If you have been running for quite some time, then you must have all of the necessary equipment that is used for running like a good pair of running shoes, running shirts, running trousers, shorts, socks, and a jacket.
You might be wondering, what else can I use to assist me while running?
That’s right, arm sleeves/compression arm sleeves.
Interested in why do runners wear arm sleeves? I too was curious because I’ve seen many elite runners wear it.
I’ve dived deep into this topic because it is what interests me the most.
If you’re a beginner at running, you might ask, are there any benefits in wearing a pair of arm sleeves?
The answer is yes, and in this article, I’m going to answer most of the questions that you may ask.
Benefits Of Wearing Arm Sleeves
1. Protection From The Sun
Running on hot summer days can be demanding on your body because of the amount of heat that your body is receiving. Wearing arm sleeves could help with wicking sweat away depending on the materials used.
Of course, applying sunscreen in hot weather is most recommended. But it wouldn’t hurt by wearing a pair of arm sleeves for the extra layer of protection from visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Sometimes, I like to run at dawn, but I also like to run between 12 pm and 3 pm. Which is the hottest time of the day and it can get really hot. For me, wearing arm sleeves makes a difference in protecting me a little from solar radiation.
2. Warmth For Your Arms
If it serves a purpose on hot summer days, then it also has benefits when running in cold, rainy weather.
As I said earlier, arm sleeves apply gentle pressure on your arms to increase blood flow to your muscles causing you to feel warmer.
I cannot run without my arm sleeves at dawn because of the cold wind. So I like using it to stay warmer.
3. Safety
It’s annoying to not be able to continue running because of an injury. Being safe and secure while running is important. When you unexpectedly fall, it’s likely your forearm or elbow that hits the ground first.
The impact will be absorbed by the arm sleeves and protect your arms and elbows from getting scraped, bruised, and abrasion.
Another thing that keeps you safe is that some arm sleeves are made out of bright and reflective materials.
Which will help cars or any other vehicle to see you better on the road.
4. Muscle Recovery
It is shown that wearing arm sleeves improves muscle recovery because of the oxygenated blood being carried to your muscles which increases blood flow. This, in turn, reduces muscle soreness which will lead to faster muscle recovery.
5. Style
Some runners wear arm sleeves for the benefits, but some runners wear them for fashion. It looks cool on your arms when running and makes you seem like a ‘pro’ at running. Nonetheless, anyone can wear their arm sleeves even if their intended purpose is for the looks of it.
6. Extra Support And Reduces Swelling
Wearing arm sleeves supports, stabilizes, and reduces swelling by compressing your arm muscles. This compression also helps with blood circulation which means it increases blood flow.
Which will enhance your performance while running and be able to run longer distances. This fact made me order a pair on amazon. What arm sleeve to buy? Well, that’s the next one I’m going to talk about.
Also Read: What Is A Good Running Pace Per Km?
Do You Need To Wear Arm Sleeves?
It all comes down to what the person prefers. Wearing arm sleeves is certainly not mandatory, but simply wearing a pair that does not cost much but offers a lot of benefits is worth buying.
People living in cold climates need something that is simple, comfortable, and not a hassle to wear while running. Wearing a jacket or a hoodie can be a hassle because the feeling of hotness is inevitable, and you eventually will take off your jacket which can be placed nowhere but tied to your waist.
But with arm sleeves, you never have to take them off because the feeling of hotness or coldness on your body is balanced. Basically, you never feel so hot or feeling way too cold. Even if you do take them off, arm sleeves can be rolled up and stored in your pockets.
At first, I did not like the idea of a sleeve on my arm, I thought that it was useless, uncomfortable, and not worth considering. But when I finally tried wearing one, it felt nice, comfortable, and warm.
It’s the opposite of the things I said about it before trying to wear one.
Which is good, and I am happy to add it to my running accessories.
What Are Good Quality Arm Sleeves To Buy?
1. Sports trail Cooling Arm Sleeves for Men & Women
- It provides you with all the benefits that I’ve said earlier and uses lightweight material, wicking sweat, breathable, and comfortable to wear.
- Blocks the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- Highly stretchable which means it can fit different types of body sizes.
2. New Balance Unisex Outdoor Sports Compression Arm Sleeves
- Made out of polyester and spandex.
- Available sizes range from small, medium, large, and X-large. Made to stretch and fit perfectly on your arms.
- Safe for washing and drying
Conclusion
At last, wearing arm sleeves is totally up to you as it is a personal preference. Not wearing arm sleeves does not hurt your running performance significantly.
But if you’re really serious about running, then consider buying arm sleeves for the extra benefits that you get by simply wearing them.
Though some people think that wearing compression arm sleeves is a placebo effect and is only a fashion accessory.
But even then, competitive marathon runners wear it anyway to gain even the slightest advantage to win the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Aside From Runners, Are There Any Sports That Use Arm Sleeves?
Sports like basketball, football, cyclists, and other athletes from various sports use arm sleeves for numerous reasons that are mentioned in this article.
Q: Does Wearing Arm Sleeves Improve Athletic Performance?
No, wearing arm sleeves is simply not enough to heavily improve your athletic performance. If you want to improve your athletic performance, then train your body right, get proper body Recovery/proper rest, good nutrition, etc.
Q: How Should An Arm Sleeve Fit?
Grab a measuring tape and measure it around your bicep without flexing. Then choose the size of an arm sleeve that is half an inch or one inch smaller than the measured area (https://recoupfitness.com). Or, if you don’t have a measuring tape, then going to the store is the best option as you can get to try out different sizes of arm sleeves and be able to get the perfect size for you.
Q: Do Compression Arm Sleeves Help Remove Lactic Acid?
It does help remove the lactic acid build-up in the muscles because of the compression from the arm sleeves and reduces swelling.
Q: How Exactly Does A Compression Arm Sleeve Work?
The compression produced by the sleeve increases your blood circulation and blood flow, reduces fatigue, reduces muscle soreness, and oxygenated blood is carried to your muscles for better muscle recovery.
I’m Ramona, a specialist in Crossfit and functional training. I am passionate about helping people reach their fitness goals, and I have been actively involved in the CrossFit community for over eight years. I’ve trained with some of the best coaches in the world, traveled to many different countries to learn from different experts, and completed numerous certification courses. Regardless of your fitness goals, I am committed to helping you achieve them through comprehensive, challenging, and effective workouts tailored to your lifestyle.
