(Part 2) Top products from r/Swimming

Not exactly to you question, but I don't see how a cap protects you from chlorine.

Just using something like afterwards Ultra Swim

When you swim you want your head down in the water looking straight down, even looking a back (chin closer to chest ... but relaxed) ... so that your head fairly submerged. When you put the swim cap on (how I would do it) you have to 1st fill it with water then put on your head ... this allows for water between you head and cap (nearly no air). If you create an air bubble your head is more buoyant and you will have a much harder time keeping your head down for good swim posture. Or you will get neck ache when you swim for a long period of time.

I use a cap when 1) the pool requires it 2) its very cold and would like to retain some body heat.

As for how good you swim, or what the cap looks like ... who cares what other people think? :) Wear what ever you like, I say!

I've had a similar new swimmer experience as you trying to swim free style for distance.

Pull buoy was great, but I used it too much.

So I graduated to fins (http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-2-35-003-Zoomers-Gold-Yellow-Zoomers/dp/B004O6G9W4), but tried to consciously not get hooked on using them more than whole stroke swimming based on my aforementioned pull buoy addiction. Fins are still lots of fun, but I use them sparingly.

From there, I went to using kick board in between sets and a LOT at the end of workouts. My basic goal being to get the muscle memory in place (my kick, like yours, was only good for short distances) so that I can kick without thinking about it. As has been stated above, it's really all about body position (mostly head and hips for me). This last piece worked wonders for me.

Good luck!

Thanks for the good word! The headphones are definitely something we're looking to keep improving this year. For most people the short cord headphones work fantastic, we're working to make that true for all people.

In the meantime, from my/our experience there's a few other good headphone options to consider:
The X-1 Surge have a pretty good sound quality and most people who've used them, really enjoy them.
The Pyle Waterproof headphones have a serviceable sound quality, but where they really seem to shine is that most people can get them to stay in their ears for an entire swim.
The bone conduction solutions work pretty well, but the sound is really diminished out of the water, just something to keep in mind if you do any other kind of training.

If you want to build up some arm/should muscle quickly in the pool, spend $10 on a nice set of paddles, I like these and do some pulling sets. If you're working out at any kind of a decent facility, odds are good they have pull buoys for public use, but it is still worth getting your own. Put the pull buoy between your thighs, just above your kness and (protip) cross your legs loosely at the ankle. Now do this set (I call it a 1/1-5/5): Swim one 25 easy and one 25 fast, then two 25s easy and two 25s fast... all the way up to 5/5. That's a 750 meter set and you WILL feel it and it will feel amazing and get you jacked quick.

Note: I see your are swimming in a 50 meter pool, so adjust the set for that or else you will end up with a 1500 meter pull set (which is totally fine, but will likely be your entire workout). Also, my definition of jacked may not be your own- I've been a swimmer forever and a day but I'm a girl, so our definitions of big shoulders probably differ. Also, I wrote this like you are a less-than-competitive level swimmer, apologies if you aren't.

A binder of workouts would be good. His own gear would be a great gift: they sell pull buoys, fins, [kickboards] (http://swimming.epicsports.com/prod/32101/the-finals-kickboard-swim-training-aids.html), and a mesh bag to put it all in.

Swim lessons aren't a BAD idea, but sometimes swim instructors aren't very good. What your husband probably needs is an actual coach. I know there are some sites (can't find them right now) that you can send in an underwater video of his swimming stroke to be analyzed by a professional (but that might be annoying?). This site has lots of swimming technique videos. I have some of these videos and they are actually pretty good.

I hope that helps!

They make swim caps specifically for long hair. I have a Speedo silicone long hair swim cap and I like it. I can't use latex though (allergy) so I can't compare. It will take some learning to get it on easily though. Mine doesn't keep the pool water out of my hair completely--my hair still ends up wet, but not totally soaked. I wash my hair immediately after swimming with shampoo & conditioner, and my hair has stayed fine.

I've never had problems with my nails, but again, showering immediately after swimming helps a lot.

Chlorine does hurt a little, but if you find some good goggles you should be able to minimize how much water gets into your eyes.

No idea on the nose thing, sorry. Good luck with your swimming lessons & good for you for learning!! :)

I think it would be really beneficial for you to break up your swims a little. It really will help with your stamina. Instead of attempting a straight 2,000 meter swim, why not try 4x500m with like two minute breaks between every 500?

Or you could do 10x200m. Or you could do like 200m swim, 200m pull, 200m kick.

When I first started swimming I got this book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Waterproof-Coach-Swimmers-Triathletes/dp/0965623009

And it really, really, really helped with my workouts. Building up the endurance and mental strength to do a 10k (even in a pool) really is an effort. Also, from what I heard, if you don't do the right drills or have the right technique you can cause injuries. This is why things like catch-up, fists, and body rotation drills are so important.

Also, with the longer distances, it really helps to do flipturns, it increases your speed and I've been told it reduces stress on your shoulders.

I don't know much about how to keep track if you can't wear a watch, maybe you could google it? Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I'm not as experienced as a lot of the distance swimmers in the forum, not even close- but I can try to help. There are a lot of amazing distance swimmers in r/swimming.

I'm a couple months in practicing on my own. I had lessons as a kid, but hadn't really swum more than a few meters (other than lounging around) in twenty years.

I've gone from around 90 seconds to go 50m to about 55s, swimming twice a week for half an hour. I feel like I'm making slow but steady progress, but I also am reading quite a bit from the library. The drill structure in Total Immersion sounds goofy, but is very rewarding so far. It does assume some swimming experience. And Swimming Fastest is huge but very detailed on proper form.

I never really felt like Youtube videos could explain what and why things were happening. I need really, really slow-motion that I can watch for multiple swimmers to see what they do differently, and the same. That doesn't seem to exist at high rez.

1. Increasing both your aerobic and lung capacity. When doing laps in freestype, take set rest intervals. 10 seconds rest after each 25m may be good to start, then string together longer distances (50m with :20). A great way to build lung capacities are touch-and-gos in the deep end - start at the wall, swim down to the bottom of the pool, touch it with your palm then swim up and touch the wall again. Do those a bunch at the end of each workout.
   
   
2. Integrate weight training, definitely. Focus on pulling movements and your core muscles. You use your abs and hips far more than most people realize in swimming.
   
   
3. Like /u/fiddlestix42, I prefer the Swedish goggles. It's important to note that you shouldn't make these too tight, since they don't have a rubber or foam gasket and can really start to hurt after long sessions. I love them.

spartanKid at least is too young to remember the Man From Atlantis TV program.... :-)

Ernie Maglischo's Swimming Fastest is the definitive swimming book and based the measurements/studies you've talked about. People such as Doc Counsilman spent their career on the fluid mechanics measurements of swimming. It's only recently (last 10/15 years) for example that the actual propulsive forces have been properly identified.

It is actually a great book, particularly enjoyable to those of us with a geekish aspect, I think you'd enjoy it. Long chapters on drag forces, propulsive forces, biological energy systems, metabolic training effects along with the specific strokes, distance & sprint training etc.

I personally like the Neptune Finis, but the Waterfi iPod shuffle was a great (and durable) player you could use in and out of the water -- if you get aftermarket headphones (I've had luck with these: http://www.amazon.com/Hydroharmony-Waterproof-Headphones-Model-HH-01/dp/B00F4LRX3W/ ).

Here's a recent discussion on the topic from this sub: http://www.reddit.com/r/Swimming/comments/2u6uv2/best_way_to_listen_to_music_while_swimming/

You'll find your sweet spot soon with the breathing. A lot of pros train with breathers, maybe you could try that until looking straight down becomes habit. Trying to do a bunch of changes at once can kinda screw with your equilibrium.

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Bullet-Swimmers-Snorkel-Shocking/dp/B00KRNBO6Y/ref=asc_df_B00KRNBO6Y

And thank you. I'm sorry to hear your scoliosis is causing issues as well. Have a great day man.

https://www.amazon.com/SportCount-LapCounter-90040-Silver/dp/B0016J9NE8

This is what i use for laps/ lengths. It's great, and there's a few different models available. I've never personally tried a watch for swimming, but somebody mentioned one from Garmin so maybe check that out too. Good luck

My buddy was swimming with a water-proofed Apple shuffle last week and said it worked well. I noticed he didn't have the same headphones though. I'm sure there are better ones out there from a fit and comfort perspective.

Complete Conditioning for Swimming. Great book.

Beyond books, I'm becoming a big fan of YouTube vids and instructional series. I just watched and took notes on the Race Club's kicking series - good stuff!

Here are some books that might help:

• [Gold in the Water] (http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Water-Ordinary-Extraordinary-Olympic/dp/0312265956/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=)
  
• [First to the Wall: 100 Years of Olympic Swimming] (http://www.amazon.com/First-Wall-Years-Olympic-Swimming/dp/0967417104/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=017ZJAE51HMBM03Y0E8W)
  
• [Golden Girl: How Natalie Coughlin Fought Back, Challenged Conventional Wisdom, and Became America's Olympic Champion] (http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Girl-Coughlin-Challenged-Conventional/dp/1594862540/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=017ZJAE51HMBM03Y0E8W)
  
• [They Ruled the Pool: The 100 Greatest Swimmers in History] (http://www.amazon.com/They-Ruled-Pool-Greatest-Littlefield/dp/0810887460/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y)
  
• [By a Fraction of a Second] (http://www.amazon.com/Fraction-Second-Lois-Ruskai-Melina/dp/0964778238/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420826205&sr=1-2&keywords=by+a+fraction+of+a+second)
  
• [The Great Swim] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Great-Swim-Gavin-Mortimer/dp/B003TO6E9K)
  
• [Historical Dictionary of Competitive Swimming] (http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Dictionary-Competitive-Swimming-Dictionaries/dp/0810867753)
  
• [The Most Memorable Moments in Olympic Swimming] (http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Moments-Olympic-Swimming-Littlefield/dp/144223699X/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420827130&sr=1-1&keywords=the+most+memorable+moments+in+olympic+swimming)
  
• [Champions: The Making of Olympic Swimmers] (http://www.amazon.com/Champions-Swimmers-Daniel-F-Chambliss/dp/0688076181/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420827685&sr=1-11&keywords=1988+olympics)
  
• [The History of Olympic Swimming, Vol. 1: 1896-1936] (http://www.amazon.com/The-History-Olympic-Swimming-Vol/dp/B003RDFE80)
  
  Also, these aren't specifically swimming-focused, but they may mention swimming in them:
  
  
• [Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games] (http://www.amazon.com/Boycott-Stolen-Dreams-Moscow-Olympic/dp/0942257405/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420826968&sr=1-1&keywords=boycott+stolen+dreams+of+the+1980+moscow+olympic+games)
  
• [Rome 1960: The Olympics That Changed the World] (http://www.amazon.com/Rome-1960-Olympics-Changed-World/dp/1416534075/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1420827512)

My favorite is Gold in the Water by PH Mullen. It's really inspiring. Reviews and stuff on Amazon

I'd recommend just getting this bad boy instead of worrying about a case. Ultimately you'll be happier and You wont stress over whether or not it'll leak or whatever.

Also the swimp3 is awesome.

This is the one I have - my hair is down to my shoulder blades and this works just fine. Soak your hair first and then bun it for the best results.

i own and love this http://www.amazon.com/Waterfi-Waterproof-iPod-Shuffle-Generation/dp/B00474HQAM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1314651809&sr=1-1

Thanks for writing so fast! I'm still not sure if I should get square legs or jammers... I found some endurance+ on amazon:

here are the square legs:

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Endurance-Polyester-Square-Swimsuit/dp/B000YZEJ2G/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=speedo%2Bsquare%2Bleg&qid=1551067719&s=gateway&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

here are the jammers:

https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Endurance-Polyester-Jammer-Swimsuit/dp/B000YZPLZ0/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=speedo%2Bjammers&qid=1551068156&s=gateway&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1

How do those look? I am a very skinny person, and so I am wondering if I might want the Jammers for extra warmth.

With the endurance+, are they still fast? I don't need super sonic fast, but I don't want to be bogged down either. Do you have endurance+?

Same boat. I use this book. Ive found that unless i have a workout spelled out for me I'll be in the hottub after 1500 yards lol

The Waterproof Coach: The Waterproof Workout Book for Fitness Swimmers and Triathletes https://www.amazon.com/dp/0965623009/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EBhZCbAFRS1DD

Personally I would occasionally rinse off after wards, but I instead used this shampoo and conditioner when I would shower at home. As for my swim cap since I'm a guy I usually don't use a swim cap when I practice, but I do wet my hair before putting it on at a meet. Although for the women on the team they would either put it into a bun, or a pony tail then flip it onto their head when putting the cap on. but yea definitely check out those shampoos!

I've found Jaws Quick Spit to be the best option i've evr tried. It works consistently, and for 3-4 practices and if it stops working you just reapply. One bottle typically lasts me a single season, going from August to March.
https://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Quick-Spit-Antifog-Spray/dp/B00PDE1TO4

i was thinking of maybe getting some of these http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-2-35-003-Zoomers-Gold-Yellow-Zoomers/dp/B004O6G9W4 and a kickboard. feel like that could work for a good while no?

These work good.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PWPE10B-Marine-Waterproof-Headphones/dp/B0037Z4MCM/ref=pd_sim_e_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Z23CMDKATCKCW4NHZ2V

I listen to podcasts while swimming using these.

I like that there isn't anything in my ears and I can still hear what is going on around me.

College and Olympic swimmers are all racing in jammers these days which influences the sport a lot. You don't want loose shorts for lap swimming because its like pulling a parachute through water. They actually make "drag suits" just for that reason, think ankle weights while running/walking. Age group and high school swim teams that swim at my pool (San Diego, CA) are a mix of swim briefs (speedos) and jammers. Masters swimmers like me are all over the place but about half of us wear the square-cut trunk style suits like this. Jammers take to long to dry in my swim bag and I dont like all the fabric squeezing my thighs. I'd wear briefs if I was still under 18% BMI. But I'm closer to 25% and dont want to be "that guy". I feel the square cuts are more appropriate for us old guy lap swimmers and masters. Thats just my opinion though. One of the advantages of being old guy/banana hammock is that usually zero fucks are given, regardless of emotional trauma they might be inflicting on innocent bystanders in the vicinity.

I always have trouble with my mind wandering and can never reliably keep track of where I am in my set so I use a lap counter in the pool. Something similar to this:(http://www.amazon.com/SportCount-Inc-LapCounter-90040-Silver/dp/B0016J9NE8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452666635&sr=8-2&keywords=lap+counter)

I wear it on my pointer finger and push it right before ever flip turn. At first I had trouble rememebering to push it, but after a session or two it came completely naturally.

Thus far it's been the simplest, cheapest and easiest way i've found to keep track of laps.

I have been a competitive swimmer for roughly 9 years and the highest recommendation I can give is a Speedo Endurance Plus jammer. They last about a year swimming 1-3 times a day 6 days a week. They usually only go out because the drawstring breaks or the suit comes apart at the seams. They have similar waist sizes to jeans and regular trousers.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YZPLZ0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_RE2Pub1KHG939

Really start with the basics first: balance and body position. Before you even attempt to freestyle. If you are open to reading some books about this, try total immersion. They also have a website and YouTube channel. Also they host workshops all over the world.

Speedo Men's Endurance+ Polyester Solid Square Leg Swimsuit

https://www.amazon.com/Richey-Industries-Original-Swedish-Goggles/dp/B0006NW0Q8

http://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Anatomy-Ian-McLeod/dp/0736075712/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335734332&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conditioning-Swimming-Sports-Series/dp/073607242X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335734332&sr=8-2

There are 3 basic types of mens suits:

• Classic Briefs
  
  
  
• Square Leg/short
  
  
  
• Jammers

I've used this one for a while, haven't encountered any real issues.

I swim 5-7x a week and use Speedo Vanquisher 2s - they last about a year, give or take 6 months. I started using Jaws No-fog and that helped immensely.

I own a similar product called a Swimp3. It doesn't use headphones at all, and I've never had problems with it staying on.

The only downside is that this device only uses MP3 files, and it can be a hassle converting your AAC songs from itunes.