I compete at triathlon (the modern pentathlon variety, swimming, running, shooting), which entails a 100m sprint swim in a pool. Recently many masters competitors have been sporting full body suits, and claiming that this has reduced their competitive times by up to 6 seconds over a 100m! Is there any evidence that these costumes can bring about such dramatic improvement? My own feeling is that if they do, then it's a form cheating as the costume has become an artificial aid - so I haven't invested in one yet!
What is the general feeling about the use of these costumes for pool events?
Joan
Parents
Former Member
The theory, as I understand it, is that the bodysuit reduces drag - as a bathing suit can be less "draggy" in the water than skin, it would seem to make sense to cover up as much skin as possible. Hence the full body swimsuits for free, fly, and backstroke...breaststroke requires too much knee action, so the long suit is too restrictive. As well, the full body suits add compression to the major leg muscles, which is supposed to improve performance; and a bit of heat, which improves performance by increasing the blood/oxygen flow to the muscles.
As for a 6 second difference in a 100m...I doubt it. MAYBE a .6 second difference for a highly efficient swimmer.
Good luck in your competition!
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Former Member
The theory, as I understand it, is that the bodysuit reduces drag - as a bathing suit can be less "draggy" in the water than skin, it would seem to make sense to cover up as much skin as possible. Hence the full body swimsuits for free, fly, and backstroke...breaststroke requires too much knee action, so the long suit is too restrictive. As well, the full body suits add compression to the major leg muscles, which is supposed to improve performance; and a bit of heat, which improves performance by increasing the blood/oxygen flow to the muscles.
As for a 6 second difference in a 100m...I doubt it. MAYBE a .6 second difference for a highly efficient swimmer.
Good luck in your competition!
