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Outside Magazine April 2004

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Fitness Tips

By Grant Davis & Grayson Schaffer


	(Chris Bartlett)

Can Underwear Make You Stronger?*
*No, but it sure looks (and feels) that way
Who knew that a stretchy T-shirt made from a more breathable version of the fabric found in ladies' girdles would become the base layer of choice for athletes as diverse as baseball home-run king Barry Bonds and World Cup moguls skier Jeremy Bloom? In 1997, the original (1) UNDER ARMOUR LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRT ($35; 888-427-6687, www.underarmour.com)—which, by holding muscles firmly in place, reduces fatigue—became a cult favorite of collegiate football programs around the country. REEBOK'S NFL EQUIPMENT has stitched up a comparable garment in its (2) HOT SHIRT ($25; 877-635-7467, www.nflshop.com), while Nike's version, (3) PRO COMPRESSION with PRO VENT ($35; 800-344-6453, www.nike.com), has strategically placed ventilation panels in the upper back and sides to facilitate breathability.



	(Chris Bartlett)

Canned Heat
Balms like Bengay aren't a substitute for stretching, but they could spare you a case of soreness that feels like walking rigor mortis. "Muscle rubs bring heat to an affected area, increasing blood flow, which reduces spasms and also speeds recovery," says Robert C. Palumbo, a doctor with the NFL Players Association. Active ingredients like methyl salicylate and menthol—both found in Bengay—have documented soothing effects, and companies have started adding moisturizers and pleasant scents like vanilla to cut the medicinal odor. Other companies, like Neal's Yard Remedies, go the homeopathic route, using natural substances like arnica. "I've worked with a lot of elite athletes and have seen these natural salves work," says Palumbo. When your schedule cuts stretching or sauna time out of your workout, reach for a rub.

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