My mom first took me swimming when I was maybe one or two. I had a bright yellow swimming costume with a jelly green star on it, a pair of inflatable red armbands, and not much hair. Since then, I’ve always been obsessed with the water. I completed all of my Kelloggs Rainbow Swimming badges at a really young age and even swam in my school entry to the It’s A Knockout Competition.
Now, I am definitely not as good as a swimmer as I was in my heyday but I am determined to get back to that level! At the moment, my main swimming pool is at the Virgin Active Gym at Salford Quays, where I am a regular 2/3 times a week. I love getting my body moving and emptying my head of all thoughts. It’s just me and the deep blue.
Below, I have listed some of my swimming kit essentials as well as what you would find if you rummaged through my swimming bag. This post contains some affiliate links.
Swimwear |
Some people swear by a black sports bikini while others prefer fluorescent longsleeved swimsuits with lots of zips and mesh. For me, a simple dark-coloured Speedo Powerback swimsuit is my ultimate go-to. Wearing something as comfortable, durable, and flattering makes me feel confident both in and out of the pool.
From their swimming caps to their swim bags – I truly am a sucker for everything Speedo produces. While I have more than a few Speedo swimsuits in my wardrobe, my favourite of theirs is the Powerback model. Sitting snuggly, the Powerback aids shoulder movement and upper-body flexibility. This means my muscles are kept safe and secure; almost lightly strapped in to avoid major injury. Away from the back, I find that the high leg of the swimsuit to be super flattering without cutting into my skin. I feel protected, pretty, and perfectly-poised to smash my PB’s every time. I really do love the Speedo Powerback.
Goggles |
After a swimsuit, goggles are the second essential you need to go swimming. Funnily, people have all kinds of excuses for not wearing a pair including:
- I prefer swimming with my head out of the water (trust me, you don’t).
- I don’t want to get my face wet.
- Goggles make rings around my eyes.
- I look silly in them.
If you want to swim seriously for your health, weight-loss, to improve your cardiovascular stamina, or just to keep the water from stinging your eyes, then you need a pair of goggles. I’m currently swimming in a pair of TOPLUS Swimming Goggles purchased via Amazon. They were cheap and cheerful as well as being über comfortable, anti-leak, and protecting me from UV. I like them; they do the job even if they are not the most flattering/aesthetically pleasing. I am in the market for a shiny new pair, however! I am thinking of a pair of Speedo Futura Biofuse Flexiseal or Predator Titanium Goggles from Zoggs.
Water Bottle |
I was talking to a colleague recently and they said they had never taken a water bottle poolside with them. They thought it was odd. My eyes literally boggled. I cannot imagine getting through a session without re-hydrating! I always take a 500ml water bottle into the pool with me as it allows me to push my performance to the max. Taking regular quick sips between hard lengths, I prefer to drink from a water bottle with a built-in straw for faster hydration. Also, that post-cool-down gulp? Heaven on earth.
I do use a plastic water bottle as it is much safer to take into the pool than a glass one. I currently alternate between this one and this one.
Swimming Cap |
Hair washing day (you know it is an event) and training often overlap. To painstakingly avoid washing my hair twice in one day, I pop on an ever-so-flattering swimming cap. While some people do suit a cap others IE. me; don’t particularly look that great. I’m blaming it on my face shape. However, dry hair after the pool is a flex I am willing to make sacrifices for. 40 minutes of looking silly? I can do it for the hair.
I am currently using a Speedo Long Hair Swimming Cap (mine is black and white) which allows me to bundle up my mop without having any dangling hairs or suspicious-shaped buns peaking out. The key to picking out a good one is a stretch. If it is somewhat stiff, chuck it back on the shelf – you need movement, baby!
Towel |
When it comes to towels there are two types of people. Those who like to be bundled and caressed with a soft and silky billowing bath sheet and those who like to dry themselves on scratchy and scraggily thread-bare towels. It pains me to say, but I am not person one when it comes to picking out my swimming towel. For ease, I would highly recommend bringing a small, flat towel to the pool; one which can fold up neatly in your bag without taking up too much room. You also want a towel that does not absorb too much water as you will need to lug the soggy lump home afterward. I find old IKEA towels or any old towel you have lying around does the trick – small, scraggly, and mighty. That sounds like a euphemism for me…
Skincare |
It is essential to look after your skin post-swim. While chlorine has anti-bacterial properties and is great for calming acne flare-ups it can also totally de-hydrate your skin making it sallow and flaky. My skin routine after an evening swim is pretty simple and looks like this:
- Vichy Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel. In the shower to clean off all chlorine
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. For hydration and Vitamin C.
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. Smooths out skin tone and banishes itchy chlorine skin.
- Simple Light Moisturiser. Locks in moisture and gives a dewy glow.
Bodycare |
Just like your facial skin, your body skin also needs a lick of care after coming into contact with Chlorine. During my post-swim shower, I like to use the Westlab Cleansing Himalayan Shower Wash as it is PH-balancing and makes my skin feel squeaky clean. After drying, I lather myself in the Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion. I find this lotion in particular locks in moisture and is great for rejuvenating my skin after a swim. My body feels supple and quenched after I moisturise. However, if I have fake-tanned recently, I will paste on Garnier’s Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan Moisturiser. Note: keeping up your fake tan while swimming is HARD WORK, but Garnier Summer Body will make it ever-so-slightly easier!
As you can tell, my swim bag is packed full of the essentials you do not often think about, like the perfect towel and a handy body moisturiser. Sometimes it is a pain carrying all of this around (especially a heavy water bottle) but it makes my time in and out of the pool a breeze. I love swimming and anything to make it easier is a bonus! Hopefully, this handy guide has given you some tips and advice for getting into the pool. Happy swimming.
ELLA LOUISE SCOTT 