CW-X Conditioning Wear
I recently had a chance to test out compression tights and triathlon shorts made by CW-X. I had been wanting to get a pair of compression tights to start using as a recovery tool after my long bike rides and runs. I figured the compression tights would also double as running tights in the winter and the tri shorts can be worn for regular biking and bike-to-run bricks. I probably would not wear them for any of my races, too many sponsorship obligations so I am usually racing in official team gear for Team Odwalla or one of my other sponsors.
CW-X has a size guide on their website. They say if your height and weight has you falling between sizes to choose the next size larger. I ordered the compression shorts and tights in women's size medium. In addition to the tights and shorts, CW-X makes a complete line of compression gear including:
- arm sleeves
- calf sleeves
- socks
- support bras
- running and triathlon tops
Compression Gear Features
According to CW-X their compression gear has a variety of features:
- Warm-up - establishes the optimum state to begin your workout safely and effectively.
- Training zone - maintains peak performance and stabilizes temperature during activity.
- Cool-down - helps the body slowly return to its resting phase.
- Recovery - facilitates circulation and venous return, minimizing lactic acid build-up and muscle soreness during and after activity.
Above: CW-X women's Ventilator triathlon shorts.
Above: CW-X Perform-X compression tights
Bike Diva's Verdict
Both the compression tight and compression shorts were a little bit tricky to get on. They kind of reminded me of putting panty hose on, work from the ankle up to the knee then finally pull them up to your waist. You work on getting on one leg at a time, and since they are so tight, it also kind of reminded me of putting on my wetsuit.
At first I thought I wasn't going to like the tri shorts, as they hit just above the knee. That is way longer than any of my other biking or running shorts. But once I started running, it was heaven! I normally have a lot of hip flexor pain, due to tight IT band, but the shorts felt like I was getting a message the entire time I was running. And they have a very light weight chamois pad to make the transition to biking comfortable.
Above: my husband and I at the completion of the 2011 St. Anthony's Triathlon. Yes, I found the beer tent right after crossing the finish line.
Disney Marathon
Living in south Florida I will mainly use the compression tights as recovery gear to wear at home after my long run and bike workouts. But it does cool down for a day or two during the winter in Florida, so I might actually get a chance to wear them while running. I am doing the Goofy Race & 1/2 Half Challenge in Orlando in January, it can get a bit cool in Disney World that time of year, so I will pack my compression tights with me just in case. And I will definitely want to wear them after doing the 1/2 half marathon the day before doing the full.
Participating in both the Disney ½ marathon and Disney marathon is called the Goofy Race and ½ Challenge. I will be participating in this event with my local Team in Training chapter, while helping to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Disney will be my first running event with Team in Training. I have completed 5 century bike rides and 2 triathlons with TNT since 2006, while helping to raise over $30,000 for cancer research. My fund-raising page is located at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/pb/wdw12/lsmythe.
Promotive Website
I purchased my CW-X compression tights and triathlon shorts on the Promotive website as part of a pro deal discount. I qualified for both the Industry Pro Deal and Outdoor Media & Industry Advocates teams on the Promotive website.
You've heard of brands that hook up "pros" with free gear to expose their products to flocks of potential buyers. You may not know those same companies offer discounts to other high-profile customers as well. You're receiving this invitation because I think you're discount-worthy, and I'm pretty sure a bunch of cool brands will feel the same way. There's only one way to find out if you qualify for up to 70 percent off retail - register with ProMotive.com for free!
Additional Information
CW-X clothing can be purchased from a variety of on-line retailers including Paragon Sports, Zappos, Back Country and Tri Sports. Shop around for the best prices; I found them going on the internet for between $50 and $100 for both the shorts and tights.
Website: http://cw-x.com
Twitter: twitter.com/CWXWSSC
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/CW-X-Conditioning-Wear/69163765916
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
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