Skins 400 series

I'm not one to wear anything too tight. Too high cut.  Or too low cut for that matter ha ha.

But when it comes to finding ways to improve my fitness or recovery, I'm willing to put myself beyond my carefree comfort zone and trial something new. Since Skins have been the innovators in compression wear technology which aims to enhance performance and recovery, I thought it about time to see what all the fuss is about.

The A400 series was named because of the way they drew data to produce the new range.  In a very thorough research programme, Skins took 3D bodyscans from 100s of men and women, and took data from 800 000 points on each person.  From there they used 400 key points from each body to decide where the best points of compression are to enhance sports performance and recovery. 

What I am here to tell you is how it feels to wear the long tights.  If you already wear skins, you'll already know that as soon as you put it on you feel tingly as you the blood flow through your legs.  The thing about Skins is that you get to see all your curves (and er bulges.. yay!), so what better motivation to get going!

I did biking the first day and it felt great, particularly around the knee area.  As I have a bit of wonky left knee, I felt more support of the reinforced band which runs along the Illiotibial ban. This design not only give support to the Iliotibial band but also supports the natural rotation of the knee.

During the bike I felt more streamlined, I guess from all the compression, and felt I had more energy. Perhaps its psychological. But if it works and helps me to feel better for longer then great!

I think the main benefit of the Skins for me is when I do leg training.  I did quite a challenging leg day which included Leg extensions, hack squats, lunges and deadlifts.  I found the extra support from the band kept my knee in place and I felt more cofident doing putting little bit more weight on the machines.

Usually my legs would be feeling quite sluggish by the end of the day but after this day that I wore skins, my legs were still feeling relatively pain free and have energy for cardio later on. 
       
However, I did feel bit hot wearing the skins while training.  I realize the aim of skins is to enhance bloodflow and enhance lactic acid movement out of muscles but I was feeling super hot and sweaty that day.  Then again, it could've been the humid hot weather we're having.