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How Infrared Energy Affects Athletic Performance

The human body constantly emits infrared energy as heat. During exercise, this energy output increases significantly as muscles generate heat through contraction. Most athletic fabrics simply allow this energy to escape into the environment, wasting a potential performance resource.

Infrared energy has been studied for decades in medical and therapeutic contexts. Research shows that exposure to specific wavelengths of infrared energy can improve local blood circulation, promote cellular metabolism, and reduce inflammation in tissue. These effects have implications for athletic performance and recovery.

Improved circulation means more oxygen delivered to working muscles and faster removal of metabolic waste products like lactate. Better oxygen delivery allows muscles to produce energy more efficiently, potentially extending the duration of high-intensity effort before fatigue sets in.

Cellular metabolism enhancement at the tissue level means individual cells can convert nutrients into energy more effectively. This microscopic improvement, multiplied across billions of muscle cells, can contribute to measurable performance differences during sustained activity.

Recovery processes benefit from improved circulation and reduced inflammation. Athletes who recover faster between training sessions can maintain higher training volumes over time, leading to greater long-term fitness adaptations.

The concept of reflecting the body's own infrared energy back to the muscles is relatively new in athletic apparel. Rather than generating energy externally, this approach recycles the body's own heat output in a beneficial form, making it a passive performance enhancement that requires no external power source or additional effort.

Key infrared energy concepts:

  • The body emits infrared energy during exercise as heat
  • Infrared exposure can improve local circulation and cellular metabolism
  • Better circulation delivers more oxygen and removes waste faster
  • Reflecting infrared back to muscles may extend endurance and reduce fatigue
  • The technology works passively, requiring no external power or effort

Under Armour Rush Technology Explained

Rush uses a unique fabric technology that sets it apart from standard performance apparel.

  • Celliant mineral-infused fabric contains thermoreactive minerals embedded directly into the fiber structure. These minerals absorb the body's infrared energy output and reflect it back to the skin and muscles at specific wavelengths associated with improved tissue oxygenation. The minerals are permanently embedded in the fibers, not applied as a coating, so the technology does not wash out or diminish over time.
  • HeatGear construction provides the base performance layer that UA athletes trust. HeatGear's lightweight, breathable fabric manages moisture and regulates temperature during intense training. Combined with the Rush mineral technology, HeatGear creates a dual-function garment that both cools through moisture management and supports through infrared reflection.
  • 4-way stretch fabric ensures Rush garments move with the athlete through full range of motion. The mineral-infused fibers maintain the same stretch properties as standard UA performance fabric, so athletes experience no restriction or stiffness from the embedded technology.
  • Moisture transport system wicks sweat from the skin surface through the fabric for evaporation. The system works alongside the mineral technology, keeping athletes dry while the minerals reflect infrared energy back to the body. The two technologies complement rather than interfere with each other.
  • Anti-odor technology prevents bacterial growth in the Rush fabric. Since Rush garments are designed for intense training that generates significant sweat, the anti-odor treatment keeps gear fresh through heavy use and multiple wear cycles between washes.

How to Use UA Rush in Your Training

Rush works best during active training:

  • High-intensity training: The infrared reflection technology is most effective during intense exercise when the body generates maximum heat. Use Rush for interval training, heavy lifting, and high-effort conditioning.
  • Endurance sessions: Long runs, extended practices, and endurance workouts benefit from the improved circulation that Rush promotes. The technology may help delay fatigue during sustained effort.
  • As a baselayer: Wear Rush under other apparel or uniforms. The technology works when the fabric is in contact with the skin, so layering over Rush does not reduce its effectiveness.
  • For recovery: Wear Rush apparel after training to support recovery circulation. The infrared reflection continues working during low-activity periods.
  • Pair with performance gear: Combine Rush with [UA HeatGear](/collections/under-armour-heatgear) and [UA ColdGear](/collections/under-armour-coldgear) layers based on weather conditions.
  • Consistency matters: The more frequently you train in Rush, the more cumulative benefit from the improved tissue oxygenation during workouts.

Rush Performance Across Training Scenarios

UA Rush adapts its benefits to various training environments.

  • Weight room sessions generate intense muscular heat during heavy lifts. Rush fabric captures this heat output and reflects it back to the working muscles, potentially improving blood flow to the muscles under load. The 4-way stretch fabric does not restrict any lifting movement.
  • Cardio and conditioning produce sustained heat output over extended periods. Rush technology works continuously during cardio sessions, supporting the circulatory improvements that help maintain pace and intensity during long-duration exercise.
  • Team sport practices combine bursts of high intensity with recovery periods. Rush promotes circulation during both phases, supporting performance during intense drills and recovery between them. The moisture management keeps athletes comfortable throughout practice.
  • Pre-competition warm-ups generate the body heat that activates Rush's infrared reflection. Warming up in Rush helps promote circulation to muscles before competition begins, potentially improving readiness for the first whistle. Browse [Under Armour Unstoppable](/collections/under-armour-unstoppable) for additional training apparel.
  • Recovery periods between training sessions benefit from wearing Rush. The continued infrared reflection during rest supports the recovery processes that prepare the body for the next training session.

Choosing the Right Rush Piece

The Rush lineup includes options for different training needs:

  • Rush short-sleeve tops provide upper body coverage for warm weather training. The most versatile Rush option for year-round gym use.
  • Rush long-sleeve tops add arm coverage for cooler conditions and athletes who want full upper-body mineral technology coverage.
  • Rush shorts provide lower body coverage with the infrared technology for quad and hamstring support during training.
  • Rush leggings offer full lower-body mineral fabric coverage for maximum infrared reflection to the legs. Best for running, lifting, and recovery.
  • Sizing: Rush should fit snugly against the skin for the mineral technology to work effectively. A loose fit reduces skin contact and limits infrared reflection.

Caring for Under Armour Rush Apparel

The mineral technology is permanent but proper care maximizes garment life:

  • Machine wash cold after each use
  • Do not use fabric softener, which coats the mineral-infused fibers
  • Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry
  • The Celliant minerals are embedded in the fibers and will not wash out
  • Replace when the fabric loses its stretch or moisture-wicking properties
  • Store flat or on hangers to maintain garment shape

Team Performance Apparel

KickFly offers team ordering for Under Armour Rush apparel. Give your program the training edge with mineral-infused performance gear. Contact us for team pricing and availability.

Customization Link: https://kickfly.com/pages/customization

Train Smarter

Under Armour Rush puts your body's own energy back to work during every training session. Browse the collection and experience the difference mineral-infused fabric makes in your workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Under Armour Rush

How does Under Armour Rush technology work?

Rush fabric contains Celliant minerals embedded in the fibers that absorb your body's infrared energy and reflect it back to the skin and muscles. This reflected energy promotes improved local circulation and tissue oxygenation, which may help reduce fatigue and support performance during training.

Does the Rush mineral technology wash out?

No. The Celliant minerals are permanently embedded into the fiber structure during manufacturing, not applied as a coating. The technology maintains its effectiveness through the entire life of the garment regardless of how many times it is washed.

Can I feel the difference wearing Rush?

Many athletes report feeling less fatigued during and after training in Rush apparel. The mineral technology works at a physiological level by improving circulation, so the effects are gradual and cumulative rather than immediately dramatic. Consistent use during training maximizes the benefit.

How does UA Rush compare vs standard UA HeatGear?

Rush includes all the benefits of HeatGear (moisture wicking, breathability, stretch) plus the Celliant mineral technology that reflects infrared energy. HeatGear manages moisture and temperature. Rush does all of that plus actively promotes circulation through infrared reflection.

Should Rush fit tight or loose?

Rush should fit snugly against the skin. The mineral technology works through skin contact, so loose-fitting Rush garments reduce the infrared reflection effectiveness. Choose a fitted or compression-style fit for maximum benefit from the Celliant mineral technology.