My knees love CW-X: A running tights review

Have you ever woken up, and been like, dang! how did my body get all twisted up like that while I was asleep? You wake up like some sort of yogi contortionist with your right arm bent backwards and around your back? Well I woke up like that this morning and BOY OH BOY is my right elbow/trapezius in a lot of pain!!! How on earth did I manage to sleep comfortably in such a non-human position???? Craziness.

Thanks everyone, for your kind comments about my new header! And thanks James, for taking the photo!

As you can see in the header, I am wearing a pair of CW-X compression tights. I mentioned before that it's one of my most favoritest running gear, and that I will do a more detailed review, but somehow life got in the way of that. So I would like to finally get around to writing a review, which will also be my first review! How exciting.

The tights I am wearing are called CW-X Stabilyx Tights. CW-X is made by Wacoal Sports Science Corp. Wacoal, as you know, is a Japanese company and also the world's largest manufacturer of intimate apparel. (I remember in Japan, Wacoal is like, Victoria's Secret and Hanes and Fruit of the Loom combined.) According to thier website, CW-X brand is the "world's first truly anatomically-engineered high performance sports apparel," and a study showed that, compared to regular tights, participants wearing CW-X tights showed a lower oxygen usage, indicating a lower energy expenditure, which all translates in to less fatigue.

Less fatigue=I can work out more intensly for a longer period of time= a faster/stronger Julia= PR!

CW-X tights uses a patented CW-X Support Web(TM) technology, which mimics kinesio taping techniques that a PT would use. This means it's basically a built-in support system for your muscles and joints. This support decreases muscle fatigue and focuses power, and the variable compression minimalizes lactic acid build up. The fabric is UBER sweat-whicking and will keep you nice and cool during your runs. CW-X products include tights, bras, and shirts.

As I mentioned, I own the Stabilyx full length tights. When I pinched a nerve in my lower back (completely un-related to running) I was in quite a good bit of discomfort for a while. But I still wanted to run! I asked my dad what he thought of CW-X pants, because he is really into marathons, triathlons, biking, Ironmans, and all that jazz himself. When he said that CW-X sponsored teams win all the races, I was sold. I contacted the company, and they told me that for my symptoms (Lower back, knee and ankle pain), I should go with the Stabilyx tights.

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They are VERY TIGHT and quite hard to put on; I have to sing that Chingy song in my head "I bet you had to jump up and down just to put em on, bet you had to wiggle it around just to put em on, bet you had to lay back on the bed just to zip em up..." haha you get the idea. Once the dance is over, they don't actually feel that tight. And I think they make me look Hard-Core, and yet, they look pretty streamlined, and I think they make me look fast! And as far as running tights go, this is pretty flattering, because the subtle grey/black ontrast and the stitching are all strategically placed to minimize the appearance of bulge. It even sucks your tummy in for a sleeker look.

But obviously, I didn't buy them for how sleek they make me look; I bought it for its function.
You probably want to know.... So, does it work?
My answer is an astounding YES! :)

The first time I wore them on a run, I was able to run faster and longer than before. Even when my knees are feeling a little tired/sore/wobbly, these pants keep them snugly locked in place, and I have no problems running. The tightness in the calves keep me fresh even when running uphill. I have been wearing these pants on all runs over 7 miles long so far, and my legs really don't get too fatigued. I mean, yes, of course, they feel tired and tight, that is to be expected. But I think these tights really help my muscles recover faster, and my knees from becoming too wobbly. And even though the material feels thick, it does a superb job of whicking away my sweat and keeping my dry. In fact, they do a much superior job than all my other dri-fit clothes. Once, I had a nasty fall while running. I landed on my knees and elbows and totally tore up the skin on my arms. But the thick CW-X fabric didn't even rip, and I did not lose any skin on my knees. I got pretty bruised up, but they could've been so much worse. I was so thankful for my CW-X!

Honestly, I wish I had more $$ to buy their shirts and more pants so I can rotate them around. Their shirts apparently come with back/shoulder support, which I imagine will feel really good on those 20 mile runs I've got coming up. Their bras look awesomely supportive too, but alas, I have no need for them, as my girlies could even potentially go bra-less. (tear rolls down my cheek....haha) They are kind of expensive, not gonna lie, but if you have any sort of knee pain, or just want to recover faster, I would definitely look into getting a pair of CW-X pants. They've got ones to keep you ventilated in the summer, insulated in the winter, shorts, capris, you name it. Go check it out!

Wow this review is getting long, and probably quite boring. Thanks for being good sports and for reading it anyways! :)

Today I have my 4X1200 at a sub 8 minute mile pace. I am going to stick to the tready for now till I get a better "feel" for what my pace is supposed be like. I want my body to kind of "learn" the pace. Wish me luck!

Happy Tuesday, and have a great one!