As long as you have access to a pool, swimming is a relatively low-cost fitness option. Visit your potential pool before joining or purchasing a membership. Depending on your level of skill, you may want to join a pool that is at least 25 yards (or meters) long. Anything shorter than that may not provide the kind of space you need to get a good workout. To swim comfortably, you will need a well-fitting bathing suit, a pair of goggles and a swim cap.
Swimsuit
To swim for exercise, you must wear a well-fitting swimsuit. Do not attempt to swim laps in a string bikini or in long swim trunks. Moving comfortably in the water--without feeling like your suit is falling off or your legs are becoming tangled--is an absolute requirement for water exercise. Swimsuits should be snug but not too tight. Women should be sure to choose a suit that adequately covers their breasts, as an ill-fitting top can cause painful chafing near the underarms. A too-tight suit increases tension on the shoulders and trapezius muscles, which can lead to unnecessary soreness and headaches. Men can choose from a brief or boxer-brief suit style. Again, both suit types fit close to the body. A too-tight can put unnecessary pressure on your lower back or cause painful chafing on the inner thighs. To get the most out of your suit, rinse it in cool water after each use.
Goggles
For truly effective swimming, goggles are a must. Choose goggles that fit properly by trying on a few pairs in the store. The lenses should sit on the bones of the eye sockets, not on the soft area around the eyes. Adjust the nose piece for a comfortable fit between your eyes. Goggles with a double strap usually fit better than those with a single strap. The straps can be separated for a more secure fit. The strap should be tightened just enough to provide slight suction around the eyes to keep water out. Do not make them too tight, as you can damage the delicate area around the eyes. Goggles often make slight marks around the eyes from prolonged wear. This is normal, but very red marks or pain depressions around the eyes are not. Adjust the tension on the strap as needed to ensure proper fit. Rinsing the goggles after each use will extend their uses as well.
Swim Cap
A swim cap serves a triple purpose: to keep hair out of your eyes while swimming (assuming it's long enough to get in the way), to protect your hair against chlorine, and to decrease drag in the water. Choose a cap made of latex or silicone to create a barrier against the water. To make the cap easier to put on, wet your hair and the cap before putting it on. Press the inside edge of the front of the cap against your forehead, then stretch it over the top of your head, and place it around the bottom of the head. Tuck your hair in under the cap and adjust it until it feels comfortable. You can wear your goggles under or over your cap, depending on what feels best for you. If your goal is to use a cap to become more hydrodynamic, Speedo has developed cutting edge technology for swim caps.
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