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Equipment
Many people just jump in the pool without realizing
the full fitness potential of their pool sessions. Below
you will find a list of items that will not only enhance
you pool session but your fitness potential.
Eyewear:
 A good pair of
goggles, or a swim
mask is essential. The amounts of chemicals used
to keep a pool clean are enormous and the effects
still not fully understood. Even open water swimming
can expose the eyes to harmful elements. If any part
of the body should be protected it should be the eyes.
The porous nature of eyes is the most susceptible
to harmful chemicals, bacteria and salt that may be
in the water.
The most important factors when choosing a pair of
goggles are:
- Comfort - do the goggles cut into your eyes or
sockets or leave unsightly red marks? Does the mask
press to firmly on the brow or the bridge of the
nose?
- Watertight seal - how well the goggles or swim
mask fit your face and seal against water. A simple
test is to put the goggles or mask up to your face
and lightly press, If you can remove your hands
and have the mask stay in place comfortably it is
providing a watertight fit.
- Field of Vision - most goggles and masks are designed
as blinders, not providing any peripheral vision.
Are you comfortable with the amount you can see
or can't see, as is usually the case?
Other Helpful Items:
 Other
items that you might want to try to enhance your fitness
in the water include a kickboard. Kickboards can be used in performing
various activities in the water including various
kicking exercises.
Swim paddles,  swim
gloves and fins are also excellent accessories that help increase
the natural resistance the water provides and helps
increase strength and endurance. The use of paddles
and gloves can not only improve swim technique but
also help develop upper body strength while fins help
tone and strengthen the legs.
 It
takes a lot of energy to regulate our body temperature,
which contributes to dehydration, loss of energy and
fatigue. In water, the body's task of temperature
regulation becomes even more difficult. Although most
pools are well heated the body loses heat 25 times
faster in water than in the air. Prolonged exercise
under such conditions can cause muscle cramping and
fatigue.
It
is therefore suggested that thermal protection, such
as a suit
specifically designed for swimming, be worn while
in the water to enhance muscle efficiency and performance
and maximize swim workouts. |
