London - If you struggle to squeeze into trendy body-sculpting gym gear, here’s an excuse not to bother.
In a study by the University of Navarra, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, scientists warned tight-fitting compression clothing could be putting strain on your heart.
Spanish researchers have found the sportswear is no better at keeping the body cool than looser garments. And it also makes hearts work harder, the study found.
Doctoral student Iker Leoz carried out four cycling studies. Exercisers wore elasticated tops containing 4% elastane. This was compared with 100% cotton clothes.
During moderate exercise at 20°C, the compression garments showed no benefits.
At 40°C tests found they failed to reduce stress caused by temperature or stress on circulation. In the case of trained cyclists with an average age of 66, the compression garments increased body temperature. Leoz said there was no evidence of improved sweat efficiency.