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Common Misconceptions Around Performance Garments

Common Misconceptions Around Performance Garments

In today’s age of health and fitness, there is a huge market demand for performance garments. The majority of people who take an interest in their health, fitness and wellbeing will happily exercise often, maintain a healthy and balanced diet (with a few ‘cheat days’ thrown in of course – we’re only human!), and try and get as much quality sleep as possible. All of this while balancing a work, family and social life..

So when we are told that there is also clothing that can help us perform better, recover more efficiently and also look very stylish and often flattering, most of us want that!

But it’s important to remember that when it comes to performance garments, one size most definitely does NOT fit all. When choosing these performance garments it’s important to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do we want it for?
  • What brands to we trust?
  • How will it benefit us?
  • Will this do what it says it will do?
  • Will it be comfortable to wear for long periods of time?
  • Will it be worth the often substantial price tag and withstand regular washing over a long period of time?
  • Are there any negative health benefits we need to be aware of?

In an often unregulated industry, there are certain performance garment brands we know we can trust, and then regular new-comers entering the same market. It’s important to know a little bit about these brands so you can make an informed decision before investing.

Take compression garments for example. Yes there are benefits to wearing these compression for increased performance and recovery. However it’s important to be aware of is that several brands may not have undergone the correct testing, or submitted any data to health agencies to obtain a designation to show the regulatory body also agrees with the health and wellness claims the company is making. Another common mistake made when buying compression garments is that incorrect sizing might be applied. This means that the benefits that should occur, may not occur. Compression garments almost need to be individually measured to ensure the correct pressure is applied up or around the limb to assist with the venous return and prevention of micro muscle tears.

OXYGN8™ garments are one of the few performance garments available in Australia that have been designated as a Class 1 Medical Device by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). OXYGN8™ is powered by Celliant®, which is a fibre that contains a mix of thermo-reactive minerals which convert emitted body heat into infrared (IR) energy which can be absorbed back into the body. This IR energy triggers a process called vasodilation, which means a temporarily increased blood flow to the site of application, resulting in an increase in oxygen levels and also clearance of waste products such as lactic acid.

Celliant conducted several trials and studies on their garments at recognised institutes, under the guidance of a scientific advisory board to measure the increased oxygen levels and performance that can be seen when wearing these garments, tested against placebo’s or non-Celliant containing garments. This data was submitted to several health agencies around the world, the FDA in America included, and they were satisfied that the Celliant containing garments will live up to the claims being made to award them with the Medical Device designation. Knowing that something has been given the ‘tick of approval’ by health agencies around the world can really put the consumers mind at ease to know they’re getting what they paid for, and how they can assist with their health, fitness and wellbeing. So if you buy OXYGN8 garments, you’re wearing something that has medical device designation from the highest regulatory authorities with regards to health, wellness and therapeutic goods.