Swimming can be a fun, low-cost and healthy way to perform low-impact exercises. Whether you are an experienced swimmer or dipping into the pool for the first time, you will likely use some kind of swimming gear while you are in the water. Swimming gear varies in purpose, from helping you swim faster to keeping the water out of your eyes. Talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, particularly if you have been sedentary or have any medical conditions.
Swimsuits
Most swimming facilities require swimmers to wear swimsuits. Fitness swimmers should put comfort and proper fit over fashion and style. The SafeWaterSports website suggests you look for a swimsuit that offers you freedom of movement but still fits snugly to your body. Women need swimsuits that fully cover the breasts without flattening them. The shoulder straps should stay up without cutting into your skin. If you are a man, choose a pair of close-fitting swim trunks, aqua shorts or swimming briefs.
Swim Caps
Many swimmers consider swim caps essential gear because they play multiple roles. Swim caps help to protect your hair from damage caused by exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals. A swim cap also keeps the hair out of your face while you are trying to swim. Swimming caps can also give you a more streamlined form, which makes you cut through the water a little bit faster. SafeWaterSports notes that swim caps also help to reduce the loss of body heat, which can help to keep your body warm when you are swimming in cold water. Most swim caps are made out of latex or silicone. The Simply Swim website adds that the latex caps typically cost less, but that silicone swim caps are more durable.
Goggles
Swimming goggles allow you to see more clearly under the water while protecting your eyes from chemicals and debris. Swim goggles come in various styles and shapes. Choose goggles that create a gentle suction against your face without putting pressure on the eyes. YourSwimmingSpace.com suggests that you buy swim goggles with adjustable straps and adjustable nose-bridges to give you the best fit. If you plan to swim in an outdoor pool, select goggles with tinted lenses that help to protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. Many goggle manufacturers make prescription goggle lenses so those with vision problems can see better while swimming.
Swim Paddles
Swim paddles are designed to help you improve your strength, speed and swimming technique. These paddles are typically made of plastic and are held in place with small rubber loops. Hand paddles come in various shapes and sizes; the Amateur Endurance website recommends trying paddles just slightly larger than your hands. Large swim paddles create more resistance than small paddles, so using paddles much larger than your hands can put stress on your shoulders and cause injuries.
Swim Fins
Swim fins can be valuable gear if you are swimming for exercise. Swim fins help you to burn more calories during your workout simply by making you swim faster. Because fins create resistance, they can also help you to build up the strength in your legs. Use swim fins that fit you snugly, but not so tight that they cut off your circulation, Bill Volckening recommends on the U.S. Masters Swimming website. Longer fins help you develop more flexibility in your ankles, while shorter fins make you swim faster without overworking your leg muscles.
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