Review: Sizen 8 Pro, an essential ally in my preparation

Have you ever experienced the feeling of relief when your blood pressure is taken and the inflatable cuff that was pressing on your arm is released? Imagine that feeling, but applied to your legs after an intense workout.

'm Lionel Nattes, a long-distance runner, and I want to share my experience with the Sizen Pro 8, a pressure therapy system that has played a crucial role in my recovery between training sessions.

As a long-distance runner, I am passionate about ultra-distance road races. These races are unique because you run slowly, but continuously, without walking at any point. Most of the participants maintain a slow pace, but the elite athletes who compete in this distance are able to maintain a pace faster than 3:40 minutes for 100 km. I'm not going to fool you, my pace is slow (6:00 per kilometer) but I never stop running ;)

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Injuries caused by overtraining

Being a recreational runner, I have some big problems: How can I get mileage without getting injured and recovering between sessions?

The preparation for these races requires many hours of training and covering long distances. To avoid excessive mileage, which could be detrimental, fatigue is often simulated by doing weight training sessions before running. With this level of load, it is crucial to recover well between sessions. Here training planning, strength work, good nutrition and sleep are all key factors. However, with pressotherapy, I have discovered a beneficial method that allows me to recover better between sessions. Pressotherapy has gained popularity around the world due to its simplicity and benefits. The theory is that it stimulates the lymphatic system, improves vascular function and provides a feeling of relief and relaxation.

Testing the Sizen 8 Pro system

I'll focus on the sensations I have experienced using the Sizen Pro 8, recognised as one of the best sports pressotherapy devices on the market.

It is designed with eight air chambers that inflate at different intervals depending on the programme selected. This creates a pressure wave that moves from the feet to the upper body, massaging the legs and helping to relieve muscle tension.

The 6 programmes offered by the control unit allow you to vary the pressure therapy protocols. For example, programme 4 inflates all the chambers at once and after a few seconds releases the pressure. Programme 6 (my favourite in terms of recovery) inflates and deflates the chamber one by one, from the foot chamber to the hip chamber.

For a month, I used the Sizen Pro 8 primarily after training sessions, about two hours afterward. It gave me considerable relief, but the most remarkable difference was felt the following day upon waking up. If I had done a session with the Sizen Pro 8, when I woke my legs felt light and refreshed. If I hadn't used it, I still felt tired from the day before.

Main features of the Sizen 8 Pro

• Price: €1,199 (~1030 GBP).
• Massage programmes: 6 in total, with 2 exclusive to the Pro series.
• Massage duration: Adjustable up to 60 minutes.
• Pressure: Up to 250 mmHg.
• Chambers: 8 independent 4-layer chambers.
• Control: Via Bluetooth and a mobile app.
• Smart battery: 6 hours of autonomy.
• Noise level: 45 dB, much quieter than previous models.
• Sizes: M (up to 170 cm), L (between 171 cm and 195 cm), and XL (over 196 cm).
• Warranty: 3 years.

Tips for getting the most out of the Sizen 8 Pro

To get the most out of my Sizen pressotherapy sessions, I followed a series of tips. I used the Sizen system within 60 minutes of my workout, when my body was still working to recover. I also made sure to stay hydrated before, during and after using the Sizen equipment. And, of course, I took advantage of the pressotherapy time to relax and unwind from my daily routine—a good book was an excellent companion.

You can set and modify the intensity (the pressure applied) in the middle of the session based on personal sensations. The duration is also configurable and modifiable throughout the session. Another fantastic thing is that you can deactivate specific chambers to avoid applying pressure to particularly sensitive or painful areas.

Additionally, the Sizen Pro 8 can be controlled through a mobile app, allowing for convenient programme selection and adjustment of pressure and time directly from your phone.

6 different programmes

The Sizen 8 Pro Pants pressotherapy boots have six specialised programmes to meet various recovery and relaxation needs:

1. Programme 1 - Lower Limb Rest: This programme starts with a gentle massage from chamber 1 (located at the feet) and gradually moves upward, chamber by chamber, until reaching chamber 8.
2. Programme 2 - Sequential Progression: In this mode, the chambers are inflated sequentially, generating pressure on the legs from the feet (chamber 1) to the groin (chamber 8) in a cumulative manner. This programme, along with Programme 1, is ideal for post-workout recovery and is widely used.
3. Programme 3 - Double Lower Limb Rest: Similar to Programme 1, bbut with the difference that it simultaneously inflates two chambers. It is ideal for after intense training sessions or when seeking deeper relaxation of the legs.
4. Programme 4 - Total Recovery: This programme inflates all 8 chambers simultaneously and then deflates them, repeating the process for the duration of the session.
5. Programme 5 - Double Wave (Exclusive to the PRO series): This mode massages by inflating two chambers at a time, moving from the feet upwards with double compression.
6. Programme 6 - Triple Pulse (Exclusive to the PRO series): In this programme, three chambers are inflated at the same time and gradually advance along the legs. It is especially beneficial after prolonged training sessions and takes advantage of having 8 chambers.

These versatile programmes make the Sizen 8 Pro Pants an ideal tool for muscle recovery and leg relaxation.

How often should they be used? Use them every day if you wish

There are no restrictions on the frequency of use of the SIZEN 8 PRO PANTS. They can be used daily without any issues. However, it is recommended to wear them especially after intense training days to maximise the benefits of recovery.

Conclusions

In conclusion, my experience with the Sizen Pro 8 has been incredibly positive. It has expedited my recovery process, reduced muscle pain, and enhanced my flexibility. While I haven't become a yogi just yet, it has proven to be an excellent tool for any athlete seeking performance improvement and injury prevention. I will certainly continue to use the Sizen Pro 8 in my recovery routine.

In fact, I am going to keep the Sizen Pro 8 until I finish my preparation for the 100k race I am entering in September. I want to share in full transparency how I use pressotherapy and what it does for me in preparation for ultra-distance races.