By Alison Steed

So why is it that after a long, tough training session the thought of jumping into an ice bath for 20 minutes does not really appeal? Yeah, OK, it is a bit too much of a shock to the system for most of us, even though the recovery benefits of this post-training dunking are well known, and used by many of the premier athletes around the world.

But if you want the benefits without the pain, then these are for you. The 110% Play Harder compression tights not only provide compression - yes, clue is in the name, I know - for your aching muscles to help recovery, they also have a handy little addition.

For these tights come with their own ice packs that you simply put into the relevant pockets for your quads, hamstrings, glutes, knees, hips and your lumbar region, to get the benefit of chilling without the mess, hassle and ‘take-your-breath-away' shock of jumping into an ice bath.

So far, these little beauties are being used by several premiership rugby teams, footballers, runners and triathletes who all enjoy the ability to have their muscles iced for maximum recovery in the shortest time, without the need to sit down. You can carry on with your day while you recover, and that means you can also get food down you inside that ‘golden hour' after training. You can also use them as straightforward compression tight to train in.

I have been trying the three-quarter tights, which are actually called ‘juggler knickers' for the American market, and juggler capri tights for the UK one. They are not easy to get on when you are sweating - generally a pre-requisite given when you use them - but they certainly give your muscles immediate support when they are on. One way around this is to train in them for added compression, and then simply put the ice in afterwards.

The techy bit, from 110% states: "Our zoned gradient design increases blood flow while reducing muscle vibration. Seamless construction adds comfort and performance. Unique pocket architecture allows for immediate post-training icing; reusable ice sheets and insulated thermal bag allow you to start recovery instantly wherever you go."

The ice packs that come with the tights are designed to prevent any kind of freezer burn through the material, and all you need to do is soak them in water until the gel inside plumps up, then pop them in the freezer ready for use. You can also cut them up to the size you want them. There is a handy thermal bag the whole package comes in, so you can take your ice packs with you if you are training away from home, and get immediate ice benefits not matter where you are. The packs should stay frozen for one hour, and cold for up to six hours in the thermal bag.

Getting the packs into the tights is simple enough, and within a few minutes of wearing them, you can really feel the ice starting to help heal those muscles ready for the next session. To be honest, I have found that they make your muscles feel much less fatigued the next day, meaning you can make the most of your training.

I really like these tights - apart from the US name - and they are reasonably priced at £110 each, appropriately given the name of the maker, they are worth the money if you are serious about your sport.

You can get them online from www.baselayer.co.uk or direct from www.110playharder.com if you are happy to pay in dollars.

Other products in the range include: Double Life Shin/Calf Sleeves, Clutch Full-Length Tights, Transformer Shorts, Blitz Knee Sleeve, Alchemy Full-Length Arm Sleeves, and Bokator Elbow Sleeves