Spandex – from fashion must-have to athletic secret weapon

By Dr Paul Avery – 23^rd January 2012

In a paper published last month in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, scientists at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, reported the results of their research into the beneficial aspects of wearing tight, stretchy materials rather than loose fitting shorts and leggings when performing exercise.

The data suggest that the wearing of tight materials such as spandex can assist recovery after high-intensity exercise by helping to reduce lactate build up in the blood. Lactate is a natural by-product of intense exercise, but it can inhibit muscle performance if it builds up. Presumably, wearing materials that compress the muscles improves blood flow, helping to circulate the blood and reduce lactate levels faster, which boosts recovery time.

So, now there are two good reasons to wear Spandex to the gym. It has always looked great, but now it is good for you too!