https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/general/10485/questions-about-everything-please-helpHey guys. I&#39;m a runner currently training for a marathon, and I&#39;m taking up swimming for my cross-training because I&#39;m sure you all know it&#39;s excellent exercise (also, to be honest, I want that six pack that only swimmers seem to have). However, I havenen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/173605?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:33:06 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:e4da5c55-eba4-4b88-9eb9-a242eb265495Former MemberI want that six pack that only swimmers seem to have Umm...<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173505?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:53:38 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:58601fb0-f818-4c90-b6df-489b9d086e83Former MemberThanks for that. That helped a lot. One more question I thought about- shaving. I have a moderately hairy chest and legs. Will I look like a weirdo if I don&#39;t shave? I bought jammers, but still...<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173588?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:35:01 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:67758b6c-ebba-4065-9d0c-d50952224718gdannerThanks for that. That helped a lot. One more question I thought about- shaving. I have a moderately hairy chest and legs. Will I look like a weirdo if I don&#39;t shave? I bought jammers, but still... You won&#39;t look weird. Lots of hairy people on the pool decks with various suits. Oh and I&#39;ve been wearing Speedo Endurance (briefs) for practice for years now. Great suits that last pretty long.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173758?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:08:16 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:1d05babe-2a9a-4112-bddc-a1c5c6777a12Former Member6 pack? lol fat floats..<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173690?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:42:19 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:bf2571c8-c580-4e84-befc-10ffff9d09b6Former Member2) How the heck do I even start? What do I need to do? I obviously need a membership to some pool and a swimsuit, but outside of that, I have no idea what I need. You could start here www.swimsmooth.com or establish your type then order a guide (it&#39;s cheap and very well done) www.swimtypes.com Total Immersion is also a nice resource <a href="http://www.totalimmersion.net/">http://www.totalimmersion.net/</a> Enjoy Charles<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173825?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:45:16 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:f6a8044c-4d42-49f2-93b2-922321eb1f57orca1946If you can find the time , get into a swim club masters or a training of some sort. You need to learn about the correct way to swim or else you are just thrashing in the water. Ask your distance swimmer for help.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173801?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:46:17 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:6ded25de-81a0-421d-9f27-0cd4ecfb3fbeCelestialThe only truly hairless swimmers I know have either a) alopecia, or are b) under the age of 12. Definitely go for the endurance suits - mine last 18 months to 2 years - but I have several &amp; don&#39;t wear the same one every day - but I swim 4-6 times/week. Swimmers also have shoulders. (That&#39;s one of my favorite parts!:blush:)<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173664?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:23:26 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:2bfb0eee-dcec-45bc-a43a-e146d2362a75knelsonYou might be under the mistaken assumption that male swimmers keep their bodies shaved all the time. This is not true. Competitive swimmers generally only shave for major competitions a few times a year at most. You will look perfectly normal being hairy while training.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/173486?ContentTypeID=1Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:31:24 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:ce55962c-6376-4ae3-855d-7626cbffa92cThat GuyWelcome! Get a Speedo Endurance practice suit. Brief or jammer, doesn&#39;t matter. Read everything here: <a href="http://www.usms.org/training/">http://www.usms.org/training/</a><div style="clear:both;"></div>