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Disclaimer: I received the compression sleeve shown and discussed below from Zensah to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! I received this product for free, but received no other form of compensation; all opinions are my own.
If you’ve been around this blog very long, you know that I’m a big fan of compression! I love feeling like my muscles are getting a little hug- especially during recovery! When I was offered the chance to review Zensah’s thigh compression sleeve, I jumped at the chance for two reasons: 1- I love Zensah, and still wear my Zensah calf sleeves almost weekly, and 2- I was looking for something to help my IT bands a bit (they get tight pretty easily).
When I received the sleeve, I was excited, but slightly nervous. I had ordered the S/M size, but knew that I was right on the edge. The fact is that my thighs are a lot bigger from May-November than the other six months of the year due to an increase in biking, so I wasn’t sure what to do. When I tried it on, it was just a little too tight. It fit up my leg, but it was not at all comfortable. I reached out to the company and they generously sent me the L/XL size.
This size definitely fit better! I immediately took it put it on as I sat in my office for a bit and worked (just to break it in a bit), and I loved the amount of pressure that it provided! It’s definitely different to have compression above my knee, but I think I can get used to it pretty quickly.
Walking with Zensah and plantronics wireless headphones!
Next step was to take it for a walk. I definitely enjoyed the increased compression in walking, especially after my bike ride to Mackinac Island (and spending two nights “sleeping” in crunched positions on a bus).
One little complaint with the sleeve- the top band rolls down (I’ve heard this same complaint from a number of Pros (but some aren’t having this problem as well), so I know it’s not just something weird with my thigh). This gets really annoying while moving, and makes me feel even more like I have “sausage thighs” (unpleasant image, isn’t it!).
So how do I envision using this product in the future? Well- I’m just starting to train for my fall half marathon, and you better believe that I will be wearing this sleeve after my long runs to aid in recovery!
Relaxing on the couch
I might end up wearing it for some walks- we’ll just have to see. But when I sit on my couch the top band doesn’t budge, and it provides just enough compression to make it work without being uncomfortable!
Let’s give three cheers for compression!
Now it’s your turn to share! What’s one of your must haves as you head into a new training cycle?
I ordered one of their knee compression sleeves online, as I’ve had pain in my left knee with my high mileage for marathon training. It’s not an injury, as it only hurts when running. But because it was a hot spot, I wanted to baby it a bit so it doesn’t turn into an injury! I love the knee compression! The top band doesn’t really roll down like you said for the thigh, but it’s something I’ve been worried about because I have larger thighs. I’ve only worn it around the house and on a short 3 mile run, but so far so good!
I’ve never tried knee compression before! I’d actually just really love a compression body suit for after workouts 🙂 It sounds like you were smart to get some compression, and I hope it helps your knee out!
Oooooh a thigh compression sleeve! I need to find me one of these!!!
I love compression!