How to Stay Warm at Swim Meets This Season

How to Stay Warm at Swim Meets This Season

The typical season for your swim team may not be limited to the hot summer months where standing by the side of the pool in nothing but your competitive swimwear isn’t an issue. In fact, many seasons at least extend into the cooler fall months and may even edge toward winter. Some start in the spring months when the weather can still be quite cool. Regardless of the time frame during which your swim season occurs, you need to find ways to stay warm and keep your muscles ready to go.

Swim Warm Ups

For those months when it’s not too cold yet, swim warm ups are the ideal way to stay warm on the side of the pool. These suits are also good for use when the temperatures are still warm but you don’t want your muscles to cool down too much in between your races. Swim warm ups are relatively lightweight but are ideal for keeping your body warm, regardless of what the temperature is outside, and they’re stylish too. You can choose from a vast array of styles, colors and brands so you can find something that best complements the colors of your swim team or best reflects your personal sense of style.

A swim parka is ideal for the coldest swim meets.
Stay warm at cold weather swim meets with the help of a swim parka.

Swim Parkas

If you’re in an area where the temperatures get even cooler or you are someone who typically feels a bit colder while waiting on the side of the pool for your next race, you may be better off investing in a swim parka. Just like a traditional parka you may wear outside during the coldest winter months, these jackets are designed with extra insulation so you can trust they will keep you warm enough, even if it’s relatively cold outside. However, unlike their traditional counterparts, these swim parkas typically have built-in breathable panels to help with air flow, especially since your body and competitive swimwear will likely be wet. In addition, they usually have plenty of pockets to hold your swim goggles, MP3 player and anything else you may want to keep close on hand.

Staying warm by the side of the pool is essential to ensure you don’t catch a cold and to keep your muscles warmer in between your races. When the temperatures begin to cool or you are early in the swim season before the temperatures rise for the summer, you will need to invest in a swim warm up suit or swim parka to help regulate your body temperature and ensure you are ready to jump into the pool when it’s time for your race.

If you’re looking for a swim parka, swim warm ups or the best competitive swimwear in Dallas, contact us. We have everything swimmers need, whether competitively or casually.

Warm up before a Swim Meet to Boost Performance

Warm up before a Swim Meet to Boost Performance

Prepare with proper swim warm ups.
Swim warm ups ensure you are ready for the big race.

Swim warm ups aren’t for show. This lightweight exercise brews copious benefits that would be filtered if skipped. Understanding why swim warm ups are important and what you can do to maximize your time will enhance your performance.

Swim Team Warm ups are Beneficial For

  • Better Performance – Light warmups help to improve oxygen and blood flow, which is useful for stamina and endurance.
  • Foils Injuries – Athletes are prone to a range of strains and sprains to the muscles and joints due to fast and furious activity. Warmups prep the body for a rigorous workout so the shock effect is minimized. A good warmup can also reduce heart complications due to heavy training.
  • Getting Ready Mentally – Every successful athlete knows the right mindset is only half the battle. The rest is talent, preparation and sheer grit. Each new warmup gears the athlete and teammates to meet the challenges ahead with a can-do attitude. It’s a part of the reason why swim team warm ups will usually include a team song or chant to help build momentum toward overcoming hurdles.

Tips for Swim Warm Ups

Now that you know the benefits of a good warm-up, here are some tips:

  • Arrive on Time – Pro swimmers should set aside at least 30 minutes in advance to catch the warm up, not just the grueling exercise coaches will insist on. The warm up can take as few as 10 minutes, depending on the extent of practice needed.
  • The Type of Warmup – Light aerobics are usually recommended. Teams should start off with shorter, low-key versions, then build speed and intensity gradually for the real practice.
  • Keep Your Eye on the Prize – While gently easing into training, keep in mind the goals you have for the day, including a new skill you want to perfect or a new personal best.

Some examples of sample team warm ups include light swims for approximately five minutes, stretches or jumping jacks, climbing in and out of the pool and others that may be recommended by a coach.

D&J Sports offers a new, low cost option for swim suit warmups. It’s a budget-friendly jacket that features durable polyester, an iPod pocket to boost workouts, a front zipper and the revered Dolfin logo to the left. The warm up jacket is built for men and women. Contact us to learn about sizing, bulk orders, custom gear and more.