Last month I posted a guest feature on the benefits of compression clothing. I’ve worn compression socks after long runs/races for a long time now, as they seem to help to reduce achiness the next day, but never during a run.
So I was intrigued when Sub Sports got in touch, offering the chance to try out some of their leggings.
Sub Sports was founded to provide activewear for the unpredictable British weather, with the benefits of moisture-wicking fabrics and compression technology. One of their big selling points is the wide range of workout, gym and running gear at affordable prices – compression leggings start from £25.
Their product range offers fitness clothing and compression baselayers, that allow you to exercise in the coldest conditions, train more efficiently, avoid common injuries and recover faster- all while remaining, cool, flexible and dry.
I chose a pair of 3/4 compression leggings from the ELITE range, which features graduated compression claiming to increase performance and reduce recovery time. The idea is that there is greater compression towards the body’s extremities aiding blood flow back to the heart and supplying your muscles with more oxygen. As a result, you’ll supposedly feel more powerful and be able to keep performing for longer!
I wore the leggings during the Vitality British 10k– they were comfortable and flattering, stretching with my running movement but staying up the whole way round! I hadn’t really trained for the race as I was given a last minute place, so was worried about having sluggish, achey legs. I always think it’s hard to judge the effects of clothing, without also running the race again in a different outfit (!), and while I was definitely slow, the leggings seemed to reduce the pain. They also kept me cool on what was quite a muggy day, and my muscles felt totally fine the next day. I’ve since washed the leggings too, and they have held their shape and compression well.
GIVEAWAY
To be in with a chance to win a pair of Elite RX Women’s 3/4 length Compression Leggings enter below.
Note: I had to order a Size Large- I tried on the Medium but they were a bit too tight. I know compression clothing is meant to be snug, and I probably could have got away with the smaller size, but I wanted to avoid any unsightly bulging!
Have you worn compression clothing for races or runs?
Beki x
Miss Wheezy 
Hey Beki – I tried to comment on the giveaway entry but I'm not sure it worked! I went through a stage last summer of running in compression socks, because I tend to run on my forefoot, overloading my calves and making them very tight, and it really worked for me, but I've never run in compression leggings before – I think I assumed they were more for recovery than exercise, so fingers crossed I get to try some out! x
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I have compression socks for after long runs, and I love them, and wish for ones that would also go over my thighs for my hamstrings- maybe I should wear compression leggings after? I have never worn them whilst running as I always think they would be too sweaty for some reason. They look fab though.
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I love my compression socks but have never tried compression leggings. They sounds great!
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P.S. I'm also running a giveaway on my blog at the moment, for over £100 worth of plant-based food (almond butter, coconut oil, etc.) – feel free to check it out: http://www.curiouslyconscious.com/2015/07/plant-based-food-hamper-giveaway-worth-over-100-pounds.htmlBesma (Curiously Conscious)
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Hi Beki,First off – thanks for running the giveaway! I haven't ever used compression clothing, but as I'm really getting into running now I'd love to give it a go!Besma (Curiously Conscious)
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I've have some compression Under Armour capris, which I've run in loads of times. They are great because they stay up and hold everything in!
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I wear calf sleeves for races quite often and they definitely help – I bought some 2xu tights but cause of the price I'm actually too scared about getting holes in them to wear them a lot for the races I do! A budget pair seems like a much better option!!
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Great Giveaway, Beki – I'm definitely a fan of Compression socks, I tend to wear them during – and for a few hours after a long run(I'm not sure if thats the right way or not! I'll have to read the guest article! 🙂 ) – I haven't tried any other sorts of compression wear though and these sound great!Laura | Laura:Fat2Fit
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I keep meaning to try out compression gear as I've heard some great things about wearing leggings and long socks just lately. Lots of runners at my club swear by it!
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Ooh. I've never heard of them, but I might have to invest in a pair!
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I have compression leggings for running and love them!
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No I haven't but would love to try some
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Ive never used any but would love to try them
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I haven't, neither has my wife. She did try a pair of these on while on holiday, and nearly bought them. She's regretting she didn't!
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I have never used compression leggings but after reading these comments I feel I am missing out!
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I haven't but from the look of them they would be helpful.
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I don't run, but my daughter is just getting into it. I don't think she wears compression leggings yet. @jaizduck
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Have never tried before but they sound perfect for running
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I haven't used any sort of compression clothing yet but it sounds helpful. 🙂
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I dont run often but am just getting into it, these would be great for that
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I haven't yet tried the. But have heard great things, I don't have particular outfit just anything I find ?
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I don't run, I walk but have found that running gear works just as well for this. And it's great for gym sessions too 🙂
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I use underarmour compression for workouts and runs, also compression under clothes for mountain climbing helps ramain flexable and can pull layers off when the suns out for 5mins 😛
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Not tried compression clothing during racing – often wondered if it works.
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No I haven't tried them yet but they look and sound fantastic!
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These would be perfect I walk hundreds of miles per year for fitness
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I haven't tried comrpression leggings yet but I am very interested in the concept. I tend to not run in events preferring to go it alone except for Race for Life but I go for comfort over style every time.
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I haven't no, my sister swears by them thoughKelly Ellen Hirst
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No I have never tried , or ever heard of … I am so glad I read your Blog as I can spread the word !! ♥♥ Fab prize ♥♥ Fingers Crossed ♥3
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not so far but soon
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I've not tried them myself but they look good
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No not heard of them but really want to try them now 🙂
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I haven't tried compression wear yet but keep meaning to invest in some!
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I have not tried – but would love to!
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I haven't tried them but would really love to!
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Never tried the leggings before but would like to
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No I haven`t tried yet
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No never tried it but I am curious. My favourite race outfit is this lovely purple top I have its lightweight and looks fab
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I have not tried any compression gear but would love to! have recently joined a cycle group…belles on bikes and a lot of the girls talk about these! Thank u
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I haven't tried it yet but would love to see if they work!
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I have a pair of compression socks
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ive never used anything like this
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No, I haven't but keep reading about them lately. Would love to try. I just wear what I've ran in before that I know is comfy, definitely not chancing new stuff on race day.
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I've never tried compression clothing! But when I run I usually go for my nike running shorts, with a tank top. On my last 10K (Race For Life) me and my friend were entirely in pink! These leggings look great, wonderful giveaway 🙂 Rosie xx
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No,I have never tried them.
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I have a compression top for when I work at an inner city farm once a week. it really makes a difference to my arms, shoulders and back when I have been moving heavy wheelbarrows, digging and raking all day. I would be interested to try if compression leggings are as good.
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never tried compression clothing, looks great!
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I have never used any Compression products but would love to try
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