Gear Pick: Canterbury Women's Compression Gear

Womens Mercury TCR compression legging - £55.99
Womens Mercury TCR compression top - £55.99

The latest offering from Canterbury is the Mercury TCR compression top and leggings. Both offer constant levels of compression helping with stability and a reduced number of seams which enable enhanced levels of compression - and of course reducing the dreaded chaffing. The TCR range is made from Coolmax fabrics which help with moisture management and the top features extra mesh panels on the back and under the arms for greater breathability.
 
I used both items as part of my training leading up to an Olympic distance triathlon and was very impressed. Firstly in how easy both pieces of kit are to get on and off, without the feeling that your circulation is being tested as can be found with some other pieces of compression kit, and secondly in how the kit performs. Using the top and leggings on both runs and bike rides I found them very comfortable to wear, without any hindrance to movement. My legs felt fresher than usual the morning after a training session and my shoulders and back felt looser than following previous bike training sessions. The kit kept me warm when needed, and in the week of abnormally hot weather the Coolmax fabric and the mesh ventilation vents did their job in preventing overheating.
 
The final test came on the day of the triathlon. After finishing the race I immediately pulled on the leggings in a bid to prevent the usual DOMS I feel the morning after race day. Waking up with a little stiffness, it was a welcome relief not to feel the oh-too familiar twinges and aches in the leg muscles and I was able to walk up and down stairs nearly as freely as any other day.