Strength Training


Strength training is a vital part of any workout routine or healthy lifestyle. Because lean muscle mass diminishes over time, if we don’t find ways to replace it, it will inevitably be replaced by body fat. But, strength training does a lot more for the body than simply build muscle.

Some of the other benefits include increased bone density and strength, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis; improved weight management by increasing metabolism; better quality of life by increasing strength and flexibility; and help with chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, depression, and diabetes.

When starting a strength training routine, you can go one of many ways. Some options include:

  • Body weight exercises such as squats, pushups, pull-ups, and planks. These exercises can be done right in your home with no need to purchase specialized equipment.
  • Free weights are one of the most popular methods of strength training. From small light weights to barbells and bench pressing, free weights offer a huge variety of options for strengthening the whole body. When getting started you can even mimic free weight workouts with heavy household items like soup cans or books.
  • Weight machines are typically found at the gym, but you can also purchase a number of different types for your home. Some people prefer weight machines over free weights for the added control and ease with which you can increase and decrease the weight.

Strength Training Compression Gear Guide

To help you get started, we’ve constructed a list of all the best compression gear for strength training enthusiasts looking to take their training and performance to the next level. Explore this guide or check out the full lists of the best compression gear in each category in men’s and women’s clothing.

The Role of Compression in Strength Training

With such a wide range of options when it comes to strength training, it can be difficult to know what type of athleticwear to use. As with most workouts, compression gear can be a great addition to keep you comfortable, supported, safe, and pain free.

One of the most important considerations when choosing the right clothing and gear is comfort. If you are not comfortable during your workout, you will not perform at your highest level. Strength training involves steady, controlled movements. The right compression clothing will give you the support you need while offering the right amount of stretch and flexibility.

Wearing compression clothing for strength training can also increase your safety, especially when working with heavy weights or gym equipment. Loose fitting clothing can get in the way and be a distraction. Compression clothing will not ride up, slip down, or get stuck or caught in the equipment, allowing you to protect yourself while staying focused on your workout.

Beyond comfort, choosing the right compression gear can also mean improved performance and recovery. The two primary benefits of compression gear are (1) more efficient removal of lactic acid from the muscles in the short term and (2) reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness in the long term. Taking advantage of these benefits will help you optimize any strength training routine.

Both graduated and targeted compression can help clear lactic acid from your muscles faster for speedier recovery between sets, and improve circulation to your muscles to help them heal faster and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Faster recovery means less downtime and reaching your goals sooner.

Best Leg and Arm Sleeves for Strength Training

In addition to performance-improvement during a workout or activity, compression clothing helps while recovering from physical exertion. From improving blood flow to helping alleviate lactic acid buildup, compression can help get you back on your feet sooner than not wearing it.

Best Knee Sleeve for Strength Training: Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves

This knee sleeve is the best of the best when it comes to strength training, It provides unmatched knee joint support to both men and women. These sleeves will keep your joints warm, provide incredible stability, and improve your form, especially during squats. Wear these during and after a workout to maximize both your performance and recovery. 

Best Arm Sleeve for Strength Training: Nordic Lifting Elbow Compression Sleeves

Like it’s knee sleeve counterpart, Nordic’s elbow sleeve offers superior support for the elbow joint throughout your workout. The sleeve offers even pressure throughout to improve stability and alleviate pain while lifting. Despite the great support, this sleeve will never pinch or dig. The sleeve is also longer than most elbow sleeves, providing added compression and support to the forearm and bicep.

Best Men’s Strength Training Compression Gear

Best Men’s Compression Singlet: ASICS Men’s Solid Modified Singlet

These pants offer graduated compression through the legs to improve blood flow and oxygen supply during and after workouts. Mesh inserts throughout the pants add targeted ventilation to keep you cool and dry during even the most intense interval or weight training. They are durable and comfortable, maximizing your range of motion while offering the support you need. They are also an excellent choice for post-workout recovery.

Best Men’s Compression Pants: Mava Men’s Compression Leggings

Mava compression leggings are the gold standard when it comes to strength training and leg support. Their solid compression offers support to the entire leg and improves power and flexibility of the abductors, glutes, quads, and hamstrings, while still maintaining breathability and a full range of motion. They even improve knee stability. These pants are extremely high quality, made with thick material that won’t wear or tear no matter how intense the workout.

See All of the Best Pants for Men

Best Men’s Compression Shorts: Under Armour Men’s HeatGear

Under Armour is always a solid choice no matter what activity you’re participating in, and strength training is no exception. When you need a stable, strong, and breathable pair of shorts to keep you comfortable and supported on leg day, these will not disappoint. They are thick and durable, while still offering great ventilation and a full range of motion.

See All of the Best Shorts for Men

Best Men’s Compression Shirt: Mava Sports Men’s Short Sleeve Compression T-Shirt

Just like Mava’s compression pants, their compression shirt is another fantastic option for strength training. This shirt offers targeted compression to support your upper body throughout even the most intense power lifts or bench presses. Its flexible, breathable material wicks away moisture and keeps you cool and dry.

See All of the Best Shirts for Men

Best Women’s Strength Training Compression Gear

Best Women’s Compression Singlet: ASICS Women’s Solid Modified Wrestling Singlet

ASICS women’s singlet is just as reliable as their men’s version. Its flat stream stitching offers smoothness and comfort so you can move and lift with confidence and support. This singlet is a wonderful and comfortable option for women of all sizes, offering support and compression without pinching or digging. The durable, thick material is never see-through no matter how much movement or bending your workout requires.

Best Women’s Compression Shorts: Baleaf Women’s 8″ High Waist Compression Shorts

Baleaf’s 8-inch compression shorts are a fantastic option for strength training. Their solid material offers great support while allowing for freedom of movement and preventing uncomfortable chafing. The high waistband means added support and coverage while keeping them in place no matter what activity you’re doing.

See All of the Best Shorts for Women

Best Women’s Compression Tights: CW-X Women’s Stabilyx Joint Support Tights

CW-X’s compression clothing is engineered to support your joints in a way unlike any other compression brand. Their patented EXO-WEB technology contours your joints without restricting your range of motion. The design combines the benefits of compression with the added support of kinesiology tape to create an unparalleled level of stability and protection.

See All of the Best Pants for Women

Best Women’s Compression Shirt: CW-X Women’s Short Sleeve Upper Back Support Ventilator Compression Top

CX-W’s compression top utilizes the same EXO-WEB support offered in their tights and other compression gear. This shirt is specifically designed to offer specific support to the upper back to improve your posture. This unique benefit means more efficient movement, better balance, improved form, and an overall better and safer workout.

See All of the Best Shirts for Women

What is Compression Gear?


At the most basic level, compression gear is a category of clothing and other accessories designed to fit tightly around the skin. 

Compression gear has a wide variety of applications including, medical, fitness, and personal uses such as fashion and travel, and continues to grow in popularity as athletes, doctors, patients, and regular people find more creative ways to benefit from these products.

Read our What is Compression Gear? article to get a bigger picture of the role compression gear plays in Fitness, Health, Travel, Fashion, how compression works, and what its benefits are.

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