Tag: swim tips

Stay Warm Both In and Out of the Pool

Stay Warm Both In and Out of the Pool

by kturtenwald ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Swim Gear
You don’t have to stay cold when you are a swimmer.

As the weather cools off, it can become more and more difficult to stay motivated for swimming in the pool. Whether you swim in an outdoor pool or the pool is inside, you can still encounter issues with feeling cold before you enter the pool and after you get out. These tips can help you stay warm in and out of the pool.

Dress Warmly

Some swimmers make the mistake of dressing lightly before heading to the pool, even in cold weather, so they don’t shock their bodies when they enter the cooler water. This is often a mistake. It is best to keep your body warm before you get in the pool and after you get out. A swim parka or other swim jacket can be a great option for those cooler days at the pool.

Keep Everything Close

While this isn’t possible during competitions, you should keep all your swim gear as close to the pool as possible during your workouts and practices. This allows you to easily access equipment without getting out of the pool and places your towel in easy reach when you are ready to get out. This will minimize the cold feelings you get going in and out of the pool.

Just Dive In

Don’t waste your time trying to get used to the water little by little. It may feel like a shock when you first dive in, but pushing off the inevitable will only prolong the col feelings. Once you are in the water, begin your warm-up exercises and just keep on going. Maintaining motion in the water will keep you from getting cold through your workout.

Downsize Rest Breaks

While every swimmer needs rest breaks, you shouldn’t take prolonged breaks. Keep in mind that chatting with teammates between laps and races count toward these rest breaks. The more time you spend sitting still, the colder you will feel.

Feeling cold is a normal part of the process when you are a swimmer. However, this doesn’t mean you have to settle for being cold. These tips are designed to minimize the chill you feel, both in the pool and when you get out. Prolonging the inevitable isn’t going to be much help. Instead, you need to get yourself motivated to keep moving and dress properly so you can enjoy those colder swims even more.

Reasons to Keep Swimming All Year Long

Reasons to Keep Swimming All Year Long

by kturtenwald ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Swimming Tips
Swimming shouldn’t be limited to the summers only.

For many people, including those how participate in competitive swimming, swimming is a summer sport. Even though there are indoor pools, many people naturally associate the activity with warmer weather. In either case, though, it is important to keep up your swimming throughout the year. It doesn’t matter if you are a competitive swimmer or just enjoy the activity, year-round swimming is the best option.

An Easy All-Body Workout

Swimming is one of the easiest all-body workouts that can help you tone your muscles throughout your body. While some people jog and are otherwise more active in the warmer months, swimming in an indoor pool can be a great way to get the workout you are looking for throughout the year instead of limiting your exercise to the summer months.

Low Impact

Another issue many individuals, especially those who are older or inured, experience is the impact of exercise on their joints. Swimming and participating in water aerobics allows you to get the workout you desire without a heavy impact on your joints. This makes swimming an excellent alternative.

Cross Training

Even if you participate in weight training or other forms of exercise in the cooler months, swimming is a great way to cross train. Altering your exercise regiment will allow you to give certain muscles a rest and build your cardiovascular health as well.

Fewer Crowds

If you have ever been to a pool in the summer months, especially during open swim, you know what crowds can be like. You can barely move in the pool, let alone get the workout you desire. While some people will still go to the pools in the cooler months, the crowds will be much less, allowing you to take full advantage of the pool.

Maintain Your Body Shape

Many people work hard in the spring to get their bodies back in shape for the pool or beach. If you have been swimming all year, you won’t have to become involved in this rush. You will already be in the perfect shape for swimming.

If you are the type of person who categorizes swimming as a summer activity, it is time to think again. With the cooler months approaching, it is time to hit some indoor pools and keep up your exercise so you can stay in shape throughout the year.

Tips for Beginning Open Water Swimming

Tips for Beginning Open Water Swimming

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Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming requires different preparation tactics.

When most people think of swimming, at least of a competitive nature, they consider swimming in a pool, either indoors or outdoors. However, some competitive swimmers participate in open water swimming. This means different challenges. If you are just getting started in this growing area, there are certain tips you should follow.

Choose a Wetsuit

Instead of traditional competitive swimwear, those who swim in open waters must wear a wetsuit. This will protect against the cold waters and provide better coverage. Make sure you look for one that is specifically designed for open water swimmers.

The Right Goggles

The right goggles are also essential when you are swimming in open waters. Because you will be swimming outside, make sure you choose goggles that have reflective coating to cut back on the glare you experience.

Cold Water Conditioning

It is essential for individuals to condition their bodies for swimming in the cold open waters. When you are properly acclimated to the cold water, you reduce the risks of panic and hyperventilation when you swim.

Bright Swim Caps

When you are swimming in open water, visibility is of utmost importance. One of the best ways to make sure you are as visible as possible in the water is to wear a bright swim cap. Talk to your coach about the colors that are more likely to be seen.

Wear Two Caps

A large amount of body heat is lost through the head. Most people are aware of this in the winter months, but don’t realize it also happens in open water swimming situations. You can help retain your body heat by wearing two swimming caps at the same time.

Swim with a Buddy

Swimming in open water, especially during training, can be more dangerous than swimming in a pool. This is why it is so important to swim with a buddy at all times. In many cases, this will be your coach. However, if you practice at other times, make sure you bring someone with you.

Proper Body Maintenance

Open water swimming is a little different than pool swimming in the body maintenance you must perform. You should avoid shaving right before a race because salt water can irritate razor burn. You should also keep your fingernails short to avoid ripping your wetsuit or someone else’s as you swim.

Open water swimming is quite different than swimming in a pool. When you are first starting out, it is important to learn these tips and work with an experienced coach for the best results.