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
Hi Joan,
I need to clarify something about the body suits - at least from my standpoint.
I do not think women benefit nearly as much from the body suits as men do. I believe regardless of the effect the suit may have on muscle compression and all that stuff.
I believe the suit streamlines men who previously wore the traditional swim suit. Our skin gets loose with age and the body suits keep the skin from "flapping" around which creates resistance and slows us down.
Women have always benefitted from the streamlining effect of the women's one piece suit, so a body suit will not have the same effect except perhaps with the legs being covered if you are using the knee length suit.
Paul
Hi Joan,
I need to clarify something about the body suits - at least from my standpoint.
I do not think women benefit nearly as much from the body suits as men do. I believe regardless of the effect the suit may have on muscle compression and all that stuff.
I believe the suit streamlines men who previously wore the traditional swim suit. Our skin gets loose with age and the body suits keep the skin from "flapping" around which creates resistance and slows us down.
Women have always benefitted from the streamlining effect of the women's one piece suit, so a body suit will not have the same effect except perhaps with the legs being covered if you are using the knee length suit.
Paul
