Concept2 Forum

hey guys,

im thinking of investing in some skins(skins.com.au) or linebreak compression tights. WOuld they even be useful in sport such as rowing?Any of you guys wearing them?, do they help your ergos?

I had read of one study that showed that the unitard improved performance over typical workout gear, the researchers surmising that the tights kept the muscles together, and that improved performance.

Pardon the gross recitation, but I couldn't find the original study.

Additionally, I believe wearing a perforated tank with wicking abilities would be useful, as it reduces core body temperature by allowing cooling.

I dont know about anyone else but I would absolutely cook if I was to wear anything like that whilst rowing or erging. Shorts and a t-shirt or an AIO is bad enough.

I would imagine they may get uncomfortable after a while too. Rowing and erging are fairly unique in sport in that they are full body in both stress and movement, with this movement being extreme at the far ends (highly compressed legs at the catch).

Rowing shorts (compression shorts) are a must. I erged in mesh shorts today and it kept moving and rubbing. Very unconfortable. Just remember, if you get compression shorts, have nothing on underneath them (at least I never do).

Buy spandex and be happy for the rest of your life. I recommend JL.

As rowing is a whole of body exercise you would need to get the full length compression pants and top, covering all your limbs, for them to be of most benefit. Although they are supposed to wick moisture from sweat away from the skin I believe you'd still get too hot in them while rowing.

However people rowing in cold conditions should find them ideal. They'd be perfect for winter rowing keeping the chill off your muscles and preventing muscle tears when you go a little bit too hard when not fully warmed up. I'm thinking of getting "Skins" for OTW rowing next winter. Great for keeping my muscles primed when waiting in my boat around the starting line before a race.

However, any other time of the year "Coolmax" fabric is the only way to go. I row in a Unisuit that I bought at Crash Bs, made of "Coolmax" fabric together with "Coolmax" fabric under-pants as well as socks. Nothing more uncomfortable than clothes feeling wet and heavy from being soaked in sweat and "Coolmax" fabric seems to prevent that. In fact the "Coolmax" fabric under-pants are the most valuable item as far as rowing comfort goes.

By the way. Nike also make compression pants & tops which seem cheaper than "Skins". Don't know how they compare in performance though.

I have used a pair of long "SKINS" over winter here in Aust when using my erg. found them very confortable. Used them the other day when the temp was a little warmer and i did not even notice them getting to warm !
I have used them in a boat during the winter months and found them great. Overall i highly recomend them