Today we will talk about compression garments in general and, in particular, we’ll tell you about such an element of training clothing as a rashguard. First, you need to figure out what it is all about. Compression garments are garments designed and developed specifically for sports activities. Sometimes it is called the second skin, due to the fact that it is difficult to put on, it fits snugly, but at the same time does not hinder movement. It is made of elastic materials, fits the body tightly and performs several functions at once:

  • removes sweat and dries quickly;
  • promotes optimal heat transfer;
  • improves blood microcirculation in muscles;
  • due to compression, it distributes the load over the muscle tissue;
  • significantly reduces the risk of injury, as evidenced by scientific research;
  • helps to reduce the burden on the heart and the elimination of lactic acid.

The peculiarity of compression garments is not only the material of manufacture, but also the principle of the cut. It is thanks to him that the effect of squeezing the muscles is created. As a result of their use, their temperature is maintained, blood circulation improves, which allows oxygenation of tissues and removal of lactic acid from them. Also, the use of compression can significantly reduce the risk of varicose veins and increase the athlete’s endurance.

The use of compression garments in various sports

Compression clothing also differs in the field of application:

  • for any sports at the beginner level;
  • for activities in the cold season;
  • for sports with a high level of physical activity;
  • for running and skiing;
  • for cycling;
  • for triathlons etc.

There is even a specially designed compression garment that is used exclusively in the recovery process from stress. At the same time, professional athletes from different sports note that the effectiveness of using restoring compression clothing is close to the results that can be achieved with special procedures that we talked about in this article Useful tips for practicing.

Useful and harmful properties of compression clothing

The properties of special sportswear do not change depending on the circumstances. The main thing is its judicious use. So the benefits:

  • First, it is the maintenance of muscle tone. This, in turn, allows oxygenation of tissues, improves blood circulation and excretion of lactic acid. As a consequence, it reduces the delayed painful sensations.
  • Secondly, there was an improvement in vascular tone. Thanks to compression, vascular pathology is stabilized and the development of varicose veins slows down. But this is still not a panacea and not a cure.
  • Third, scientific research confirms that the use of compression garments is negligible, but still slows down the heart rate and reduces the stress on the heart.
  • Fourth, professional compression garments support joints and reduce the risk of injury. But it is important to remember that this is not a means of protection and is unlikely to protect you from serious injury.

Рашгард Фиксгир

Perhaps these are the key points worth highlighting. But, as you know, any medicine in large doses will be poisonous. It is especially worth considering the fact that compression clothing can be sports, restorative and medical. In this case, you need to understand several important points:

  • Compression clothing is not a treatment or protection; the use of a medical compression garment is only possible as directed by a doctor. We are not talking about standard accessories that can be purchased at any sports store, but about those items that are sold in pharmacies.
  • Excessive and irrational use of compression clothing is undesirable precisely because of its main beneficial properties. Constant squeezing, not as a support during loads, but constant use, can lead to microtrauma of blood vessels or to a decrease in their own tone. Those to the appearance of those problems that the compression garment should help to avoid or minimize their occurrence.
  • Let’s repeat. This is more true for specialized items, for medical compression clothing. But it is not worth overusing with ordinary training clothes, turning them into an everyday wardrobe item.

Martial arts and compression clothing

The range of use of compression clothing in sports is quite wide. But we note that in the environment of martial arts, it received the greatest distribution in training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.

First, it quickly removes sweat and helps maintain muscle temperature, which in turn prevents muscle tissue from being “supercooled” or “slipping through”.

Secondly, it helps the muscles to be in good shape even during sudden changes in load. That, in turn, can protect from injuries associated with a sharp impact on muscles and joints. For contact sports involving wrestling on the ground, sharp lunges, etc., this is an indispensable accessory.

Thirdly, it protects the athlete’s skin from rubbing against the tatami or carpet, which helps to avoid mechanical damage.

Most often, rashguards or T-shirts are used in training, as well as compression pants and shorts. It is worth noting that they are used by representatives of various types of martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, Krav Maga and more.

Using rashguards in aikido training

The main form for practicing aikido is the kimono. In this article How to choose a training gi for a child or adult, we talked about how to choose the right one. But in addition to the kimono, it is quite possible to use a rashguard or compression T-shirt. And here are the main reasons for this:

  • We try to make the training in our club dynamic and active. And rashguards, as we have already said, perfectly wick away sweat and do an excellent job with thermoregulation of the body. That allows you to train comfortably.
  • At the moment when the trainer shows the technique for practicing, most of the students are motionless. In this case, a rashguard or a special T-shirt allows you to keep the muscles warm. And you can safely continue your lesson after a short pause. Ordinary cotton T-shirts, in turn, retain moisture for a long time, at the slightest pause they cool to room temperature and begin to cool the muscles. Even though all our dojos are warm, the ambient temperature is always lower than the body temperature. So in this case, using a rashguard helps to maintain proper thermoregulation and prevent muscle cooling.

The trainers and students of our club use a wide variety of rashguards and compression T-shirts:

  • Fixgear
  • Tesla
  • Reebok
  • Lasting
  • Hayabusa
  • Peresvit etc.

Some people prefer short sleeves, others prefer long sleeves. High or low throat. These are all individual preferences. So is the design. You can always choose what you like best. Again, the use of a rashguard is optional, but not prohibited either. Rush won’t make you stronger, faster, or sturdier. It will make your workout more comfortable. Regular high-impact workouts, on the other hand, will help you become stronger, faster, and more enduring. How to come to a trial lesson can be found in this article Form for Aikido: when to buy a kimono. And what you will train in is a personal matter for everyone.