Skins

[doctorj]

Does anyone here use skins for running? Have you found they aid stamina or recovery times?

I'm looking at buying a pair, specifically the long legged pair but part of me wonders if they're a bit of a gimmick.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sprinter79]

There is some science behind the use of tights for running and also for everyday use. Independant trials show that using 'Skins' as opposed to any other brand doesn't give significant benefits.

Do you ever wonder why fat ladies wear tights? Sorry, bad images, bad images.... There is a reason, it in fact aides venous return (ie blood flow from the legs back into the trunk) and minimises the effect of varicous (sp??) veins.

So, in a nutshell, using tights while running will aid venous return, and that is a good thing. If you want me to go into it further I can In my opinion, you are better off saving some dosh and buying a cheaper pair than the 'Skins'

 

[doctorj]

I noticed there were some other brands in my local sports store that claimed to do the same thing at about half the price.

My motivation for looking into them is my recovery times are getting gradually longer. Its not normally a problem, except for the second half of a double header.

 

[Freeballinginawetsuit]

My motivation for looking into them is my recovery times are getting gradually longer. Its not normally a problem, except for the second half of a double header.

Ive got a mate who picked up some skins and jogs in them regularily. Swears by them, complete with a padded crotch and stark contrast colours, real class act . I think he's got a separate pair for ballet!.

Not sure if his set are the goods for a double header though, wouldn't imagine even a single header would be possable kitted out in leotards.

 

[Sprinter79]

FWIW, i use a Nike branded pair, simply because they were the cheapest in the shop. They do the job, keep me warm.

Not sure about those double headers hehehe

 

[nomore4s]

I noticed there were some other brands in my local sports store that claimed to do the same thing at about half the price.

My motivation for looking into them is my recovery times are getting gradually longer. Its not normally a problem, except for the second half of a double header.

DocJ, have used them extensively when I was running 400's and imo they are a total waste of money, just expensive tights really. They may provide some benefits but unless you are really at an elite level or pushing yourself to the limit you won't notice any difference, most people just don't train hard enough for them to really work(ie not don't generate enough lactic). IMO it's the placebo affect.
My other half actually coaches an elite athlete and the only time any of them really use them is for flying.

If you really want to try them, buy one of the cheaper brand to try, they all do the same thing, any type of compression garment will do.

If you want to improve your recoveries a more effective method is ice baths or a cold pool 1min in - 2min out x5 times, or if that's too extreme try a cold/hot shower with 30sec cold - 1min hot/warm or something along those lines (might be a bit hard with water restrictions).
You could also try increasing your warm up and warm downs.

 

[Sprinter79]

Nah, tights get used extensively during winter, even us sprinters use them.

 

[chops_a_must]

My motivation for looking into them is my recovery times are getting gradually longer. Its not normally a problem, except for the second half of a double header.

Well... if that's the case, how about hanging out with some of your favourite football players? You know the ones I mean.

I'd recommend some whites to aid recovery... and not cricket whites... if you know what I mean.

No, seriously, get some tribulus, or creatine, or even get a weekly massage. That'll be much more effective.

Cheers,
Chops.

 

[doctorj]

Well, I ended up picking up a pair and I'm very happy.

Despite two games in two days, I was able to go for a run this morning without any of the usual stiffness.

I think they come into their own at half time of games. I find I get cold quickly during half time which makes the third quarter tough. I'm fairly sure lack of stiffness today is solely due to staying warm during the half time break.

I'd recommend them to anyone in a similar situation. Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[boxon]

Try coolmaxclothing.com They have good quality gear at low prices and post to australia.