I recently got a pair of Saucony AMP PRO2 running pants to try out. These high tech compression pants are made with a fabric called Celliant, which claims to increase oxygen in the body and give you more energy.

John J. Phillips is the innovator behind the use of Celliant in clothing. Phillips used to own a bedding store, and was intrigued by mattress protectors made from Celliant. He teamed up with a California-based company called Hologenix, whose founder wanted to develop fabric that improved blood circulation using Asian healing techniques. Together, they launched the use of Celliant Energy Textiles. Press materials claim that Celliant is “the first fabric that converts the body’s own energy inwards to heal itself.”

Whoa. Let me take the pants into my lab and check out these claims.

Okay, my only lab is the gym and the running track. I have no way to evaluate whether these pants are harnessing my body’s healing energy. But I do like them quite a bit.

First, they’re silky soft. Second, the compression is light and pleasant. I was worried they’d feel like a girdle, but they’re totally comfortable. Also, they’re flattering. I don’t usually wear such form-fitting pants. But judging from the hooting and whistling of my class when I wore them while demonstrating a butt exercise, they look okay. And if you’re running errands post-gym, you can pull a skirt over them and wear them like tights.