Sponsored post
When I was exercising more and in the whole gym, crossfit, tabata and DOMS frame of mind, I read a lot of blogs about health and fitness. I noticed those – particularly the ‘hardcore’ out there doing marathons, extreme bootcamps and the like – seemed to be talking A LOT about compression clothing.
I knew the garments weren’t cheap and saw them as an essential only for the elite athletes, or those working REALLY hard, so I paid little attention. Although I was doing enough to be sore from time to time, it hardly mattered if I was sore from a pump class when I went to do a circuit or dance class the following day.
Of course now my exercise takes place in fits and starts. I’m carrying a lot more weight so get sore from a gentle walk. And after burlesque… well… #ouch.
So, when I was contacted by Australian company o2fit to try their range of compression wear I jumped at the chance. Well… I walked with a spring in my step!
The benefits of compression clothing
Runners and cyclists have long been aware of the benefits of compression wear in improving athletic performance and recovery, but the Australian Sports Commission has identified a range of ways in which compression garments can offer a competitive advantage more broadly. More specifically it suggests, “Compression garments may offer several ergogenic benefits for athletes across a multitude of sporting backgrounds.”
Now I don’t really know what ergogenic means. But it sounds impressive. Indeed, the Commission’s site along with the o2fit site cite (hee hee!) very specific benefits to do with:
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Reduced muscle oscillation upon ground contact
- Increased torque generated about joints, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury
- Enhanced recovery following strenuous exercise by aiding in the removal of blood lactate and improving subsequent exercise performance
- Reduced effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the days following strenuous exercise.
And because I DO understand SOME of that – and know many peeps who ‘swear’ by compression wear – I’m convinced.
The o2fit difference
o2fit offer compression garments at affordable prices. That means it doesn’t matter if you’re not an elite athlete or participating in marathons or triathlons; it means they’re not off-limits to the *amateur* athletes out there. Or… you know… those who like to keep fit and healthy but who still want to minimise muscle soreness, recovery time and not struggle to lift children, rush to the bus or… even sit on the loo, in the days following a workout.
My experience
I received a singlet top and ¾ pants to try. The singlet top will never been seen without something big and baggy over it (unless I suddenly lose 60kg) but it’s great for keeping everything *ahem* in place.
Similarly – although I’m not running marathons – in my dance class and when using my jogging trampoline, the compression pants make my back and troublesome hips feel more supported, allowing me to feel more confident. As an added bonus they also stop everything wobbling quite as much, which I definitely appreciate as it makes me feel less self-conscious.
I like the pink / blue branding on the o2fit gear… in fact the pink print and colouring is kinda cute. I just wish I had the sort of body which would allow me to comfortably and confidently flaunt my new gear in public!
And for one lucky reader…
I’m obviously sold and to help promote its range, o2fit is giving away not just one, but TWO items to one of my readers: a top and bottom (of your choice)!
All you need to do is tell me: what you would choose from the o2fit range and what you’d use/wear them for.
* I’m going to pass the entries over to o2fit team to choose the winner based on the ingeniousness of your answer.
This comp isn’t dependent on you liking o2fit’s Facebook page but it’d be nice karma if you did.
Terms & conditions: This competition closes at 5pm AEST Tuesday 25 February 2014 and is only open to Australian residents. THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENTERED.
Disclaimer – I received a compression singlet and pants from o2fit and the company is providing prizes for this giveaway but the views expressed in this post are entirely my own. Check out the full range on their website.
I’m flogging my blog With Some Grace today.
February 21, 2014
I would like the singlet and the bike shorts. And I’d wear them EVERYWHERE because I would look SO HOT RIGHT NOW in them. (Hopefully the judges are looking for humour, because that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever written!)
February 21, 2014
We’d expect pictures, of course! 😉
February 21, 2014
They sound perfect for me – I exercise run/walk/cycle everyday and belong to a local women’s running group and I do dragon boat paddling x 3 a week (when I’m not recovering from surgery).
I love the 3/4 women’s compression pants with pink stitching and compression calf socks for other days .
They are so affordable.
February 21, 2014
I have to say the compression half socks do look good. I get shin splints and wonder if they’d help!
February 21, 2014
I’d get the singlet and 3/4 pants with zip pockets because I’d need something to store my mp3 player in while I work out at the gym. It’d be perfect for me as I work out at the gym 6 days a week. And music is oh-so-essential when it comes to exercising! 🙂
February 21, 2014
Wow! 6 days a week… Very impressive.
February 21, 2014
Having gone car-free on my cargo bike, I tend to wear street clothes & not lycra, not least because I tend to find it too hot. But with the temperature regulation, the women’s shorts & singlet with built-in bra would be do-able even in Queensland heat. I could even wear the shorts under my regular shorts or a skirt if I wasn’t feeling brave (& with a toddler in tow, those days are fairly regular). I might even get adventurous & try a burlesque class!
February 21, 2014
Yes, the shorts would definitely be handy for under a skirt!
February 21, 2014
I’d go for the capri pants and the singlet top. I wear capri compression pants all the time in winter – they really do help make me feel like all my bits are in the right place. And they help enormously in recovery after 37k training runs. I swear that the only downside to them is wrestling them on when you’re tired – that can be a workout in itself.
Just one question. Can they guarantee that my boobs will look just as perky as the models in that pic?
February 21, 2014
I have to admit I struggle to get the pants OFF more than on! And no, sorry… No perky boob promises or prizes! 😉
February 21, 2014
I’d go for the singlet top and 3/4 pants – lets hope that would improve my athletic ability and perfomance by just wearing them!!!!
February 21, 2014
Oh, most definitely. They make me feel far more spritely!
February 21, 2014
I would probably go for the full-length pants, because i am cycling from Tassie to Qld soon, with my four kids – a big year-long family cycling and camping tour. I’ll be needing all the SUPPORT i can get, plus they will make great base layers through the winter months.
February 21, 2014
And the long sleeved top I’m thinking! Sounds like a great adventure!
February 21, 2014
I want the shirt and pants so when I rock up to school pick up I can put my nose in air at all those Lorna Jane snobs who RELIGIOUSLY rock up in gym gears, morning and afternoon, surely they’ve had time to change? Or maybe they’ve worked out ALL DAY!!! UGH. Love me some sucky in stuff always. xxx
February 21, 2014
Better still, they don’t just look good but also offer some benefits! Two birds; one stone!
February 22, 2014
I’ve just finished a 5km run on Maroubra beach this morning and wish I was wearing these fabulous products. As I head towards 46 years of age I have set myself the challenge of running my first half-marathon in August – a goal that also raises money for charity. If I won this competition I’d choose the ladies 3/4 compression pants with zip pocket and the singlet top. They may not make me run faster, but at least I’ll look flash as I pound the pavement and my circulation will be kept in check.
PS Great blog Deb.
February 22, 2014
Thanks Anita. What a fabulous goal to have – and a great cause.
Good luck!
February 22, 2014
I would get the 3/4 Capris for my wife as a present as she is helping me right now through training for entry into the Australian Defence Force. She is my training partner when we run and my encouragement so small gift to say thanks would be good.
For me the compression singlet would be awesome as it would allow me to go stronger and harder and get my entry sorted with pure ease so I can do this country proud.
February 22, 2014
What a lovely gesture and fabulous goal!
February 23, 2014
I would get the 3/4 capris with the zip and the singlet. I would wear them probably everywhere ha. From taking the girls for a run in the stroller to the park to doijg laundry. Hard to fit in a workout amd shower and change! I actually can’t believe how affordable they are, compression gear is usually crazy expensive!
February 23, 2014
Yes very true – that’s the great thing about the o2fit range – affordable for everyone!
February 24, 2014
As a new mom to a 6 month old working out has become seemingly more difficult. My old workout clothes do not fit my post baby bod. Lately i’ve been able to fit in a run here and there. These compression pants would be worn basically at every opportunity i get to workout. Would love to obtain new workout clothes to help motivate me. Thanks for the opportunity.
February 24, 2014
Ah yes, new workout clothes are a great motivation. Good luck!
February 24, 2014
Ohhh! I’ve had this store bookmarked for a while but not tried any of their products yet. I catch up on episodes of The Walking Dead while working out, everytime I see a zombie the RPMs go up! So 3/4 pants with singlet with built in bra for when I’m cycling/running from zombies.
February 24, 2014
They’d surely make you run faster. Plus you’d look good… you know, if you got caught and had to remain dressed like that forevermore as a zombie yourself! 😉
Deb
February 26, 2014
Haha! It would suck in all my unattractive zombie bits!! Planning to carry this over into other tv viewing though, maybe everytime someone draws sword on Game of Thrones equals 1.5 min flat out caloric expenditure!!
February 25, 2014
Definitely the calf socks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about compression clothing, though I don’t own any! In 2 weeks I undertake a marathon distance over 4 days and have a feeling I should be owning some of this compression gear ASAP!!!
😀 Great post, great review
February 25, 2014
Thanks! And yes, the socks sound great.
Good luck!
February 25, 2014
I would be chasing the 3/4 pants and if I was pushing my luck a matching singlet because it just wouldn’t be right to have one without the other!
February 25, 2014
Oh yes you’d need both and the prize does include a top and bottoms!