2XU Compression Top, Bottom and Long Socks review

Before you read this post, you need to be informed that the following products are sponsored to the author. However, I have been using 2XU (Two Times You) products since 2011 and personally own the following 2XU products:

1. 2XU tri-suit

2. 2XU long compression top

3. 2XU long compression tights

4. 2XU short compression top

5. 2XU compression shorts 

6. 2XU compression sleeveless top

7. 2XU non compression T-shirt

8. 2XU unisex compression calf guard

9. 2XU compression socks

10. 2XU running beanie

The purpose of this review is to 1st share some of the unique features of 2XU products that are responsible for improving/enhancing sports performance (in blue fonts) and 2nd to share my personal experience and reason for continue to use 2XU products (colorful or black fonts)

2XU Compression Shorts:

My most frequently used product from 2XU, I use it for training and I use it for races. Bought the long compression top and bottom when I need to race under low temperature condition in Tokyo Marathon and Hong Kong Marathon. I have used tights before and tights offer nothing more than just tight, but compression shorts are totally different, as it give the right compression around the muscles (in this case, the quads). Of course as one train harder smarter for their run, it is hard to tell if it is because of the compression or the training that helps in reducing the muscles fatigue, I can only share that when I 1st started to run 21K, I suffer muscles numbness and close to cramp around my quads and the condition improved when I started to use 2XU compression shorts. After that, it is also hard for me to tell if it is compression or training that helped to stop the numbness from coming back even in full marathon distance.

Engineered with powerful PWX FLEX fabric to wrap and support the major muscle groups allowing them to fire more efficiently, while reducing muscle vibration, improving alignment and protecting the muscle from damage and fatigue. The 2XU Compression Shorts are suitable to wear alone or under competition uniforms.Standard Compression Shorts:: Made from our 70 Denier PWX FLEX fabric to deliver optimal flexibility and movement.

GARMENT FEATURES

• The PWX FLEX fabric delivers optimum power and flexibility to protect the abductor, glute, quad and hamstring muscles.
• Drawstring waistband for an adjustable, secure fit.
• Internal key pocket for essentials.
• Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort.
• Powerful Invista LYCRA® for exceptional fit, support and recovery.
• High filament yarns for dryness – wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior.
• Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection.

BENEFITS

• Reduced fatigue through less muscle oscillation
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Reduced long-term overuse injuries
• Greater power output
• Greater oxygenation of blood for faster recovery
• Heightened proprioception – awareness of limb placement for agility

2XU Compression Top:

I personally have not used this product often enough, simply because I have another sleeveless compression top that I used last year when I pace for 4:30 hrs in SCKLM 2013 and doing Back to Endurance 2013. Even for skinny people like me, on long distance run, every step cause vibration to the meat (not all are muscles..:P) on the torso, for more than 4 hrs of running, it can cause enough vibration that I suffer some aches. With compression top, it greatly reduces the vibrations. Having said that, one must not straight jump into using a compression top for races, it is always better to try it at short training to get used to it, it is not like changing from a shirt to another, u need to adapt to compression around your top and be able to breath comfortably with it. After a few runs, u shall not worry if you are able to breath normally with a compression top. :)

The 2XU Compression Short Sleeve Top is a versatile piece for activities demanding greater postural control and upper body support. Powerful, light weight and designed to provide an unrestricted range of motion. Mesh panels allow greater breathability. Body firming and ideal to wear alone or as a base layer. Perfect running, crossfit, yoga, Pilates or ball sports.1  High power PWX FLEX supports bicep, tricep, forearm, deltoid, pectoral and core stomach muscles.2  Raglan sleeve construction for unrestricted movement.3  Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort.4  Powerful Invista LYCRA® for exceptional fit, support and recovery.5  High filament yarns for dryness – wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior. 6  Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection. 

2XU Compression Socks:

This product is relatively new, before this is launched, I used to use its compression calf guard, most people might have seen the black series compression calf guard, calf guard is good, a compression long socks is even better. As compression is greatly needed for better blood circulation, compression on the feet is also very important. 1st tested it before Newton Run 2013 and used it for pacer role, works perfectly to reduce calf fatigue. I used it as recovery socks too for long distance race like the recent TMBT 50K ultra trail in Sabah, which allows me to race the next day in 25KM trail run Hasuu Tasu. Result? almost zero calf stiffness throughout the race. :)

Featuring zoned breathability panels for maximum airflow and comfort. Seamless, gradient zoned compression panels for increased blood flow and maximum muscle containment for increased performance and enhanced recovery times.1 PWX compression fabric with enhanced power to support the shin, calf, ankle, Achilles and arch of the foot.2  Graduated fit to promote circulation for muscle performance and faster recovery.3  Linked toe cage and light padding for added comfort.4  Seamless construction for greater comfort.5  High filament yarns for dryness - wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior6 Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection

For more info on 2XU products, you may visit http://keypowersports.sg/collections/2xu Special thanks to Key Power Malaysia for sponsoring the products, you may visit its facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/keypowermalaysia or visits the stores located at The Gardens Mall, Paradigm Mall and Sg. Wang Plaza.

Running 102 - Improve your Running without Running

In Running 101 I mentioned in Point 3 about training your legs outside running, below is my personal ways of training, I do them in bathroom (so u may also call it the Bathroom workout), I snap the following photos in gym so that the focus in on the posture I do, not about my naked bottom in bathroom.

If u are following the Point 1 and Point 2 in Running 101, u probably have figured out some postures gap in your running or perhaps some muscles needed to be strengthen to get that running posture. As I do not go to gym and I am lazy, so u may find the following work out doable at your bathroom time.

1. Butt Kick - U hear this alot ( I assume), while you are brushing your teeth, your legs are very free, so u can start kicking your own butt for that few mins (20 reps left, 20 reps right until your brushing is done etc). How do u know if u are doing it right ? refer to the photos below, the knee does not move, keep it pointing to the floor, only swing ur feet to actually kick your butt (if u have a small butt, kick harder to reach!!!) You should feel some pull at your hamstrings.

2. Improve your landing posture - In my case, I want to land right below my body and I want to land on the ball of the feet (or you may also call Chest of the foot), so I 1st do the following pose, then I lift my body up with one leg with that pose. The aim is to get familiar with how it should feel when I land my foot and where the impact should go, then the lift is to train those muscles. Same as above, do as many reps as u wish for both legs. If u see my the other leg, it looks like doing the butt kick too, so yes, you can do both at the same time. It is to simulate what happen during running, which is the butt kicking movement, except in this exercise, you may not have to kick, just maintain that pose. The benefit of this exercise also include improving your balancing and you will find that you work out more than just the calves. To do it right, your weight should NOT be on your toes trying to lift your body (unless you want to land with your toes during running, and starting getting some black toes and falling nails....), the center of the work out is on the ball of the foot, however, you may use your toes to balance your body.

Focus on the ball of the foot

3. Increase your Strike angle - You may have seen or read from some training videos or books that say the wider your stride angle, the more distance you cover in every strike, thus you cover the full distance in less steps and get less fatigue. The one I show below is an extension of the landing pose, once u have trained your leg strong enough, you may now push your butt kicking leg backward to increase the angle. As u can see from the photo below, my strike angle is about 90 degree. The key here is your upper body is not supposed to bend down, you are to remain as up right as u can, a slight forward is fine. If u ever have to lift your hand forward trying to balance yourself, don't do that, u are not doing yoga now, lift your elbow and pull backward, This will demand you to work on your abs and back too. 

When can u do this ? I forgot to mention you may do this when u are washing your face or shaving your misai...

Wide strike angle

 4. Strike Angle and Quads - Put yourself under the shower and it is time for some serious work now. As wider strike angle not only come from butt kicking leg pushing backward, your forward step will also increase the angle. A common mistake runners do in running trying to gain distance per step is kick the foot forward to reach further, they end up landing with heels and it does not help in gaining more distance either. The focus for this step in on the knee, lifting your knee up during your forward step will help to gain more horizontal travelling and yet land on the ball of your foot right below your body. Go watch world class marathoner's video you will notice that.

The following work outs will help you to strengthen some muscles and get into a wider forward strike angle pose. Notice that your upper body is upright too.

 Lift your knee, in a way that your body does not bend to meet that lift, your abs will be needed. Pay attention not to lift your knee with your foot bend under your butt, it has to be a 90 degree in all aspects. Looking from the top u should be able to see you toes in front of your knee.

With the help of mirror you can see clearer if you do it right

This is what u should be seeing from top

90 degree angles

I think if you do the 4 steps above, your bathroom time is efficiently spent, you may also continue to improvise those postures while you are in the shower.

PRECAUTION:
1. SAFETY - for a start always hold on to something - the wall, the basin etc, u don't want to fall in the bathroom.
2. SAFETY - the floor may be wet while you are doing your steps, just be mindful, this is not something you push for your limit.
3. SAFETY - think of yourself doing these with yoga mind, imagine your foot is planted on the floor and your center of gravity should be lower too.

Disclaimer:
This is personal sharing, it may or may not be aligned with any training guide professionally available out there, you don't have to agree with it and if you find it not useful, don't have to prove it or argue about it. 
Enjoy your work out. :)