy. One way to boost performance and aid recovery is compression.
Here at Bearhug, we’re big advocates of compression! But we’re not your typical compression garment, our joint supports and muscle sleeves are made using bamboo. Bamboo charcoal supports are scientifically proven to increase blood flow by 40% when compared to ordinary supports. This means you can train harder, recover faster and perform better.
Our bamboo supports are designed to ‘hug’ your aching joints and depleted muscles. The unique composition utilising bamboo provides unrivalled heat retention and breathability properties.
If you’re sitting on the fence and not sure if our products are right for you, read on to find out more.
What types of supports and sleeves do you stock?
Our range includes wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle joint supports, along with thigh and calf muscle sleeves. Due to the nature of running and the pressure it puts on our legs, our sleeves and supports that cover the lower limbs are most popular.
How should they feel when on?
They should feel tight, but comfortable and definitely not painful or restrictive to your movement. We have a size guide on our website so that you can buy the right size to properly fit your body.
When should you wear them?
It’s entirely up to you and your needs. Some of our pack wear them while they train to improve performance, minimise the risk of injury, or support their muscles and joints, particularly if they have niggles. Some prefer wear them after training to help tired muscles recover quicker.
What’s the science behind them?
Wearing compression increases blood flow through the joint and muscles driving oxygenated blood through the area which helps flush lactic acid and toxins build-up along with reducing inflammation and muscle swelling.
What are the benefits of wearing them?
Train harder for longer
With more oxygen rich blood reaching your active muscles you can work harder for longer. They help reduce muscle fatigue and cramp.
Recover quicker
Wearing supports and sleeves after training increases blood flow to your muscles which in turn, reduces swelling, flushes out lactic acid and allows you to recover quicker to train more frequently than before.
Reduce risk of injury
Our sleeves and supports apply compression over the key area, reducing strain, boosting blood flow and in turn minimizing the risk of injury.
Give you a psychological boost
The psychological benefit of wearing a Bearhug support or sleeve can be invaluable. When you wear one on a joint or muscle that’s previously been injured, not only does it support it, but it gives you a sense of security allowing you to put your worries aside and focus on the training at hand.
Former Welsh Rugby Captain, Ryan Jones.
But, don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what former Welsh Rugby captain Ryan Jones had to say about using our products for a challenge which saw him run 465 miles in just 30 days.
The role that Bearhug plays for me is largely around recovery and prep. I use the sleeves when feeling sore, when fatigue sets in and to reduce the damage caused to my muscles. The challenge in doing a lot of the multiple day events I do is as much about doing the event, as it is a test of recovery. The Bearhug products are great for speeding up recovery allowing me to on with the task at hand.
Check out the article over at UKRUNCHAT here.
