High end sports clothing has recently gone down the route of tight elastic tops and shorts that initially appear about 4 sizes too small for the athlete. The theory is that the tops provide more overall support to muscles, which improves performance. Asics, a leading trainer company, has taken this technology one step further. Lusso took a look.

The range consists of a training top and shorts. The top is cut to open the chest and pull the shoulders into position. It's very easy to take on a slouched shape when running, so this design both improves breathing and posture. When running you can feel it keeping the body in the right position, if your posture isn't right it will initially feel uncomfortable and gives a positive restrictive feel.

It's not just benefitial for running, as the design improves arm performance, so if you play cricket, tennis or any other swinging sport, it will improve performance here as well. The increased opening of the chest improves oxygen intake by up to five percent. During testing, I definitely felt it easier to breathe.

The tights are designed to work the Psoas Magnus, which is the inner muscle located between the lower part of the spine and the hipbone. This muscle keeps the body at balance and you can definitely feel the shorts supporting this area in use.

The guy in the photos is Tim Don, a British triathlete champion who is an Asics ambassador. For more information on Tim please visit their website.

It's surprising how well a pair of shorts and top can improve posture, support and breathing. In sports where a few seconds can make a big difference, it's an essential item!

Asics – www.asics.co.uk