This year the sports bra collection doubled in size. That is to say, there are twice as many bra styles as last year, and includes the new maximum support Energy Bra. The collection, adidas says, “helps control the ladies”
The Energy Bra offers maximum support and is best for contact sports, running and high intensity workouts. The new Energy Bra will retail for $55. It has a three-clasp closure that allows for better adjustability. The cross-back strap design offers a personalized fit and more ventilation. Continue reading Adidas Expands Bra Collection
Before the World Cup the LA Galaxy tested the space age uniforms
Introduced last March for the 2010 Major League Soccer season, the Adidas TECHFIT uniforms have been seen in the FIFA World Cup. The question going around the Web is whether the results were more psychological than physical? The other technology advance seen in the uniforms for the World Cup is in how the technology has made the leap from typical under garments to be the material in the actual uniforms. This is notable with the FORMOTION uniforms, which is an alternative, which also offers moisture-wicking fabrics and mesh construction to help provide ventilation and keep the athletes cool.
So is this a lot of hype? There is no doubt that clothing not only makes the man, or makes the woman, but as we’ve seen improvements in garments can help reduce drag, keep an athlete cooler and improve performance. The question now is did the TECHFIT and FORMOTION uniforms do as much physically as it did mentally?
The TECHFIT uniforms consisted of compression fabrics and strategically placed TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) bands that were located in key areas. This was cited as being able to enhance muscle power, and according to news reports TECHFIT was “proven” to increase a player’s power by 5.3 percent, vertical leap by 4 percent and sprint speed by 1.1 percent, as well as to enhance endurance by 0.8 percent. This sounds like the suit from Greatest American Hero to us! But at $150 a pop it is probably almost as expensive.
What was also worth noting is that several teams including South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Germany and France have worn both TECHFIT and FORMOTION uniforms, while other nations such as Greece, Denmark, Slovakia, Paraguay and Nigeria were outfitted with FORMOTION uniforms and a TECHFIT base layer. Sounds good right? Well, consider this… the team from the Netherlands was reported fitted with Nike made uniforms!
So we’re not one to question the psychological effects either. If you look good and feel good by looking good, you’ll probably play better too.
NBA player Tim Duncan wearing adidas TechFit gear.
Basketball is not the sport you associate with padding. Those flimsy polyester shorts and tops don’t provide much in the way of armor. Many players are starting to add a layer of compression or padding under their uniforms to get an edge over the competition. Adidas TechFit line has both compression and padding options. While NBA players are adopting the gear into their game, NCAA members competing in March Madness finals are also said to be wearing the new garments.
The PowerWeb line combines compression fabrics and a Web of strategically placed Thermoplastic Polyurethane bands to boost power to key muscle groups. Compression gives power to musicle groups for more efficient movement, increasing acceleration; improving endurance; and reducing fatigue.
TechFit Padded uses closed cell foam padding to protect athletes and provide maximum flexibility. High-impact resistance helps players avoid injuries when they come into contact with other players or the hard wood surface of the court. A CNN article details some of the practical uses and injuries that were lessened by the extra layer of protection.
Players can choose padding, compression, or a combination of the two in shorts, tops, knee and elbow garments based on the position they play and their individual needs.
This year the sports bra collection doubled in size. That is to say, there are twice as many bra styles as last year, and includes the new maximum support Energy Bra. The collection, adidas says, “helps control the ladies”
