SKINS K-Proprium Compression Tights Review

I’m already a big fan of SKINS Compression Wear – I love that all of their products are truly built for performance – and was jazzed when I got the opportunity to try out their newly launched K-Proprium Compression tights. Their new K-Proprium Compression tights were designed to fight fatigue, reduce the risk of injury, and improve performance by enhancing proprioception.

Yep – you heard it right – these tights were actually designed to enhance your proprioception – your body’s ability to sense movement in the joints to stay aware of where your limbs are without having to look. I love this because proprioception is something I love to talk about in my yoga classes and think about in my workouts – ever try to just close your eyes and perform 10 burpees?

How about a handstand?

Or a pistol squat?

If you’ve ever tried to perform any of these movements with eyes closed, you probably already know that it’s really hard. If you haven’t yet tried, give it a try. It’s great to challenge your body and mind to work together to stay aware of where you are and move more freely. This ability is not only a cool party trick – look ma, no eyes – it’s also a great way to increase your coordination, stability, and ultimately your performance.

The K-Proprium tights feature the highest level of compression in the SKINS range and feature Dynamic Gradient Compression to improve performance by getting more oxygen to your active muscles and removing waste from the body more quickly and Proprioceptive Power Bands to fight fatigue, reduce the risk of injury and improve performance. Basically, they have the same effect as athletic strapping.

So I had to know – do they actually work? 

I knew I was going to need to really fatigue my muscles to put them to the test. And aside from running an ultra (which I don’t have on my calendar for the year…..yet), I couldn’t think of a better way than taking them on a run in heavy snow after a long day on the mountain snowboarding.

With noticeably tired legs (after a good and long day on the mountain), I put my new K-Proprium tights to the test. Putting them on was the first test as they truly live up to their namesake – I felt like I was literally rolling on my second skin – but once on, they felt great. Actually, they felt more than great – I felt like I was ready to fly.

Once out for my run, I could feel the Proprioceptive Power Bands which are embedded in the tights – not in a bad way – just a slight difference in pressure where they sat on my legs. I guess it just means i could feel them working – as they are strategically placed to wrap the lower body muscle groups that we use most for running, jumping and rotating – to support the muscles and reduce fatigue and allow you to run for longer periods at a higher intensity.

Even on tired legs and running through pretty heavy snow, I was able to jam out some pretty good miles. The tights gave me just the right amount of support and seemed to help keep me stabilized throughout my workout.

Next I tried them out for a road run and mini circuit training to see how they would feel while running, jumping and moving dynamically side to side. I wanted to see if they were both functional in reducing fatigue and also comfortable enough to wear for nearly any workout.

I went on a fast five mile road run and they felt good and supportive – same as they did with tired legs in the snow – so far, so good.

Next, I did a circuit consisting of 15 push-ups, 30 squat jumps, 30 seconds of side to side lunges, and 10 burpees with a 1 minute rest between sets for 3 sets.

They tights performed beautifully. They are snug but comfortable on your skin – meaning they don’t move, chafe or rub – but also don’t pinch. Plus, they have an ergonomic waistband which helps with stability. Seriously, the waistband is so comfortable, it’s almost unreal.

I know they will fare perfectly for my next race and can’t wait to include them with the rest of my race day gear.

In short, they passed the performance test with flying colors. As far as the aesthetics go, I think these pants are extremely flattering; even though, they are a very technical pant, I truly like the design and overall fit. I think they make me look like a professional athlete and I’m totally cool with that.

If you’re looking for top of the line performance gear, try SKINS new K-Proprium Compression tights – you can find them (and other SKINS compression products here).

Stay sweaty friends,

XOXO

Jamie

Disclaimer: I was given a pair of SKINS K-Proprium Compression tights for review purposes. That said, all opinions, thoughts, words are my very own.