A conversation about compression normally begins with complaints about airline food and the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, the Beijing Olympics saw the use, and profile of, compression clothing taken to a whole new level. More records were broken in Beijing than at the two previous Olympics combined ? mostly by athletes wearing some type of performance compression wear.

Sports equipment and apparel is constantly evolving: designed, measured and tweaked to achieve spilt second gains. One of the must-haves of all elite athletes is compression apparel. And in the past few years apparel companies have been promoting and selling to us mere mortals the benefits of compression clothing for improved recovery and athletic performance.

Wearing compression clothing during training has been proved to increase performance by increasing muscle efficiency through improved blood flow and stabilising muscle movement. Your muscles are then capable of contracting harder, faster and longer.

Compression clothing also helps to reduce recovery time by increasing good, clean blood circulation to fatigued muscles and removing the toxins built up by intense exercise. This means that you recover faster for your next training session and are able to strive for, and more quickly achieve, optimal performance in your desired sport. Top athletes will swear that their recovery phase is very important to achieving maximum sporting potential. There has even been a trend to wear these tights while sleeping (much, I?m sure, to the mirth of spouses and fashion police across the world) in order to prevent blood pooling, and muscle vibration - again to aid and increase recovery. Some have mentioned that this could almost be seen as a legal form of steroids or EPO; with some of the benefits and none of the drawbacks.

The compression gear manufacturing process and design varies from company to company. However most use anatomic designs to complement muscle function and position. The materials are similar to that of women?s tights - only ten to fifteen time more elastic, stronger and tighter. They are measured in denier, and most good compressive gear will be around 50 to 70 denier. Most companies combine different ratios and materials in order to target specific muscle groups according to muscle dominance and functionality.

Next time you watch your favourite sporting hero, look at what they are wearing. It is likely they be using compression gear of some description. Sports like rowing, triathlon, athletics, swimming, rugby and football are all rife with this gear. As a result of their application in so many different sports the manufacturers have also developed more function specific kit: upper and lower body, legs and arms, in and out of water, hot and cold, something for everybody, for every event?

So if there is a small margin between you and achieving your dream, your goal or your PB, then think about what a little more pressure could do for you?

Profeet supply 2XU compression clothing. 2XU is known as an innovator in the field of high performance sports apparel. Call in store or talk to one of our technicians about their products.

Our new Fulham concept store opens early October: 867-869 Fulham Road, London SW6 5HP

Tel: 020 7736 0046

Clapham Common store: 8b Balham Hill, London SW12 9EA

Tel: 020 8673 2174

www.profeet.co.uk