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Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It works almost every muscle while being relatively low impact on all of your joints. While it is demanding, it involved the fewest amount of injuries. Pool workouts are not only for swimmers, though, and can be used to train for other types of athletics. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just starting out, you will need some supplies to ensure a good workout. Take a look through this guide so you don't forget anything when you head to the pool.
For informations on how to pick out the perfect googles and swimsuits check out these buying guides.
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Kickboards allow you to focus on working out leg muscles and allow you to easily develop good kicking techniques. If you have shoulder problems you may want to get a triangular shaped kickboard instead.
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These floatation devices are placed between your legs, above the knee and prevent you from kicking. Mostly used for freestyle, they allow you to focus on stroke techniques such as hand entry, while keeping your hips from sinking. |
To prevent your hair from turning green or getting too damaged, you may want to look into getting some swimcaps. The thin rubber ones are more comfortable but tend to rip easily, so buy a few. |
Fins not only help focus on kicking technique, but also allow you to cover more laps faster. They can be used with or without a kickboard. Shorter fins are harder to use and the really long fins are meant for scuba divers. |
These are great for drying off quickly, though don't provide the warmth of a regular towel. They are small, but come in a variety of colors and don't have to be washed as regularly as normal towels. |
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If you love to listen to music when you're working out, you can now listen to music while you swim too. Apple has come out with an ipod holder and headphones that allow you to use your ipod when swimming laps. |
Waterproof stopwatches are good way to keep track of your progress and allow you to swim on timed intervals. Pace clocks |
If you easily get water in your nose when swimming laps, nose plugs are probably a good idea. Getting water in your nose is extremely irritating and some of the best swimmers in the world still wear nose plugs. |
If you know a child just starting to swim, swimmies and other training devices are a good way for them to get used to the water. Be careful not to let them get too attached to their swimmies or else they'll never feel safe without them. |
These are great for relaxing or getting young children used to the water. If you're looking to get any kind of exercise out of them, though, they don't provide enough space. However, they are fun for little kids to use to cool off on hot days. |
