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
For what it is worth, I was a body suit skeptic until very recently. I wore an Arena Powerskin bodysuit (full legs, no arms, open back) for the first time in Hawaii and dropped a tremendous amount of time in all my events (50 free & fly, 100 free & fly, 200 free). Now, I have to say that I had a great taper -- but I definitely believe the suit helped with leg buoyancy (I don't float very well) and reducing muscle strain (from lack of "flapping around"). One of my former age group coaches is now a Div I college coach and has done extensive testing of the suits with his swimmers. He believes the full suits are worth 1.0 seconds per 100. I have to say that based on my swims, I agree!
I also was expecting the suit to be uncomfortable while hanging around between events, and it wasn't that bad at all! I intend to wear it again ... but save it for nationals! I don't want the magic to run out!
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Former Member
For what it is worth, I was a body suit skeptic until very recently. I wore an Arena Powerskin bodysuit (full legs, no arms, open back) for the first time in Hawaii and dropped a tremendous amount of time in all my events (50 free & fly, 100 free & fly, 200 free). Now, I have to say that I had a great taper -- but I definitely believe the suit helped with leg buoyancy (I don't float very well) and reducing muscle strain (from lack of "flapping around"). One of my former age group coaches is now a Div I college coach and has done extensive testing of the suits with his swimmers. He believes the full suits are worth 1.0 seconds per 100. I have to say that based on my swims, I agree!
I also was expecting the suit to be uncomfortable while hanging around between events, and it wasn't that bad at all! I intend to wear it again ... but save it for nationals! I don't want the magic to run out!
