You may have noticed some runners wear arm sleeves during their runs. I did some research to find out why.
Runners wear arm sleeves to provide compression that improves blood flow and muscle support. The compression offered by arm sleeves helps to increase blood circulation, reducing muscle fatigue and swelling while aiding in muscle recovery. Additionally, arm sleeves offer support to the muscles, helping to reduce muscle vibration and damage during running, allowing runners to train harder and longer. Overall, the combination of compression and support provided by arm sleeves can help runners enhance their performance and minimise the risk of injury.
I thought arm sleeves were unnecessary at first but, arm sleeves actually provide a lot of benefits and advantages to runners. Let’s delve into the reasons why runners wear arm sleeves and what benefits they can provide.
What are Arm Sleeves?
Arm sleeves are compression sleeves that are worn on the arms, from the wrist up to the biceps. They are made of breathable materials that are designed to keep the arms dry and cool while providing support and compression. Arm sleeves are commonly used in sports like running, cycling, and basketball, and are available in a wide range of colours and designs.
What Are the Benefits of Arm Sleeves
There are many reasons people may decide to wear arm sleaves while exercising.
Improved Blood Flow
One of the main benefits of wearing arm sleeves is improved blood flow. The compression provided by arm sleeves can help to improve circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, reducing muscle fatigue and soreness.
Muscle Support
The other main benefit of wearing arm sleaves is the support it provides the muscles in the arms. It can help to reduce muscle swelling, vibration and damage during running. This can reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, allowing runners to train harder and longer.
Protection from the Sun
Arm sleeves provide protection from the sun. They are often made with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fabric that provides a high level of sun protection. This means that the fabric blocks out most of the UV radiation that can cause sunburns.
Cooling Effect
Arm sleeves also have a cooling effect on the skin. The fabric used is often breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps to keep the arms dry and cool. This can prevent overheating during long runs and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Moisture-Wicking
Arm sleeves are often made with moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep the arms dry and comfortable during long runs. This can prevent irritation, which can be a common problem for runners who sweat a lot.
Enhanced Visibility
Some runners wear brightly coloured arm sleeves or reflective arm sleeves to improve their visibility during runs. This can be especially important when running in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening runs.
Conclusion
Arm sleeves are a popular accessory among runners for a reason. If you are a runner looking for ways to improve your comfort during runs, consider adding arm sleeves to your running gear.