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Why swimmers shave ?

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When one recalls the finals of Olympic Games or World Championships, it becomes apparent that there isn’t a single swimmer proudly displaying their chest hair. Instead, all athletes appear well-groomed and polished. Is shaving now owed to the sporting aesthetic or is it a ritual that has developed over years and decades without being thoroughly scrutinized for its effectiveness?

Taking a scientific approach to the topic, the body of research doesn’t really offer many proven benefits. In 1989, scientist Dave Costill published his findings in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. He divided two groups of competitive swimmers and subjected them to various tests. Initially, both groups engaged in endurance swimming and “tethered swim,” where parameters assessing performance were measured without any body hair removal. Then, one group removed their body hair while the second group made no changes.

Less Resistance?

In a second series of tests, it was observed that the lactate levels of the “shaved” group had significantly decreased, from an average of 8.48 to 6.74 mmol/l, under the same test conditions as before. However, the control group showed no changes.

In another, somewhat newer study, this result was confirmed. Here, scientists found that the decrease in speed over a predetermined distance after hair removal was significantly less than before. The conclusion was that body hair removal apparently reduces resistance in favor of the swimmer, thereby reducing metabolic effort, meaning the swimmer needs to expend less energy for the same performance. Conversely, one could also say: Shaving makes you swim faster!

No Harm Done

However, the experience and feedback from athletes also reveal another important component: the psyche. Typically, the procedure of body hair removal is carried out when it comes to important competitions. In this context, the athletic form also develops positively as the last weeks and days are focused on reducing volume and tapering.

Then perhaps two things come together. Firstly, athletic form improves, the feel of the water enhances due to increasingly higher training speeds, and an extraordinary feeling of resistance optimization is added thanks to body hair removal. Some swimmers talk about being able to “glide forever” when they are shaved.

In the end, it can definitely be argued that body hair removal has never harmed anyone. On the contrary, the ritualized procedure unequivocally signals to the psyche: Now it’s serious, it’s about something!

Holger Lüning (50) is a sports scientist and swimming coach with over 25 years of experience in high-performance sports. He swam in the Bundesliga team of EOSC Offenbach and won numerous championship titles in the Masters category.

Should parents teach their children to swim?

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child's swim goggles
child's swim goggles

“Sure, you can teach your child to swim yourself. But after many years of coaching, I decided against it with my own children. Experience has shown me that it’s incredibly taxing for both parties,” says the father of three. Because while the kids are usually motivated to get into the water, they’re rarely inclined to do something just because the father or mother wants them to.

“In a swimming course, children learn much faster and follow a pedagogically proven methodology. Additionally, they learn with peers, which enhances learning success, enjoyment, and motivation,” asserts the certified sports teacher. Moreover, beginner courses typically have two or more instructors responsible for eight to ten children. Once the children are older and genuinely interested in learning about swimming and training, then, as a father/trainer, you become the go-to person again.

The best swim goggles for kids

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Adult Swim Goggles - 180-Degree Distortion Free Vision, Ideal for Active Pool or Open Water Swimmers
Fog-resistant
Durable

Easy to adjust

Comfortable

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Jr

The same durable, comfortable, low-fog goggles—but for kids.

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Cramp while swimming – what helps?

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“Cramps occur when the muscle contracts involuntarily. This happens especially easily when the central nervous system has significantly increased the tension in the muscles. As is common in swimming, the origin and insertion of the muscles in the soles of the feet and calves are brought closer together due to the overextension of the ankle,” explains internist and sports physician Dr. Matthias Marquardt. Fatigue at the end of a workout further lowers the so-called cramp threshold. Additionally, there is an electrolyte shift due to physical exertion and sweat loss.

The problem: In swimming, you can hardly influence the foot position because it is necessary. “However, a good training condition with good basic endurance and strength increases resilience and thus raises the cramp threshold,” advises the expert. Further stabilizing effects can be achieved with magnesium, which you should initially take permanently at 300 milligrams per day. Additionally, during exertion, drink a carbohydrate- and sodium-rich drink in small sips, enriched with salt. Alternatively, you can also opt for high-quality mineral water. This also stabilizes the membranes and protects against the dreaded cramp.

The Best Swim Goggles for Adults and Kids

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Goggles may not be the splashiest piece of swim gear, but a well-fitting, comfortable pair can prevent red eyes and irritation, improve visibility underwater, and generally make your dip more enjoyable. After 50 hours of swimming with 33 pairs of swim goggles in pools and the ocean, we recommend the Aqua Sphere Kayenne for adults and the Aqua Sphere Kayenne Jr for kids.

Read more : Best swim goggles for kids

How we picked

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Fog-resistant

  • A good pair of goggles shouldn’t get foggy—or distort your vision in other ways.

2

Comfortable

  • We wanted goggles that could provide a tight seal without applying too much pressure around the eyes, nose, or back of the head.

3

Durable

  • Goggles should be able to hold up to surf, sand, sunscreen, chlorine, and more.

4

Easy to adjust

  • We looked for goggles with a strap that’s simple to resize, and stays in place.

The best swim goggles for adults

Fog-resistant
Durable

Easy to adjust

Comfortable

Aqua Sphere Kayenne

With an excellent seal, superior comfort, minimal fogging, simple adjustments, and minimal visual distortion, these classic yet thoroughly modern goggles are tough to beat.

5

The best swim goggles for kids

Fog-resistant
Durable

Easy to adjust

Comfortable

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Jr

The same durable, comfortable, low-fog goggles—but for kids.

5

Read more : The Best Swimming Goggles for Women

Dry Land Strength Exercises for Swimming Performance Improvement

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Strength Exercise 1: Elbow Plank

You can achieve the highest speed within a complete arm movement with a strong push at the end of the pressure phase. For a powerful extension from the elbow joint, you need well-developed specific forces in the elbow extensor (triceps muscle). You can train this muscle very effectively with a tried and tested exercise: push-ups. When doing this, support yourself calmly with your knees so that you have good control over the movement. Place your hands shoulder-width apart and press your upper body upwards. Bend the elbow back rather than to the side to increase the triceps’ contribution to the muscle work.

Strength Exercise 2: Large Pectoral Muscle

The pectoralis major muscle (pectoralis muscle) is one of the three muscles relevant to propulsion. It is primarily responsible for the inward movement and the transition from the pulling to the pushing phase. The most effective way to train it is with an exercise band attached at head height. Your upper arm should be level with your shoulder line. Now bring your elbows together in front of your head and slowly move your arms back to the starting position.

Strength Exercise 3: Deltoid

So that you can move your arm forward in a relaxed manner over the water, the elbow should be the highest point. The forearm can then swing relaxed forward into extension. The deltoid muscle (M. deltoideus), which surrounds the shoulder joint, plays an important role. It is responsible for lifting the upper arm and therefore also the elbow. You train this movement by standing in the middle of an exercise band and setting it to the desired tension. Make sure your elbow joint is at a right angle and raise your arm to shoulder height. To stabilize yourself, consciously tense your back and abdominal muscles.

Strength Exercise 4: Large Back Muscle

To achieve maximum propulsion, you must push off hard underwater. You should feel the counter pressure of the water and actively work against this resistance – this process causes acceleration. The latissimus muscle is responsible for the powerful movement in this part of the underwater phase. If this is not strong enough, you will not be able to build up enough pressure during the transition from the pulling to the pushing phase and therefore no longer be able to generate optimal propulsion.

That’s How It’s Done

With a gymnastics band, you can not only do effective strength and warm-up training, but you can also observe and control your movements excellently – an important basis for bringing the movements you have learned and stabilized on land “into the water”. To do this, hold your upper body forward and secure your stance with a lunge. Stabilize your upper body by tensing your core muscles. Ideally, you should imitate the underwater movement with your arm stretched out. Now guide it under the upper body into the key position as in the swimming movement. Now actively press towards your thigh until you extend your arm. If you have done everything correctly, you will feel tension in the lateral back muscles – the best prerequisites for improving your swimming performance!

Tips for Dry Training

Warm-Up

Before dry training, you should get yourself “up to operating temperature” by warming up or, if you are a triathlete, doing it after running or cycling training. You can also start with one or two warm-up sessions (low effort, low resistance). Never go to the pain threshold or beyond!

Learning Effect

On land, you create the conditions to train your specific strength. Concentrate on strengthening the three main propulsion muscles – and after a short time, you will be able to push off in the water much better. Another advantage of dry exercises: You can rehearse the correct sequence of movements and thus carry out additional technique training.

Time Expenditure

Combine dry training with other training sessions or complete some exercises directly at the edge of the pool – this will save you time. You can achieve a good training effect if you perform each exercise three times with 20 repetitions each. Ideally, you do this mini-workout three times a week.

Best goggles for training and racing

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Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Swim Goggle
Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 Swim Goggle

Looking for a swim goggle that can pull double-duty in swim training and on race day? The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 are the perfect swim goggles for you.

With a slightly slimmer lens profile compared to the Vanquisher 2.0, the Speed Socket 2.0, as you can surmise from its name, is all about blinding, raw speed in the water.

The Speed Socket 2.0 also has slightly better peripheral vision, making it easier to see out to the sides and “forward” compared to the Vanquisher.

The hydrodynamic gasket design tucks neatly into your eye socket, reducing drag. A rubber skirt on the gasket suctions against the skin, creating a waterproof seal.

And the wide variety of colors and tints means you can find a Speed Socket 2.0 for every type of pool and brightness.

Reasons to Buy❌ Things to Note:
Best swim goggles for training and racingPricer than Vanquishers
Low profile gasket
Tons of colors and tint options
Silicone head straps and multiple nose pieces

The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 goggles are widely regarded as an excellent choice for both practice and competitive racing.

Key Features

  1. Hydrodynamic Design: The Speed Socket 2.0 goggles feature a low-profile design that minimizes drag, making them ideal for competitive swimming.
  2. Anti-Fog Coating: These goggles come with an anti-fog coating, ensuring clear vision during swims.
  3. UV Protection: They provide UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful sun rays when swimming outdoors.
  4. Interchangeable Nose Bridges: The goggles come with multiple nose bridge sizes to ensure a custom, comfortable fit.
  5. Silicone Seals: The soft silicone seals create a snug, leak-proof fit without causing discomfort around the eyes.
  6. Wide Peripheral Vision: Designed to offer an expanded field of view, these goggles help swimmers maintain better awareness of their surroundings.

Pros

  1. Comfortable Fit: The silicone seals and interchangeable nose bridges make these goggles comfortable for extended use, reducing the risk of pressure marks and discomfort.
  2. Clear Vision: The anti-fog coating and wide peripheral vision ensure that swimmers have clear, unobstructed sight lines during their swim.
  3. Durable: Made with high-quality materials, the Speed Socket 2.0 goggles are durable and built to withstand regular use in both training and competition settings.
  4. Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek, modern design of these goggles is appealing to many swimmers, adding a professional look to their swim gear.
  5. Versatile Use: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor swimming, thanks to the UV protection and reliable performance in various conditions.

Cons

  1. Anti-Fog Coating Durability: Like many goggles, the anti-fog coating can wear off over time, requiring additional anti-fog spray or regular maintenance to maintain clarity.
  2. Fit Variability: While the interchangeable nose bridges help, some users may still find it challenging to achieve the perfect fit, particularly if they have unique facial structures.
  3. Price Point: These goggles are slightly more expensive than some other models, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious swimmers.

Conclusion

The Speedo Speed Socket 2.0 goggles are an excellent investment for serious swimmers who need reliable, high-performance goggles for both practice and competition. They combine comfort, durability, and superior design to provide a great swimming experience. While they may be pricier and require some adjustments for the perfect fit, their overall performance and quality make them a top choice for many competitive swimmers.

Best swim goggles for kids

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When choosing the best swim goggles for kids, several factors such as fit, comfort, durability, and special features should be considered. Here are some of the top recommendations for swim goggles designed specifically for children:

1. Speedo Junior Hydrospex

  • Fit and Comfort: Made with a soft, flexible frame and a comfortable seal to prevent leaks.
  • Durability: Known for their robustness and longevity.
  • Features: Anti-fog lenses and UV protection make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor swimming.

2. TYR Youth Flexframe

  • Fit and Comfort: Designed with a unibody construction to fit various face shapes and sizes.
  • Durability: High-quality materials ensure long-term use.
  • Features: Equipped with shatter-resistant lenses and anti-fog coating.

3. Aqua Sphere Moby Kid

  • Fit and Comfort: The easy-adjust buckle system and soft gasket provide a secure and comfortable fit.
  • Durability: Made from durable materials that can withstand regular use.
  • Features: 180-degree visibility, anti-scratch, and anti-fog lenses.

4. FINIS H2 Jr. Goggles

  • Fit and Comfort: Designed specifically for children aged 4-12, with a soft silicone frame and easy-to-adjust straps.
  • Durability: Made with a strong lens that resists impact and scratches.
  • Features: UV protection and anti-fog coating.

5. Zoggs Little Comet

  • Fit and Comfort: Features a quick-adjust strap mechanism and soft silicone seal for a snug fit.
  • Durability: Highly durable and able to withstand frequent use.
  • Features: Anti-fog lenses and UV protection, ideal for young swimmers.

6. Speedo Skoogles Kids Swim Goggles

  • Fit and Comfort: Soft and comfortable for young faces, with an easy-adjust strap for a customized fit.
  • Durability: Built to last with sturdy materials.
  • Features: Anti-fog and UV-protected lenses ensure clear vision and safety.

Tips for Choosing Swim Goggles for Kids

  • Fit: Ensure the goggles fit snugly without being too tight. Adjustable straps are beneficial for growing kids.
  • Lens Type: Look for anti-fog and UV protection features to enhance visibility and protect the eyes.
  • Durability: Choose goggles made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and potential rough handling.
  • Comfort: Soft silicone gaskets are preferable for comfort and to prevent water from leaking into the goggles.
  • Style: Allow kids to choose colors or designs they like, as this can make them more excited about wearing their goggles.

Maintaining swim goggles by rinsing them with fresh water after each use and storing them in a protective case can also help prolong their lifespan and maintain their effectiveness.

Speedo Hydrospex Jr

The Speedo Hydrospex Jr are the perfect swim goggles for kids aged 6-14 years getting started out in swimming, whether it’s doing swim lessons, splashing around at the pool with friends, or getting started with a swim team.

Swim goggles are a critical accessory for kids learning the basics in the pool, as goggles help them see underwater and build water confidence.

The Speedo Hydrospex Jr features a soft and flexible gasket frame that is built to handle the active lifestyle of children. The lenses also have antifog and UV protection for clear, squint-free vision at the pool.

Side-mounted brackets make adjusting strap length a breeze, and the soft silicone head straps won’t tug or pull at a child’s hair.

Like most swim goggles for children, the gasket is one size fits all. Children with hard-to-fit faces may struggle with the fixed nose bridge on the Hydrospex Jr.

Speedo offers the Hydrospex in several different playful and vibrant color patterns.

Reasons to Buy:❌ Things to Note:
Best goggles for kids aged 6-14 yearsHard to fit faces might have a hard time with the one-size-fits-all goggle gasket
Soft and flexible gasket frame built for durability
Extra wide lens and skirt for a watertight seal
Multiple color and print options

Best swim goggles for lap swimming

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Speedo Vanquisher 2.0

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 are the best overall goggles for swimming thanks to its durability, comfort, leak-free fit, and massive choice in lens, tint, and size options.

The Vanquishers have long been the most popular choice of swim goggles for swimmers of all levels, from age groupers to experienced masters swimmers.

The Vanquishers have a rubber gasket that suctions lightly against the skin to create a watertight seal, keeping water out during your swims. The head straps are made of long-lasting silicone, which won’t crack and degrade from extended chlorine exposure

And the massive selection of color and lens tint options means you can find a clear or light-colored lens for darker, indoor swimming pools or mirrored lenses for reducing eye strain and eliminating glare when swimming outdoors.

Each set features an anti-fog coating, UV protection, multiple nose pieces, and a slim and hydrodynamic gasket profile.

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 is also available in a Jr size (which we will detail later) and an optical version for swimmers with a prescription.

Comfortable, inexpensive at around $20 a set, and versatile for the pool and environment of your choosing, the Vanquisher 2.0 are the best all-around goggles for conquering the pool.

Key Features:

  • Low-Profile Design: The sleek, streamlined design minimizes drag in the water, making them perfect for lap swimming.
  • Wide Peripheral Vision: The wide-angle lenses provide enhanced clarity and a panoramic view, so you can see the pool clearly and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • UV Protection & Anti-Fog Coating: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with the built-in UV protection, and enjoy fog-free swimming sessions with the reliable anti-fog coating.
  • Custom Fit: Comes with four interchangeable nosepieces, ensuring a perfect, snug fit for any swimmer.

Comfort and Fit

One of the standout features of the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 is its snug yet comfortable fit. The silicone seals around the eyes offer excellent suction without being too tight or causing discomfort, making them ideal for extended swim sessions. The double silicone strap ensures the goggles stay securely in place, even during fast turns or dives. With adjustable straps and multiple nose bridges, you can customize the fit to suit your face shape perfectly.

Performance in the Water

The Vanquisher 2.0’s low-profile design reduces drag, helping you cut through the water more efficiently. This makes them an ideal choice for lap swimmers and those training for competitions. The wide-angle lenses offer excellent peripheral vision, allowing you to see what’s happening in the lanes next to you without turning your head. This feature is especially useful for swimmers who want to stay focused on their pace without losing situational awareness.

Lens Options

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles come in various lens options to suit different swimming environments:

  • Clear lenses are perfect for indoor pools or low-light conditions.
  • Mirrored or tinted lenses work great for outdoor swimming or brightly lit pools, reducing glare and enhancing visibility.

Durability and Build Quality

These goggles are built to last, even with regular use. The durable polycarbonate lenses resist scratches, and the silicone gasket maintains its shape over time, preventing leaks. Whether you’re a daily swimmer or a weekend warrior, the Vanquisher 2.0 will stand the test of time in your swimming routine.

Reasons to Buy Things to Note:
Best all-around swim goggles Mirrored and smoke lens may be difficult to see through in darker indoor pools
Tons of color and tint options  
Leak-free gasket  
Comfortable for extended wear  

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles Review: Pros and Cons

The Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles are among the most popular goggles for lap swimmers, and for good reason. These goggles are known for their durability, comfort, and performance, making them a top choice for swimmers of all levels. Below, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of these goggles to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles — The Pros

Unmatched Durability
One of the standout features of the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles is their incredible durability. The silicone head straps, rubber goggle gaskets, and the shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses ensure these goggles last for years, even with regular use. Unlike other goggles like the TYR Socket Rocket or the classic Swedish goggles, the Vanquisher straps are thick and resistant to wear and tear.
In fact, my wife and I have several pairs of Vanquishers that have lasted over seven years of heavy swimming without any strap degradation. If you’re looking for swim goggles that truly go the distance, these are it.

Ideal for Outdoor Swimming
If you often swim outdoors, the mirrored and dark-tinted lenses of the Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are perfect for sunny conditions. I trained in Tucson, Arizona, where the intense sun can be harsh on the eyes. The mirrored lenses on the Vanquisher goggles provided excellent protection and clear vision, reducing glare and making it easy to read the pace clock without eye strain.
However, these dark lenses may not be ideal for dimly lit indoor pools. Once the anti-fog coating wears off, visibility can become challenging in darker environments.

Superior Comfort for Long Swims
Comfort is critical, especially for swimmers who spend 90 to 120 minutes in the pool. The rubberized eye sockets of the Vanquisher 2.0 ensure a snug yet comfortable fit, without hard plastic digging into your skin. The lenses sit nicely around the eyes, providing a leak-free experience even during extended training sessions. No one wants to deal with discomfort or red marks after a long swim, and these goggles excel in this area.

Leak-Free Swimming Experience
The Vanquisher 2.0 goggles come with a hard plastic nosepiece, which can be adjusted with different sizes to fit your nose comfortably. This ensures a secure seal, preventing water from leaking into the lenses while you swim. Unlike some other goggles where the nosepiece can wear out quickly, the Vanquisher nosepiece is sturdy and built to last.

Available in Prescription Versions
For swimmers who need corrective lenses, Speedo offers the Vanquisher 2.0 Optical Goggle, which comes with prescription-strength lenses. These goggles provide all the benefits of the standard Vanquisher 2.0 but with the added advantage of clear vision for those who require it. They are consistently rated as one of the best prescription swimming goggles on the market.

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles — The Cons

Limited Peripheral Vision
While the Vanquisher 2.0 excels in many areas, one drawback is its limited peripheral vision. If you’re used to goggles like the Swedish goggles or the Magic5, which provide excellent all-around visibility, you may find the Vanquisher a bit restrictive. When using a swim snorkel or swimming face-down, it can be harder to see out of the sides and top without lifting your head.

Mirrored Lens Can Be Too Dark Indoors
The mirrored lenses are fantastic for outdoor swimming, but they can be a bit too dark for use in low-light indoor pools. Once the anti-fog coating begins to wear off, the lenses can fog up, making visibility even worse. To counteract this, you can use an anti-fog spray to extend the lifespan of the coating and avoid wiping the inside of the goggles, which can damage the factory-applied anti-fog layer.

Final Verdict: Are the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles Worth It?

For lap swimming and competitive training, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles offer outstanding value. Their combination of comfort, performance, and durability makes them a top choice among swimmers. Whether you’re swimming indoors or outdoors, these goggles provide clear vision, reduce drag, and fit securely without causing discomfort.

If you’re looking for the best swim goggles for lap swimming, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 is a great investment that won’t disappoint.

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Goggles — FAQ

  1. Are Speedo Vanquishers comfortable?

    Yes, the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles are highly comfortable, thanks to soft silicone gaskets, a snug fit, and adjustable nosepieces. They are designed for extended wear without discomfort.

  2. Do Speedo goggles have latex?

    No, Speedo Vanquisher goggles are latex-free, making them safe for swimmers with latex allergies.

  3. How long should Speedo goggles last?

    With proper care, Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles can last several years. Swimmers have reported durability of up to 7 years with consistent use.

  4. How do you adjust the Speedo Vanquisher goggles?

    To adjust the fit, use the dual silicone straps to tighten or loosen the goggles. You can also swap out the interchangeable nosepieces for a more personalized fit.

  5. Is there a women’s version of the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles?

    Yes, Speedo offers a women’s version of the Vanquisher 2.0 goggles, designed with a smaller frame to better fit smaller faces.

  6. How to adjust Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles?

    Pull the silicone straps to tighten or loosen the fit. Adjust the nosepiece for added customization.

  7. How to adjust Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggle straps?

    To adjust the straps, slide the buckle along the dual silicone straps until the goggles sit comfortably on your face.

  8. How to change the nose piece on Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 goggles?

    To change the nosepiece, gently pull the current nosepiece off and snap the preferred size into place. The goggles come with four interchangeable nosepieces for a customizable fit.

3 tips for swimming faster

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It’s a fun story from the 70s that people still like to tell today. And it documents how ambitious the search for small and large improvements is.

It was 1972 when Mark Spitz achieved as many gold medals with as many world records in all of his seven starts. Very puristic in nylon swimming trunks and without swimming goggles, Spitz thrilled the spectators in the Munich Olympic swimming pool. But what was behind these outstanding achievements? The other nations and their coaches also asked themselves this question.

So journalists asked about Spitz’s secret to success. The answer confused the swimming world and sparked a debate. According to the US coaches, it was the mustache that had a positive influence on the water position and thus led to faster times in the pool. Even if from today’s perspective one would only smile wearily at such an explanation, this traditional story documents the constant desire for tips and tricks to optimize swimming times.

The secret of success

Of course, there are methods and tips that enable constant further development. For example, the significantly increased proportion of athletic land training over the past ten years has led to a new type of swimmer who is significantly more versatile.

Sport doesn’t stand still, that’s for sure. And we have listed three examples for you of how you can improve your swimming performance as a young or adult swimmer, regardless of your level.

Aspect 1: Frequency

Gliding exercises are still an effective way for many coaches to give swimmers the feeling of speed with little effort. However, the concept of gliding is sometimes equated with the hope of being able to maintain or even increase one’s swimming speed without any energetic expenditure. In the exaggeration of this approach, you see swimmers trying to cover the pool over and over again with even fewer strokes.

When Sheila Taormina writes in her book “Swimming Like a Pro” that good swimmers don’t glide, she is talking about exactly this phenomenon. Because if you want to glide, you first need high speed. It is therefore fatal if a low starting speed is accompanied by an artificially extended gliding phase. The result is a low average speed with high fluctuations. Finally, in the gliding phase, sometimes little or no speed is generated.

In competitive swimming, measuring individual movement frequency therefore takes up a lot of time. The goal: to generate propulsion as continuously as possible without loss of speed within a movement cycle. Try it. At first, the slightly faster movement may cause you problems. If the movement is carried out precisely, you will ideally swim faster and more evenly.

Aspect 2: Power

Strength is the basis of every movement. Even though swimming is considered an endurance sport, individual strength is an essential parameter for your swimming performance. The faster you move the drive surfaces against the water, the harder this deformable element becomes. So you literally have it in your hands to what extent you get the desired pressure from the water. However, short and quick pulses require strength. Strength that you can develop to a certain extent in the water.

However, you can only generate high demands that improve your maximum strength on land. Therefore, develop your strength with the help of pull ropes and specific training equipment as well as with your own body weight. Push-ups and pull-ups are still basic exercises for swimmers that develop exactly the muscles you need in the water. Only with strength can you effectively push yourself off the water. So it’s better to stay on land every now and then instead of swimming lengths in the water evenly and without any real goal.

Aspect 3: Breathing

Unlike running, swimming doesn’t allow you to breathe when you feel you need to. The rhythm and technique of the swimming positions only allow a limited breathing frequency and therefore force you to adopt an individually optimal breathing rhythm. Sometimes contact with the air is so limited in time and at the same time the intensity is so high that no incidents can occur during the breathing process.

Even a swallowing can have devastating consequences. In order to make the best possible use of short contact with air, it is therefore necessary to view breathing as an active process. Breathe out completely and actively until you lift or turn your head to the surface of the water.

If you neglect to empty your lungs, increasing amounts of used air will remain in your lungs. This so-called dead space can disrupt further oxygen absorption to such an extent that it can lead to shortness of breath or even gasping. With every breath, be aware that fresh oxygen is an important source of energy and has a huge impact on your performance.

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