There are several ways that the site helps you to find what you need. Here is an example of tights for lower back support. [Photos courtesy of CW-X]

How in the world do I squeeze into this?!

With exercise, the right gear can make a world of difference. This I can attest to over and over. Years ago, I started running short distances because it seemed like a good idea, but I didn’t enjoy it much. Then, I bought new running shoes, and it changed my attitude toward running. I even started doing 5ks. They made the run noticeably easier, and my feet were much more comfortable before, during, and after each race. Because the right gear is so helpful, I’m always on the lookout for what  works for real people who want to get into and stay in great shape.

In a recent Zumba class, the person next to me, who had just come from a free-weight workout, was wearing some very cool tights. When I asked about them, she said they were CW-X and a little pricey, but she absolutely loved them. She explained that her muscles didn’t feel tired after back-to-back workouts, and they gave her great support during her workouts.  While my fellow Zumbie (yes, that’s what we call each other) is probably in her late 20s and injury free so far, many of us are not. My question: Would CW-X gear be great for people with injuries or weak zones?

I went to the CW-X website to check them out. I loved the fact that I could look up products by the type of support I needed. That was really helpful, and I was able to narrow my decision down in a short amount of time. My issues are two-fold when looking for leggings or tights—knee support and back support. Since back support is the big issue for me right now, I chose that first. I’ve got bulging and torn discs in my cervical and lumbar areas. The site gave me a breakdown of all their gear and what would work best for each area or sport.

I chose to start out with the CW-X Women’s 3/4 Length Pro Tights. I loved that the colors weren’t crazy and that, yes, I probably would thank them for the rainbow. Who doesn’t like their gear to look good together, right?!

Now, I’m not a zero-fat person, far from it, so compression gear tends to…shall we say…accentuate the negatives. Compression pants equal a demystification of just how much fat I have in my midsection. Once I found a top that helped to cover that area (thank you, Champion), I was ready to test the tights out. I hit a one-hour Zumba class with a Brazilian instructor who does not hold back. Here’s my conscious stream of thought:

• Man, this stuff is tight
• Hey, my back feels better
• Let’s get going
• Workout done…I feel great
• Next day, awesome. I didn’t feel like I was paying for pushing it the day before. My back was in good shape.

Is it the gear? Doing the math, I’d say yes. I could feel the support, but it wasn’t annoying or uncomfortable. Now, off to work so I can afford to buy some more…

BOD RATING

EASE OF USE: 4.5

COMFORT: 4.5

INTERFACE: 4.75

PRICE: 4.25

OVERALL: 4.5