I don't get in here often so maybe this has already been discussed, but what do you all think is an ideal water temperature for swimming? I've always liked 80 degrees. The place I swim at most often (Lifetime Fitness in New Hope, Minnesota) hovered there for most of the winter. Sometimes more, but it usually came back down. Due to a work schedule change I didn't go for a week. I got back in on Tuesday and the temp was 86. I actually cut my workout short and switched to mostly kicking. I asked them to lower the temp and later sent an email. I got back in on Friday and it was still 86. I talked to the front desk and explained. I realize, I'm only one person, but I can't imagine anybody else wanting to actually swim laps, wanting the water to be this warm. Not to mention it being cost effective for operations. The guy said it was up because people complained it was too cold. These are probably older people and/or the people doing those water aerobics. I tell them, man, just move around more and you'll warm up. Or sit in the jacuzzi.
More questions:
How do I tell if I'm getting overheated w/o actually passing out? Has this happened to anybody else? I recently started wearing a silicone cap, which adds to the problem of releasing heat. I did my intended workout, slower than usual and was pretty wiped out for the rest of the day.
Do swimmers sweat in the water? I always thought so (it certainly feels like I am, but hard to tell when you're already wet). But some people say no. Is comparing a runner running outside in 86 degree weather and not being able to sweat a reasonable comparison?
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Former Member
Hi iswim41,
Swimmers sweat, too. The danger here is that b/c you're in the water, you can't tell how much fluid you've lost.
Hot water will take it out of you. Full stop. IMNSHO, 86F is way, way too hot to practice. My cutoff temp is 82- and I'll complain like hell to my coach if it's that hot! :)
Having said that, you can still get some benefit out of training. Make sure that you are staying hydrated! That's really important. Do a lot of kicking sets (which I believe you said you were); get a lot of rest between repeats. When resting, hop onto deck and sit for a moment until it is time to go again. Sprint, rather than focus in distance, and see if you can go without a swim cap, as this will let some heat escape.
Basically, use this time to focus on quality, rather than quantity.
With a bit of luck, you'll work through it :)
BTW- i know that you said that a team wouldn't work with your schedule, but have you considered going to an early practice, like 5.30AM? It sounds a lot worse than it is...
In any case, keep us updated- and feel free to ask any questions!
Happy swimming!
Hi iswim41,
Swimmers sweat, too. The danger here is that b/c you're in the water, you can't tell how much fluid you've lost.
Hot water will take it out of you. Full stop. IMNSHO, 86F is way, way too hot to practice. My cutoff temp is 82- and I'll complain like hell to my coach if it's that hot! :)
Having said that, you can still get some benefit out of training. Make sure that you are staying hydrated! That's really important. Do a lot of kicking sets (which I believe you said you were); get a lot of rest between repeats. When resting, hop onto deck and sit for a moment until it is time to go again. Sprint, rather than focus in distance, and see if you can go without a swim cap, as this will let some heat escape.
Basically, use this time to focus on quality, rather than quantity.
With a bit of luck, you'll work through it :)
BTW- i know that you said that a team wouldn't work with your schedule, but have you considered going to an early practice, like 5.30AM? It sounds a lot worse than it is...
In any case, keep us updated- and feel free to ask any questions!
Happy swimming!
