Before compression clothing came along, dealing with muscle strains was far more difficult to treat and prevent. When I began to have problems with my hamstrings, I needed some kind of protection to help me keep playing soccer and working out without too much worry during my recovery. There were some decent compression shorts on the market, made by the usual suspects. However, they were far from adequate for deeper muscle injuries. There wasn’t enough coverage or thickness for the upper legs, encompassing quads, hamstrings, upper hip area, et al. Moreover, some of them were made of cotton. This was a time when polyester had become the prevalent material for compression clothing, so it was a bit shocking to see major athletic apparel companies stuck in the Jurassic era. 

When I had my long bout with hamstring issues on both legs, I did the necessary treatment, utilizing ice, heat, and stretching every day, and even massage. Deep tissue massage is an amazing experience, if somewhat painful at first, depending on the severity of the injury. It is what I call ‘good pain’. It helps release the toxins that are contributing to your muscle soreness. 

Once I was on my way to a full recovery, I needed high quality compression shorts that would allow me to maintain my usual frenetic sports activity, while simultaneously preventing further injury. I searched online and at local stores for serious compression shorts. Most of what I found seemed lacking in both coverage and thickness around the large upper leg muscle groups. There was no ‘there there’, as the expression goes. One relatively thin layer of material was not going to allow me to exercise with confidence while I was still recovering, much less prevent future injury. I began to think that no such clothing existed. 

Then I got lucky. I found a web site called SWEAT IT OUT®. I wasn’t quite sure at first how different or better their clothing was compared to other brands. However, from reading extensively on the site, I knew that I had to give it a shot. I ordered the COOL COMPRESSION® Shorts. There are two types. I bought the ones with extra protection (1900SL) designed for those with a current injury (and for further prevention). They have double thickness for the larger muscle groups. When I first received the package I had a high level of anxiousness and excitement. I wanted this to be it, the answer, the solution to my problems. Then I tried them on. I was immediately impressed. Could it be that these shorts were the ones that I had been awaiting for so long? At first they felt a little tight, but they are supposed to be somewhat tight in order to to compress the muscles. I decided to reserve my final judgement to when I had worn them at least a few times.

However, it didn’t take that long. When I wore them for soccer, then the gym and other activities, they were an immediate success. I could run as fast as possible with high confidence, knowing that I was protected. I didn’t have to hold back. It wasn’t an overly restrictive feeling, either. I had a feeling of natural movement, without inhibition. As my hamstrings improved to a normal level, I had even more confidence when wearing these shorts. While not able to predict the future, I knew that I would never have an extreme injury in my hamstrings (or quads) again. It has been fifteen years or so, and that initial impression has held up. 

It is also important to note that the company owner, Efraim Nathan, has also been very helpful in finding the right products over the years. He is quite knowledgeable about fitness, injury, and virtually any subjects in this area. He is great about making himself available for customers who have questions about how the products can make a difference. He directed me toward the shorts (1900SL) that were right for me. 

I am now a true believer in SWEAT IT OUT®, after more than a decade of wearing their clothing. I have used not only their compression shorts, but also their arm and elbow sleeves, and other products. I will discuss these and many other topics further in this blog for SWEAT IT OUT®. Hopefully people will be interested in learning from this one athlete’s experiences. If anyone has any questions or ideas for future topics, please let us know. You can Email to this address: sales@sweatitout.com. 

Louis C. Smithwick

Louis C. Smithwick