There are few things more soothing than a simple exercise like swimming amid the crowded world of high-intensity training and boutique fitness courses. Having a simple swimsuit, a pool (which most cities provide at a reasonable community center charge), and a few basic strokes are all that is needed.
With this low price, you’ll receive a lot for your money: Without becoming too hot or sweaty, swimming is an excellent full-body workout that works both your upper and lower body. Swimmers can burn up to 400 calories per 30 minutes with more intense strokes like the butterfly.
In addition, swimming is a low-impact aerobic workout that provides a wide range of health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels and improved mental well-being.
I’ve been receiving the benefits of this easy-to-access workout for the majority of my life. As a child growing up in San Diego’s North County, I spent a lot of time in the water, both in the ocean and in backyard pools. When I was in college, I joined a triathlon team and began keeping track of my miles and yards in the pool. My educational journey has taken me to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and finally to Boulder, Colorado, where I now call home. But when it comes to swimming, I like to do it on my own, going to local pools (usually outdoors) to swim laps for health and pleasure.
To swim comfortably, all you need are goggles and a swim cap in addition to your swimsuit. Now that I’m an editor of swimming gear, I appreciate the sport’s simplicity. Beyond these fundamentals, extras such as buoys and fins enhance the experience, while a warm coverall enhances the pre- and postpool experience.
Even the most casual of swimmers has access to a wide range of equipment, not all of which is intended to aid in the pursuit of a personal record. In order to compile this list, I investigated and tested a wide range of new and established swimwear, as well as goggles and swim caps, from a variety of manufacturers.
To make lap swimming as pleasurable and comfortable as possible, I evaluated a variety of training aids and accessories. Despite the fact that some of the extra equipment isn’t necessary for swimming laps; I found that it improved my lap-swimming experience in ways I hadn’t expected.
Here’s the best gear for swimming laps:
A chlorine-resistant, hydrodynamic swimsuit for women
Nike Swim Women’s HydraStrong Axis Modern Cut-Out One-Piece
Nike’s HydraStrong fabric, a special polyester, is used to create this one-piece suit. The longer it takes for the suit to stretch and thin out, the more revealing it becomes for lap swimmers.
HydraStrong fabric is available in a variety of styles from Nike, including a line of attractive bikinis for lap swimming as well as men’s briefs and jammers. For me, this one-piece is the perfect mix of summery pleasure with full-on serious swimming action because of its open back and straps and overall design.
With its low water absorption, the HydrosStrong fabric feels fast in the water and dries quickly on deck.
Hydrodynamic but modest brief-suits for men
Speedo Wave Wall Splice Jammer
Speedos aren’t all short suits. The longer-cut versions that resemble cycle shorts, known as “jammer”-style swimwear, have the same hydrodynamic performance as a lap swimming suit while having a (much) more modest look. According to my male tester, the polyester/spandex combination “feels quick and compressed, but not so compressed that it’s discomfort.”
To keep the suit in place during flips; hard wall push-offs, and aggressive strokes like butterfly sprints, the suit incorporates lining in the front and backside and a drawstring.
A warm post-pool coverall
Arena Team Line Parka
Originally designed to keep professional swimmers warm in between sets or races; this fleece-lined parka also makes a great winter cover-up for outdoor lap swimming in the cold weather.
Wearing this parka and sweatpants to the outdoor pool in Colorado throughout the winter or early summer mornings makes getting dressed and getting out of the water a cinch. Toweling off and putting it on immediately after getting out of the water is how I get it on for the drive. The waterproof exterior keeps my car seats dry, even if I’m dressed in a wet suit.
This jacket is a game-changer for seasonal comfort; as the epidemic has forced many indoor swimmers to become year-round outdoor swimmers.
Large-lensed goggles for outdoor swimming
Nike Swim Vapor Mirrored Goggles
Outdoor swimming necessitates the use of dark mirrored goggles, which reduce glare while protecting delicate eyes. The Nike Swim Vapor Mirrored Goggles have a low profile and sit close to the face, making them easy to wear.
It’s easy for me to pretend not to see the individuals in lanes next to me because I can easily see them with the huge; curved glasses that provide maximum peripheral vision. Moreover, they didn’t require me to move my head horizontally or vertically in order to see the bottom of the pool. Aside from leaving an “I just swam” goggle ring on my cheeks; I’ve had no problems with the soft, flexible gasket sealing against my skin.
Clear goggles for indoor swimming
TYR Tracer-X RZR Racing Goggles
These clear-lens TYR Tracer-X RZR Racing Goggles are ideal for indoor swimming or low-light outdoor swimming. I was blown away by how well it fit right away and didn’t leak at all. Customizing the fit of your goggles is important; which is why these come with five different sizes of nose bridges that can be removed and adjustable straps. Because of the silicone gaskets, the goggles didn’t fog up on me (this is likely due to its advertised anti-fog coating).
In the same way as Nike’s low-profile goggles, these have excellent peripheral vision.
A reliable pull buoy
Speedo Team Pull Buoy
When you swim with a pull buoy; your legs get a break and you can concentrate on your arm strokes and body rotation. I’ve used a lot of different pull buoys in my lap-swimming career, but this one continues to wow me with its buoyancy and comfort. It’s one of my favorites.
This one’s dense foam keeps my legs floating impressively during pull sets; whereas others can be scratchy (like the pontoon-like versions linked together by rope) or become soggy.
An ergonomic kickboard
TYR Hydrofoil Kickboard
Almost all public pools have no community trash cans because of the outbreak. TYR kickboards are so fantastic that I’ll still bring one along even if community kickboards make a reappearance. If you want to use one, you’ll need to bring your own.
This kickboard’s arrow-shaped design puts my shoulders in a more comfortable position while kicking, and its shape more closely mirrors my arm position during ordinary strokes. Both the board and my body can naturally rock side-to-side in the water thanks to the convex hull.
An added plus is that it doesn’t get soggy and is easier to carry in a bag than an old-fashioned, clumsy kickboard.
A well-ventilated bag for quick drying
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack
My swimming gear was always in a typical duffel or bag for many years. This TYR mesh carrier was exactly what I had been looking for: a simple and effective method of transporting all of my gear. In addition to my goggles, cap, and towel—and the bag’s mesh design does great to air things out after a swim—I also carry a pull buoy and a kickboard.
With two backpack-style straps and a pull-cord closure system on its main compartment; this bag ensures the safety and security of your belongings.
A swim cap that doesn’t pull your hair
Speedo Silicone Printed Cap
Latex swim hats are infamous for pulling your hair, so I prefer silicone ones that are considerably more soft. When putting it on or taking it off; it doesn’t tear or break any strands, and the silicone lasts longer than latex. Among all the wonderful silicone swim hats on the market; this one has a fun print that doesn’t compromise my swimming ability.
Comfortable headphones for music
Finis Duo
I may be a gear fanatic; but I enjoy swimming laps without music and instead relying on the sound of water and my own breath to create a sense of calm throughout my workouts. As a matter of fact, I’ve met swimmers who say they can’t swim without this underwater MP3 player.
I had to convert audio files on my laptop to MP3 files and then transfer them to the connected device because the Duo is not Bluetooth compatible. The process was straightforward, however there is a slight learning curve. In the water, the device sits against your temples (not in your ears), and the music is extremely clear.
Fins to improve your form
Finis Z2 Gold Zoomers
In the same way that fins may enhance your swimming form by targeting specific muscles and sections of your stroke; so can other training tools. Z2 Gold Zoomers are the perfect length for swimmers of all abilities, from recreational to competitive; who don’t want to put too much effort into kicking across the pool.
With or without a kickboard, the Zoomer length provides me with enough power to propel myself across the pool. In addition to exercising your hamstrings and glute muscles; they’re a lot of fun to wear during quick sets or when trying to do the butterfly stroke.
A towel poncho for easy changing
Arena Icons Hooded Poncho
On the beach or at the pool, this towel-like poncho is like your own personal changing room. A wet suit can be removed and dry clothing put on without exposing anything behind this cover-up. Whether or not a locker room is available; this poncho is useful for anyone who doesn’t want to use one, regardless of whether or not they’re open.