Product Review: 2XU PWX Thermal Compression Tights

Keep toasty this winter with 2XU's Thermal Compression Range.

We tested the PWX Thermal Compression Tights in temperatures as low as -1 to see how they performed. PWX: Power. Weight. Flex. The PWX range uses superior medical-grade compression, giving you flexible, lightweight, performance-enhancing clothing. 

Compression garments work on the basis of faster recovery, due to stabilising the muscles (less movement=less fatigue) and increasing circulation (transporting deoxygenated blood and lactic acid away from working muscles faster). It's a renowned performance booster, and the compression range is fast becoming a best-seller for 2XU, thanks to its superior performance, as well as the ever-important style. These tights look good; there's no denying that! Women in particular: if you run, these should be a wardrobe staple.

The thermal pieces use brushed PWX flex fabric which gives a soft, fleecy feel on the inside, without feeling heavy. We found them particularly comfortable when we put them on, but how did they fare during exercise?

Both testers found that when running, the restriction is minimal: the leggings have a barely-there feel that means you may have to double-check that you actually have them on (incidentally, a recurring dream of mine is that I go out without anything on my bottom half, and these only fuel this nightmare). Far from being thicker and heavy, the thermal tights stand out compared to other brands' models in that full range of movement can still remain unrestricted. Great temperature regulation means that even if the sun comes out, you'll still be comfortable thanks to the high breathability factor.

The leggings provide the great benefits of compression, with all important warmth, and are perfect for running (and indeed for biking as an over layer) in cold conditions. We have found the non-thermal PWX tights are good until temperatures drop to around 4-5 degrees. Then you'll be thankful for the fleece-lining.

Reflective logos are also great for this time of year

We definitely rate these tights as a winter must-have. They don't come cheap (all the more reason to become a B2P member folks!), but thanks to the quality of the product, they will last a long time, and therefore are a worthy investment.

One of our best-sellers so far this winter, these come thoroughly recommended.

Cost?

RRP: £95
B2P members: £76


Buy here in time for Christmas!

http://www.b2psports.com/Default.aspx?tabid=177&List=0&CategoryID=387&Level=a

Q&A with Member of the Month - Mairi Morse

Mairi is a B2P tri club regular who comes to sessions consistently throughout the year and is beginning to show massive improvements, particularly on the track! We have been impressed with her attitude and commitment, therefore she is a perfect choice for our inaugural Member of the Month award. B2P caught up with Mari to find out just what makes her tick when it comes to tri...

Hi Mairi, so how did you get into triathlon?

I first got interested around six years ago when I caught a bit of the Windsor triathlon when visiting one weekend.  A few years later I had moved here and looked into local clubs to join but, not having come from any of the disciplines and not being super fit, the whole scene seemed a bit intimidating.  Then last October I took part in my first half marathon and wanted another challenge.  The next day I happened to talk to someone who had done the B2P track session and they recommended this and B2P as a friendly club to join.   

Mairi in action this year the National relays

Which is your favourite discipline? If you have a least favourite discipline, how do you motivate yourself to train for that too?

I have really enjoyed swimming this year, especially through the summer when the lake was open.  Having the social aspect to run training helps keep me motivated.  On my longer runs, the more distance I manage the more confidence I gain, which helps.  And the cycling.... I'm still trying to motivate myself for that one! 

Triathlon can take up a lot of time! Do you find it tough fitting everything in?

Training seems to go through phases, fitting lots in some weeks and not much others.  Generally I try to keep a sustainable balance between work, social life and training.  My main aim is just to train as much as is enjoyable and build the distance slowly.

What has been your favourite event to date and why?

It was great to compete at the National Relays (Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham) with so many B2Pers but my favourite event was probably the Eton Super Sprint as it was my first.  

What are your goals for 2013?

I have signed up for my first marathon and olympic distance tri in 2013 so completing these is my main goal.  I am also hoping to achieve my first sub 2 hour half marathon.

What would you say to any beginners who may be tempted to try triathlon but are a bit nervous about doing so?

It is not as intimidating as it can seem.  Through training and races I have seen such a huge variety of people taking part in the sport.  As a beginner I'm often the last to finish in training and towards the back at races but have always felt supported and encouraged - both from those at B2P and from others I've met - and get a massive sense of achievement from the sport!

Thanks for your time Mairi and best of luck with your future races! 

Kit Review: 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket

Hayley: very pleased with her new jacket

Now that winter is well on its way, we hit the roads this week to test the 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket. This jacket is 2XU’s winter warrior; designed to withstand all that the UK climate can throw at it.

Riding conditions - Lowest temperature: 3 degrees. Highest temperature: 12 degrees. Showers.

How did it fare?

Good. In cold, crisp conditions, down to freezing, this is a premium jacket that rates alongside niche brands such as Assos, but at a fraction of the price. Most importantly, it will keep you warm, which is the best thing a winter jacket can do!

It is shower-proof and whilst not completely waterproof, it has the ability to repel a lot of water, and should the jacket get damp, you’ll still struggle to get cold. A key advantage of it not being completely waterproof is the breathability factor. It wicks sweat away pretty well for a winter jacket, and the wicking effect can be further enhanced when coupled with a base layer, such as 2XU’s compression long-sleeved top.

We are in agreement that if you are riding hard in temperatures greater than 10-11 degrees, you will get too hot. This is strictly a winter warmer.

Reflective detailing and extended collar 

The features in the jacket are really well thought-out to maximise convenience. For people such as myself with long bodies, cycle jackets often come up small, whereas the Sub Zero is long enough to provide coverage (and spray-resistance) for your whole back and bum when you’re leaning forwards on the bike, and has a grippy seam at the base to stop it riding up. The extended collar is a great addition and means there is no longer a need for a buff or scarf to keep the elements out. The arm length is ample, and the cut still slim, so it doesn’t feel bulky. This jacket provides ultimate coverage without excess.

Reflective zip, eyewear docking system and secure chest pocket

Other features include 3 large rear pockets, allowing for plenty of storage and easy access to food and tools. Reflective accents keep you visible. The eyewear dock at the front allows for easy storage of sunglasses, should the rain set in, and a zipped pocket on the chest allows for secure storage of valuables such as phone/credit card.

To summarise, the 2XU Sub Zero Cycle Jacket is a top performer, in its element in cold, dry conditions (from 3-10 degrees). That said, with some basic layering we think the jacket could easily keep you warm down to -5/-10 degrees, but thankfully, we’re yet to have to test that!

Cost?

RRP: £140
B2P members: £112

Strength and Conditioning Workshop

Talking through the fundamentals of S&C

Yesterday evening 24 B2P members were put through their paces by Olympic 400m finalist Tim Benjamin, at his new 5star gym in Windsor (www.5starhealth.co.uk). I am not sure if he was very impressed with our strength (or lack of), but we all tried hard and I think he saw a lot of 'potential'! What it did drum home is how much better we could all be, if only we could support our own bodyweight...

The routine he showed us addresses typical weak areas for triathletes, and if done twice a week, will safeguard from injury, allow correct movement patterns, and make you faster and stronger. If you choose not to do this and simply swim, bike and run, you will untap only a small percentage of your potential. Strength and Conditioning is vitally important if you have any aspirations of being the best you can be.

Here is the routine.

WARM UP PHASE:

Penguin walks:

1*30 metres, keeping toes off the ground as high as possible (to recruit Tibialis Anterior at front of shins: helping prevent shin splints and stabilising ankle). Move slowly!

Penguin walks

Over ankle drill: 

2*30 metres. Small running steps in a cyclical motion, landing on mid foot (not too toe-y and certainly not on heels). Spending as little time on the ground as possible. Ratio of 4:1 - leg in air:on ground. To encourage mid-foot landing and quick leg turnover.

Walking lunge:

3* 10 metres. Keeping core stabilised (hold stomach in, as if you are trying to fit in your tightest jeans) lunge forward looking out for knee, hip and torso stability: nothing should tilt or sway! Make sure weight is evenly distributed between both legs: keep upright and lunge straight down, not forward!

Walking lunge

ACTIVATION PHASE: to get the correct muscles firing and ready to work!

Crab walk:

3*20 metres. Squat down, then keeping low, side-step (using large steps), keeping torso stable. Activates glues and in particular glute med - a key stabilising muscle than is notoriously ineffective if left to its own devices. Keep weight in heels.

Crab walk

Single leg bridge:

10 reps each side, holding 5 secs each side (20 reps total). Keeping hips high to activate glutes, lower back, and hamstrings, lift one leg from the floor, ensuring hips are absolutely stable at all times through the set!

Single leg bridge

Heel to ceiling:

10 reps each side, holding for 5 secs each time (20 reps total). On all 4's with hands directly below shoulders and maintaining neutral spine position, bring your heel up to the ceiling with a90 degree bend in the knee. Squeeze as high as you can. Great for glute and hamstring activation.

Heel to ceiling

Single Leg squat and hold.

Everyone's favourite. With the back leg on a raised platform, perform 10 stable lunges. On the 10th lunge, go down and then hold position for 10 secs. Go straight back into 10 lunges, then on the 10th, hold again. And once more! Once you have done this, switch lead legs and repeat immediately. Keep upright with your torso and weight distribution even between both legs.

Single leg squat and hold

MOBILISATION PHASE: to increase range of motion whilst maintaining strength element.

Wall Squats:

3*10 reps. Facing the wall, with your toes as close to the wall as posssible, squat down as far as you can, keeping your face as close to, but not touching the wall. Keep weight in heels.

Wall squats

Overhead squat:

3*10 reps. Using a light bar or broom stick, reach above and behind your head as far and as high as possible, keeping your arms straight up. Perform slow squats trying to ensure the bar does not come forward. Great for shoulder and back range of movement. 

OH squat: keep that bar straight!

FINAL CHALLENGE:

Crab walks with resistance: 

3*20 metres with a theraband around your knees. Perform last rep with arms straight above head for developing range of movement and adding an additional challenge! 

Crab walk with resistance band

FOLLOW THIS WITH A 5 MIN AEROBIC COOLDOWN/STRETCH