SKINS™ AND RUGBY PLAYER GEORGE BRIDGE
Here at SKINS, we are delighted to be the official compression supplier for pro rugby player George Bridge.
‘Preparation is key to performing … I wear SKINS Compression garments during games, but they also help my recovery, post-training and games.’
QUICK FIRE Q&A WITH GEORGE BRIDGE
Q: What does your training regime look like?
A: Training regime generally looks like strength and power-based gym sessions three times a week and four to five field sessions a week at different intensities.
Q: How do you prepare for and on game day?
A: Preparation is key to perform. The week is set up to allow us to be peaking come game time.
Q: What or who inspires/motivates you to do what you do?
A: Growing up, Christian Cullen inspired me. Now I just enjoy competing against myself to be the best I can be and competing against the opposition.
Q: How do SKINS Compression garments help you in training, competition and recovery?
A: I wear SKINS compression garments during games to improve performance. I also wear SKINS to speed up my recovery post-training/games.
Q: What SKINS do you use/recommend?
A: I would recommend SERIES-5, more specifically the Powershorts and Long Tights and the SERIES-3 Calf Sleeves.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: Making my childhood dream of becoming an All Black come true.
Q: What are your athletic goals?
A: Not slowing down as I age.
Q: What is something about you that people are always surprised to learn?
A: I used to ride horses competitively.
Q: What do you do to unwind?
A: Surf, golf, fish, jet boat.
Q: What’s on your pre-game playlist?
A: Upbeat music (drum and bass) – Netsky, Wilkinson, sub focus etc.
SKINS PROTOCOLS FOR RUGBY
It doesn’t matter if you play Union or League, rugby is dynamic, using explosive movements to break a tackle, gain territory or bring down an opponent. It can be a war of attrition and a battle with yourself to be the best you can be.
The key muscle groups are:
- Calf muscles
- Quadricep muscles
- Glutes
- Shoulders
- Arms
What to be aware of:
- Energy loss through increased vibration damage in the muscles from landing
- Impact damage from outside force
- Sluggish performance due to inefficiencies in flushing the waste products inactive muscles
- Muscle tears
- Lack of thermo-regulation of the muscles
SKINS compression you can wear:
- SERIES-5 Long Tights
- SERIES-5 Powershorts
- SERIES-5 Half Tights
- SERIES-5 Long Sleeve Tops
- SERIES-3 or ESSENTIAL Calf Tights
- SERIES-3 Performance Socks
- SERIES-1 Arm Sleeves
Why wear SKINS when active:
- Blood flow is assisted by applying pressure to the veins returning blood back to the heart
- Accelerating blood flow means more oxygen can be delivered to active muscles
- Waste product build up like lactic acid can be more efficiently flushed from the muscles
- Muscles are wrapped, reducing vibration (muscle oscillation), and the energy loss from impact with the round is reduced
What to wear:
- Protection of calf, quad and glute muscles – Long Tights
- Protection of quad and glute muscles – Powershorts and Half Tights
- Protection of calf muscles – Calf Tights, Performance Socks
- Protection of arms – Arm Sleeves
During active performance, protect your calf, hamstrings/glutes, quads, forearms and shoulders. These areas are the ones that take the major hits of your explosive movements!
For the hamstrings/glutes, wear the Powershorts. SKINS Powershorts will help you be faster and more explosive in the first four seconds of your movement.
During running, the calf muscle gives you that flick and speed on the turf. Protect and wrap the muscle belly with SKINS Calf Tights.
When you’re grabbing an opponent or protecting the ball, you will put a serious jolt through your forearm, bicep and shoulder. Protect the forearm and bicep with the arm sleeves and the whole arm and shoulder with the Long Sleeve Tops.
#1 RULE: RECOVERY COMPRESSION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ACTIVE COMPRESSION
SKINS recovery compression you can wear:
- SERIES-5 Travel & Recovery Long Tights
- SERIES-3 Travel & Recovery Long Tights
- SERIES-3 Performance Socks
- SERIES-3 Travel & Recovery Socks
- SERIES-3 Calf Tights
- SERIES-1 Arm Sleeves
SKINS Performance Socks, Calf Tights, Long Sleeve Tops and Arm Sleeves can double up and be used during recovery.
– Wear your Travel & Recovery Long Tights for at least 3-5 hours after training or playing. If you can leave them on for longer, do it!
– Improve your performance, in bed. Wear your Travel & Recovery Long Tights during sleep. It’s not exactly sexy, but it works!
– If you’re unable to get your Travel & Recovery Long Tights on straight away (post-run) use the Calf Sleeves or Compression socks until you can wear your Long Tights.
– Wear your Arm Sleeves for 3-5 hours post-training/match.
– When travelling to and from competition wear your Travel & Recovery Long Tights AND your Arm Sleeves.
– If it’s not practical to wear your Travel & Recovery Long Tights, put on your Calf Tights or Compression Socks.
– If you are mixing it up and training outside, SKINS also protects you from the sun with SPF50+
– When travelling always wear SKINS
– Try to avoid wearing underwear under SKINS
– Wash with like colours and on 30-40 degree celsius
– Do not tumble dry and do not iron
