Glasses, a swimsuit or swimming trunks, a towel - this is not yet full list what a swimmer needs. You will also need a special cap to protect your hair. Picking up this accessory is not easy, you can get lost in the modern variety of models. How to choose a swimming cap? What are the requirements for the product? All this is discussed below.
Why is she needed
How to choose a cap for swimming in the pool (river, sea, lake, and so on)? To begin with, it is important to understand why this accessory is needed. So what are its functions?
- Reliably protects hair from bleach, which serves to purify water.
- Keeps heat in the body.
- Saves hair from getting wet, prevents the penetration of water into the ears.
- Hair does not interfere with swimming.
This product has many useful features. In addition, a cap is necessary in the pool so that the hair does not pollute the water.
latex
This accessory is made from various materials. For example, there is a latex swimming cap. The low price is perhaps the main advantage of such a product. Latex models are rapidly losing popularity. First of all, this is due to the fact that they are made from an unpleasant to the skin and thin material.
A latex cap is difficult to put on and take off, it can cause allergies, damage the hair. It is also worth noting the fragility of the product. The latex model is only suitable for swimmers with short hair. She's no good for defense long hair.
Silicone
Which product is suitable for long hair? A silicone swimming cap is a great choice. These models are elastic, easy to stretch. They are comfortable to use, easy to put on and take off, dry quickly. Silicone products have a pleasant, durable texture. They are durable, but it is still better not to combine them with hairpins that can pierce the material. Adjacency to the head is provided by thickenings along the edges.
It is silicone caps that will appeal to those for whom not only comfort and convenience are important, but also appearance. A wide range of colors and patterns are available to customers. These products are preferred professional athletes.
Silicone accessories have a drawback. A tight fit of the cap to the head can cause a feeling of discomfort, become a source of headache.
fabric
How to choose a swimming cap for those who are not suitable for silicone and latex products? You can pay attention to fabric accessories, which are also confidently gaining popularity. In their manufacture, the same materials are used from which bathing suits are made. Lycra, polyester - possible options.
Fabric hats are famous for their durability. They can be used with hairpins without any fear. These products are soft and comfortable to wear. They are easily removed and put on, while the hair does not become electrified and does not suffer. It should also be noted that these hats are affordable. The model range is quite wide, different colors and patterns are offered.
The main function of fabric accessories is to hide the hair. They let water through, which can be called their main drawback. Caps do not provide reliable protection of strands from bleach. Plus, they take a long time to dry.
Fabric products are a great choice for those who practice aqua aerobics. However, it should be borne in mind that they are not suitable for competition. The products have a rough surface, which adversely affects the speed of movement in water.
Combined
How to choose a swimming cap that has more advantages than disadvantages? In recent years, combined models have come into fashion. They are fabric products coated with silicone on the outside.
Such models are good because they almost do not let water through. Only at the edges of the hair can get slightly wet. Combined products are practical, do not require complex care. They are pleasant to wear, easy to put on and take off. The strength of such products is highly rated.
Combination beanies are a great choice for workouts. However, silicone models are still more suitable for competitions. Their main disadvantage is their high cost. However, the durability of the products redeems this.
Main selection criteria
How to choose the right swimming cap? To do this, you need to have an idea about the main selection criteria.
- The cap must necessarily hide all the hair on the head. Then the strands will not interfere while swimming. It will also help keep you warm, as getting your hair wet can cause quick loss heat. Finally, this is a mandatory hygiene requirement in the pool.
- The product must hide the ears. It is important that they are protected from water ingress.
- The cap should keep the hair healthy, protect them from the damaging effects of bleach. Swimming should be beneficial, not harmful.
Professional swimmers also need to consider the issue of ergonomics. They are suitable for an accessory that reduces the friction of water during movement.
What is the size of a swim cap?
It is important not only what material the accessory is made of. Another factor is also of great importance. How to choose the size of a swimming cap? First of all, it is worth understanding that these products are for children and adults. The latter are large.
The volume of the product varies from model to model. That's why The best way choose a suitable hat - fitting. The accessory should not press, cause discomfort. Make sure it is easy to put on and take off.
Children's models
How to choose a swimming cap for a child? Children's models are smaller in volume. The best way to choose an accessory is to try it on, but this is not always possible. In this case, you should measure the circumference of the child's head, and then divide the result in half. Next, you need to measure the side of the cap (you can ask the seller for a ruler or measuring tape), multiply the resulting figure by 1.7-1.8.
If the child has long hair or a large head, a baby hat may not suit him. In this case, it is better to take for him the smallest product from adult models. Among them there are also small and large sizes.
How to put on
If the size of the swimming cap is chosen correctly, then it is easy to put on. But still it is better to practice at home.
- You need to take the product with both hands. The hands are turned so that the palms look to the side. Then the material should be moved apart by about 15-20 cm (depending on the diameter of the head circumference).
- Next, you need to lean forward, attach the front inner edge of the model to your forehead. It is convenient to help yourself while doing this with your thumbs.
- Then you should distribute the cap over the entire surface of the head. With the help of your fingers, you need to fill the knocked-out strands. The accessory should cover the hair below the hem at the back of the head, hide the ears.
- For maximum comfort, you need to "smooth" the product. Movement should be light.
- Long hair before putting on a hat can be pulled together with an elastic band or collected in a bun at the crown. It is better to refuse to use hairpins with sharp edges, invisible. All of these products can damage the material.
- It is not easy to tuck your hair when the cap is already on. It is better to immediately try to remove the bangs and protruding tips under it. The product should not be worn on loose strands. Hair will be knocked out in the process of swimming, and the cap may also slip off the head.
- Earrings are best removed when putting on the accessory. This is especially true for long products that will interfere and cause discomfort. In addition, the rejection of jewelry guarantees the safety of the material.
Professional swimmers put on a cap in a very original way. They first pour water into the product, and then stick their heads into it. Water flows out, no air bubble forms in the cap. Putting a hat on a child, it is better to moisten his hair first. The resulting bubble should be slightly slammed. Thanks to this, the product will not slip off the head in water.
How should the seam be placed? There are two options - from the forehead to the back of the head or from ear to ear. Both methods are considered correct, this one does not affect the swimming process in any way.
How to care
The care of a pool cap depends on what material it is made of. However, there are general rules.
- After each use, the product must be washed. This must be done with cold clean water.
- Dry the accessory in a straightened form. At the same time, it should not be exposed to sunlight, it should be located away from heat sources.
- The hat must not be allowed to come into contact with sharp objects. This list includes a variety of hairpins, hairpins, earrings.
The product made of latex must be treated with talc after drying.
A visit to the pool involves the use of such a sports accessory as a cap. This attribute performs a number of important functions and is mandatory in most sports pools. How to choose a comfortable, high-quality hat for long-term use. This question is asked by many fans. water sports. To deal with this, an overview of the main characteristics and types of headgear will help.
Functions and tasks of the cap
Before proceeding with the choice, it is important to understand what tasks are assigned to the accessory. Nice beanie for the pool should:
- protect ears from water ingress;
- to allow to remain dry, after training;
- protect hair from negative influences chemical substances used to purify water in ;
- prevent falling hair from getting into the water. They clog the filtration system of the pool;
- help the body maintain heat balance;
- play a decorative role.
Based on these parameters, you should choose a headdress.
What are swimming caps?
The main criterion, the differences between hats, is the material of manufacture. Manufacturers offer the following options:
- Silicone.
- Fabric.
- Latex.
- Combined.
Each type has special characteristics that are worth considering in more detail.
Silicone
The most common type. A hat made of this material can be found in any sports store, both in the budget category and among top models. The advantage of such hats is a high degree of elasticity, as well as hypoallergenicity. In addition, they are endowed with the following characteristics:
- spectacular design (some brands produce double-sided hats);
- pleasant to the touch;
- they are easy to put on, thanks to the ability to stretch more than 2 times.
Hats made of this material are used by professional athletes for training and competitions. They are smooth, perfectly follow the contours of the head, without forming folds.
Attention! Among the negative points, users note: discomfort, from excessive pressure on the head. For those who experience similar symptoms, it is recommended to wear caps made of other materials.
Silicone hats are presented in the collections of such brands: Speed Slogan, Arena, Speedo. Print cap.
fabric
Such accessories are used in cases where the main goal is to hide the hair. For example, in water aerobics classes. Such hats are made of lycra, polyester and similar materials that do not provide protection from getting wet. However, they can also be used for swimming, if their characteristics are completely satisfied. Soft and comfortable, they are easily put on the head, hold well and do not cause any inconvenience. The cost is lower than for accessories made of other materials.
latex
Products made from this material have lost their advantage due to many shortcomings. The only positive quality is the price of the product. That is why, they are often sold in pools as disposable, for cases when the visitor forgot the main cap at home.
Such products are difficult to remove and put on, they can cause allergies. Also, they are fragile and easily torn, with excessive force.
Combined
The combination of two different materials, according to the properties, made it possible to come to the creation of combined caps. As a rule, we are talking about textile inside and silicone or latex - external. This approach provides a comfortable feeling when putting on and taking off the headgear. Wetting hair, while minimal - only at the edge of the product. The hat is well suited for amateur sports and the training process. For competition, it is preferable to use more form-fitting products.
Other selection criteria
The material of manufacture is an important, but not the only parameter that you should rely on. In addition, attention should be paid to the following characteristics:
- size. Conditional division exists only for children's and adult hats. At the same time, children create less pressure on the head of the child. There are separate models designed for owners of long hair. Their size is usually larger, for convenient placement of hair;
- appointment. Hats for amateur sports are somewhat different from professional ones. In the second case, the products are equipped with high hydrodynamic properties, exactly follow the contours of the head. It uses various technologies to improve swimming speed that are not found in conventional caps;
- design. Manufacturers of sports equipment pay great attention to the colors and design of their products. The collections include both monophonic, discreet models, and caps of bright colors. Children are offered models with bright prints and images. Many sports brands create kits from various accessories and attributes for swimming, made in the same style;
- price. The difference in the cost of various models is significant. Amateur options can be bought, with a minimum budget, and products for professional sports, will be more costly. Quality and functionality directly depend on the cost. However, you can start training with the simplest, budget hat.
The right swimming cap not only performs protective functions, but also improves training process. Depending on the purpose of training, you should choose a headgear from the appropriate material, suitable size. Photos of various models, as well as reviews and product reviews from users and experts will help you make a choice.
How to put on a pool cap: video
And a swimming cap. A cap will be required in almost every pool.
Why do you need a swim cap?
The headgear performs a number of important functions:
- Does not allow water to enter the ears.
- Protects hair from contact with chloride compounds.
- Limits water friction when moving.
- Prevents hair from clogging pool water and filters.
- It retains the heat that most leaves the body through wet curls.
- Keeps curls dry.
- Prevents hair from sticking to the face, glasses and creating interference.
Cap on a trip to the sea
It is wrong to believe that a swimming cap is not useful on the beach. Sea salt is not very useful for curls: when dried under ultraviolet light, it begins to corrode the hair, which leads to brittleness and dryness. In addition, the structure of human hair includes melanin, which is responsible for the strength and color of the hair. The sun destroys melanin, and the hair becomes whitish.
Swimming in a cap or panama is difficult - it gets wet and interferes with swimming. And without a hat, being in the sun is dangerous - you can get not only hair burnout, but also sunstroke.
The hat is much more convenient because it:
- It does not fly off the head, it will not need to be caught after every breath of wind.
- Protects from ultraviolet radiation.
- Reduces heat transfer, so the person is less cold.
- Does not lose its original appearance from sea salt.
- Tightly fitting, but "breathes", therefore, the head does not sweat.
Types of hats
According to the material of manufacture and its features, they are combined into four groups:
- Latex.
- Silicone.
- Fabric.
- Combined.
latex
Latex swimming caps are practically not produced now due to a large number of negative characteristics:
- Thin and easily damaged.
- Poor putting on and taking off.
- Stick to curls, electrify them.
- Allergic.
- Short-lived.
- Each time they have to be sprinkled with talc, otherwise the walls will stick to each other tightly.
Latex brings a minimum of inconvenience only to those who wear short hair, because it is preferred by men. At the same time, these products are inexpensive, and you can easily buy another instead of a spoiled one. In this regard, latex hats remain in demand, despite the low quality. Latex caps are often sold right in the pool in case a visitor comes there without this equipment.
Silicone
Silicone has the following advantages:
- Elastic.
- Easily expands to double in size.
Hats made of it are easy to put on, have ductility, do not stick to curls and do not cause discomfort. The silicone swim cap is slightly thicker at the edges for a secure fit. Such hats are full of various colorful patterns, which is especially pleasing to those who like to stand out.
For long-haired athletes, when putting on a silicone cap, it is better to collect hair with an elastic band, and not with hairpins. Although silicone is a durable material, there is a risk of damaging the cap with a hairpin.
After use, the silicone product must be rinsed and dried, and then stored away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Such hats must be chosen strictly in size or even a little more. Since silicone has one drawback: it tightens the head quite strongly. If the hat is small in size, its owner will experience significant inconvenience and even a headache.
fabric
Textile caps are made from the same fabrics as swimwear: polyester, lycra, and other artificial fibers. Their primary purpose is to hide curls. The fabric cap does not exert pressure, is easy to put on and take off, does not accumulate static electricity, and its cost is low. Hairpins can be worn under it, because it is difficult to damage such material. And if you happen to make a couple of small holes, this will not affect the characteristics of the cap.
The only drawback that a fabric swimming cap has I, is its wetness. Therefore, they are preferred for water aerobics, but not for swimming.
Combined
They are considered the most comfortable and practical. They are double layered:
- The bottom layer is a textile cap.
- The top layer is silicone.
Therefore, they combine the advantages of each of them. The inner fabric layer is pleasant for the head and hair, and the silicone blocks the flow of water under it. Hair can get wet only at the edges.
Combined products are unpretentious in care. They are washed after use and dried.
Volumetric women's hats pool
The sporting goods market has provided an alternative for fashion lovers. Fashionistas can show off with a pool cap with voluminous figures, colors and patterns. They are made of silicone and delight the eye with a variety of colors.
Video, types of swimming caps: ( https://www.youtube.com/embed/HF6T2NG9dgM)
Swim cap size
Manufacturers produce hats in two universal sizes: for children and adults. Accessories for adults differ in their volume.
With the same size, hats of different brands often differ in volume. This means that when choosing an accessory, you need to try it on. After all, if the swimming cap is small, it will become very squeezing and provoke headaches.
The main criteria for choosing an accessory are as follows:
- All hair must fit under the headdress. Then they will not stick to the face and will not interfere, and bleach will not have a negative effect on them. In addition, it will retain more heat.
- The ears must be inside the product so that water does not get into them.
baby hat
Of course, the best way to choose a hat is to try it on a child. However, sometimes this is not possible. To get the right size yourself, and not make a mistake, you should do the following:
- Measure the circumference of the child's head and divide the result in half.
- Measure the side of the cap and multiply by 1.7-1.8. The resulting value should match the circumference of the child's head.
If the child has long curls or a large head, a children's swim cap will probably not fit him. It would be best to choose the smallest adult product.
How to put on a swim cap
Obviously, most people are familiar with those discomfort that occur when putting on a swimming cap. To minimize them, just use simple tips:
- Before putting on the accessory, it is better for women to pick up curls with an elastic band, remove hairpins, hairpins and massive earrings.
- When pulling on the cap, the seam must be properly placed: from ear to ear or from forehead to back of the head. To put on a hat, you should place both hands inside it with the back to the walls, bend your fingers. Then slowly pull the cap in the direction from the crown to the back of the head. If there are strands left outside, they must be tucked under the hat.
The swim cap is easy to remove, you should pull off any edge and slowly pull it off. The accessory will last a long time if it is treated with care.
Going to the pool, we are all faced with the need to fulfill some requirements. These include passing a medical examination and obtaining a special certificate, as well as collecting things that will be required for classes. This is a bathing suit, a towel, personal hygiene products, as well as a swimming cap. This is a mandatory attribute for girls and women, which will have to be purchased, otherwise the entrance to the pool will be closed. Today we will talk about how to put on a swimming cap correctly.
Important rule
Let's first find out what this attribute is for. First of all, such a requirement is put forward by the administration of swimming pools due to the fact that hair falling out during bathing gets into the filtration system and can ruin it. In some sports complexes today they allow swimming without caps, explaining this by the perfection of modern purification systems.
But you still need to know how to properly put on a swimming cap. In particular, because it is no longer needed for the pool, but for you.
- Water is usually disinfected with chlorine. Therefore, it is very harmful for hair of any type. If you swim without a cap, then very soon the hairstyle will leave much to be desired, the hair will begin to fall out.
- The cap keeps the hair relatively dry. Usually they get wet only along the contour, and drying them is not difficult.
- The hat keeps you warm. The temperature of the water in the pool is usually not too high, and heat escapes through wet hair much faster.
- The cap makes the body contour more streamlined. This affects the timed swims and makes it possible to reach the finish line sooner.
- If you use swimming goggles, they can get tangled in your hair that is not covered by your cap.
- Most often women use this accessory. Therefore, manufacturers produce sets of swimsuits and hats. That is, you get the opportunity to look fashionable and stylish in the pool. So, there is a direct reason to learn how to properly wear a swimming cap.
How to make the right choice
First of all, you need to buy a cap that will be comfortable to use and will reliably protect your hair from chlorinated water. After that, it will be possible to consider how to properly put on a swimming cap. If you come to sports Complex without a hat, then you will most likely be offered to buy a disposable one. And this is a polyethylene dome with an elastic band, which is not very comfortable.
In addition, there are the following varieties:
- Starting. Designed for professional swimmers, has a different thickness in certain areas of the head.
- Waterpolo. Designed for water polo. It is supplied with special plastic inserts that protect the ears from a flying ball and other impacts.
- For the beautiful half of humanity. Most complex issue How to put on a swimming cap for long hair. He gets up especially sharply when you send a girl to training, and she will have to figure out her costume herself in the locker room. There are special models that consist of a fabric bandana and an outer cap. This makes the donning process easier.
- latex patterns. They are the cheapest, but leak water. Price is the only benefit. They stretch very poorly, it is difficult to put them on your head, and the process of removing them is completely painful: the material clings to the hair. These models are easily torn and can cause allergies. They are quite difficult to care for, because each time you need to sprinkle with talc.
- silicone models. If you do not know how to put on a swimming cap correctly, then you need to pay attention to this option. They cost no more than latex, but are much more functional. They are easy to put on and take off and are easy to care for. After visiting the pool, it will be enough to rinse the cap in water and dry it. They are suture and seamless. For children, there is an opportunity to choose a special model with a bright print.
- fabric models. They are bright and soft, easy to put on and take off. But they get completely wet. They keep hair out of the pool, but that's the only function they do well.
Dimensions
Often people do typical mistake. They buy the child a standard hat or put one that they use themselves. As a result, he will come out of the water with a wet head. And if this is a girl, then she will have to undo the braids and dry them for a long time. It is not enough to know how to properly put on a swimming cap for a child. You also need to buy him the right model.
Basically, they are standard. But if you buy in a specialized store, then they will definitely offer a children's and an adult version. The first one is smaller in volume, which means it will optimally wrap around the head. But hats from different manufacturers may vary. Therefore, it is best to come to the store with your child if the purchase is intended for him. In this case, it will be possible to try on on the spot.
Process features
In specialized stores, there is usually a consultant who will tell you how to put on a swimming cap correctly. The photo on the package sometimes gives only a distant idea, but after training you will know exactly what to do.
The main thing is to minimize the discomfort that usually accompanies the process of putting on this accessory. For many children, this is a real problem, and few people enjoy this process. Unlike swimming in the pool.
Let's now talk directly about how to properly put on a swimming cap and where the seam should be. If you have long hair, then first you need to collect it in a bun or braid it higher. The main thing is that the neck is open. To secure, use a simple elastic band, without decorations. Do not pin your hair with hairpins and do not use barrettes with sharp edges.
Often beginners ask the question of how the seam should be located, from ear to ear or from forehead to back of the head. Most often, the cap is placed in the second way. But there is no fundamental difference, it does not affect the process of swimming.
To put on a hat, you need to put both hands inside it so that the back of your hand touches the hat. Now gently pull it starting from the crown. Loose hair can be neatly tucked in.
Care
He presents no problem. When you learn how to properly put on a swim cap, the procedure will seem very simple. And it's even easier to take care of. After class, the cap can be folded into a bag along with a wet swimsuit. When you get home, do not forget to immediately take it out, rinse it with water and put it to dry. You can not use a battery for this, just lay it on a drying board. In an hour it will be possible to clean up in the bag, where she will wait for the next visit to the pool. Be sure to protect the product from direct sunlight and do not dry near heating appliances.
Design
A modern hat can act as a decorative accessory. There are models in retro style, with a strap under the chin. They are well fixed. There are bright hats with a three-dimensional pattern. Models for girls and women are decorated with bright colors. There are also interesting models for girls with long hair. They have a pronounced comb so that folded braids can be hidden in it. In this case, first the hair is hidden inside the cap, and then pulled over the head.
Instead of a conclusion
This is almost all the necessary information on how to learn how to properly wear a swimming cap. In any case, it is more than enough for you to cope with this task. If the cap is intended for a child who will attend training on their own, then it is imperative that they practice at home, even before they are left alone in the locker room with their swimwear. And of course, you need to choose the model that you just like. This is a guarantee that visiting the pool every time will be filled with positive emotions.
If you decide to improve your health, reset excess weight or just take a break from household chores and cheer yourself up, classes in the pool will help you. Unfortunately, often our good intentions go out, crushed not even by laziness, but by banal ignorance - how to get down to business and what to be ready for. This article is for those who would like to visit the pool, but do not know where to start.
First of all, you must decide for what purpose you will visit the pool - to learn how to swim, improve your figure, or for the sake of relaxation.
It must be said that physical activity in water is more effective than ordinary exercises: the beneficial effect of the aquatic environment affects. Providing a noticeable pressure on every square millimeter of the skin of a person immersed in water, water helps to improve its blood supply and elasticity, increase flexibility and joint mobility. Swimming not only improves health, but also stimulates the brain. This will not be slow to affect success in business and in creativity.
So, you need to find out if there are activities that interest you in the pools located in the neighborhood. If you don't know if there are swimming pools near your house, ask your neighbors, look in a directory or on the Internet.
But now the pool is found, you have decided and over time. What's next?
Medical certificate
To visit the pool, you need a medical certificate (stating that swimming in the pool is not contraindicated for you for health reasons, and you are not a carrier of the infection). It can be obtained from the local doctor after passing the necessary tests. Some pools provide an opportunity to undergo a medical examination and obtain the necessary certificate "on the spot".
You should also consult with your doctor regarding the regimen and intensity of classes, taking into account your deviations and health status.
Usually the certificate is valid for six months, but in some cases (where certificates are issued by a doctor directly in the pool), its validity can be reduced to three months.
Types of pools
By appointment, pools can be divided into sports and health. In sports pools, where the water temperature is 23-25°C, professional athletes train, while recreational pools are available to everyone, and the water temperature in them is 2-4°C higher than in sports ones.
Swimmers also enjoy indoor and outdoor pools. The water temperature in indoor pools is the same as in indoor pools, only in summer it is slightly lower, depending on the air temperature. Water temperature in outdoor pool usually lower than indoors, and is 21-25°C. beneficial effect fresh air maintains a comfortable feel at low temperatures. To improve the microclimate and create additional comfort, especially during a long swimming season or using the pool in winter, floor heating is carried out.
Safety
The following opinion is quite widespread: "Water, of course, is a source of health ... but not in pools! Just look, you'll pick up some kind of infection!" It cannot be said that this opinion is completely unfounded, however, if a control and cleaning system is established in the pool, the likelihood of such an incident is minimal.
The water in the pools goes through a special cycle of purification and disinfection - this is necessary, since each visitor brings (of course, unintentionally) a "bouquet" of his own microorganisms - after all, they are present in many on the skin of each of us. Therefore, all visitors are required to visit the shower before swimming in the pool and wash themselves with soap or other cleansing agents. In addition to daily cleaning, swimming pools are regularly closed for "general cleaning", when all "public places" are washed with a disinfectant solution.
IN good swimming pools will not allow a person to swim without medical certificate(by the way, in many large pools a photo is pasted into the subscription - in order to avoid the situation "borrowed a subscription from a friend").
As for water disinfectants, recently everything more pools moves away from the practice of disinfection by banal chlorination - water is disinfected using anolyte, ozonation, ultraviolet cleaning and other methods.
But even if in a pool that suits you in terms of location, services offered, comfort, water purification is not yet carried out by such a progressive method, you can protect yourself from bleach. After getting out of the water, rinse thoroughly under the shower and lubricate the skin with a moisturizer.
Registration of services
Many pools are open from seven in the morning until eleven in the evening, so choosing a convenient time to visit is quite simple. If you have a medical certificate and an identity document, you can purchase both a single ticket and a subscription (in this case, you are assigned a certain time for one or several times a week for one or several months).
In most pools, regular sessions for adults do not involve learning to swim - there is an instructor at the side of the pool, but he can only "give a helping hand" and give helpful advice- It does not include personal training. More often than not, this training takes place on a one-to-one basis.
In most large pools, there are also additional services - for example, by purchasing a special ticket or subscription, you can practice in the pool for several hours, gym- individually or in a group for shaping, visit the sauna or solarium. Often at the pool you can find a hairdresser, use the services of specialists in manicure and pedicure. Some pools have children's rooms, where the mother can leave the child for the duration of the lessons under the supervision of experienced staff.
Is it necessary to know how to swim?
Just because you can't swim doesn't mean the pool isn't for you. Indeed, groups are more likely to recruit people who can already stay on the water for some time. But first, there are individual sessions for learning to swim, and secondly, in some cases this is not necessary. So, for example, water aerobics does not require such skills, since almost all exercises in the pool are performed with special shock absorbers that do not allow immersion in water. Why are these exercises good?
Aqua aerobics
The effectiveness of training is not less than when doing aerobics "on land", the additional advantage is that the load that you get when doing exercises in the water is felt much less. In addition, the supporting effect of water makes it possible, if necessary, to work out more carefully individual groups muscles. This can be useful for both thin and overweight women - in both cases, classes will help "give shape to the body."
Water also helps women fight "problem areas" - thanks to its supportive action, as well as pressure, which improves blood circulation.
The exercises themselves can be very different - tilting to the sides, raising and bending the legs, jumping, running, and so on. The result is a slender, toned figure, elastic skin, cheerfulness and good mood.
What do you need to practice?
Obviously a bathing suit, flip flops, a swimming cap, as well as soap, a towel, a washcloth and a hair dryer. Although most pools have stationary hair dryers, in some cases it is more convenient to use your own.
Bathing suit
The best swimsuit for swimming is closed, with wide straps crossing at the back. You can move freely in it in the water without fear of inadvertently losing the "top or bottom". The main selection criterion is the fabric: sufficiently (but not too) dense, holds its shape well and allows the skin to breathe. Manufacturers most often use polyamide with additives; good quality achieved when the content of lycra or elastane is not less than 18%. It is better to opt for a swimsuit of the simplest cut so that it does not slip at the wrong time in the wrong places and does not sag. The color of the swimsuit also matters. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but it must be borne in mind that two identical swimsuits made from the same fabric in different colors will fade differently. It depends on the chemical composition of fabric dyes: blue, green and yellow lose their brightness most quickly. Red and crimson, as well as black, practically do not change - however, this also depends on the manufacturer.
Beanie
A swimming cap will help you protect your hair from the damaging effects of bleach; in addition, in accordance with the current sanitary standards, the administration of many pools requires the use of a cap when swimming.
In sports shops, swimming caps are usually presented in a wide range of silicone, latex and rubber.
Silicone is considered the most expensive, but also the most convenient material. Silicone caps stretch very well, they are more durable, easy to put on and take off. Their main feature is that they almost do not require additional care - they do not stick together when wet. Double silicone caps are considered the most comfortable and are suitable for both amateurs and athletes (single silicone caps are for athletes and require more thorough care).
Many consider cloth caps comfortable, they are otherwise called "textile". They stretch very well, fit snugly to the head, but get wet, although they dry quickly. These caps are recommended for athletes, but they are also well suited for recreation - they are often preferred by ladies for aqua aerobics.
The cheapest materials used to make hats are rubber and latex. Rubber is a more durable material than latex. Latex is much thinner and requires constant care. After drying, the cap should be sprinkled with talc or baby powder so that it does not stick together.
To eat or not to eat?
A lot of questions are related to what and when you can eat before and after classes. The last meal should be at least an hour before swimming. First of all, the process of active digestion "diverts" the blood from the working muscles. This leads to overwork, can even provoke a cramp. In addition, digestion is less efficient and the food is "lumpy" in the stomach. If you eat in advance, by the time of training, the body will already be able to convert the food consumed into energy.
The most effective in this sense are "long-playing" carbohydrates - a piece of toasted wholemeal bread, half a grapefruit, vegetables or dried fruits. They break down gradually and provide a long supply of energy. A small amount of protein (low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese) is ideal building material for muscles.
After a workout, warmed-up muscles continue to "rob" gastrointestinal tract for another hour, so immediately after class it is better not to pounce on food. It is known, however, that exercising in the pool arouses a strong appetite, so it will not be superfluous to take something light to eat with you (fruits, nuts, crackers) and, of course, drinking water to compensate for the loss of moisture.
"Procedure" in the pool
So, you came to the pool and you have everything you need. What to do next? You hand over things to the cloakroom, purchase a ticket or a subscription at the reception and get at your disposal a card on which the number of your locker in the locker room is written. In some pools, these lockers are closed with a combination lock, in others you will be given a magnetic bracelet with a key. You leave your things in the locker room, wash in the shower, and go swimming with a bracelet on your arm.
A swimming session usually lasts 45 minutes. After the pool, you again need to take a shower, after which, if desired, you can use a moisturizing milk or body cream. If necessary, apply the cream on the face. Many of the precautions and prevention lubricate the skin of the feet with an antifungal cream. Dry your hair and at the reception, exchange a magnetic bracelet or a card for a subscription (or just return it if you had a single ticket).
We hope that by deciding to take classes in the pool, you will get a lot of benefits and pleasure. We wish you good luck and good mood!
