OK - here is the research ....
Sharp RL, Hackney AC, Cain SM, and Ness RJ (1988): The effect of shaving body hair on the physiological cost of freestyle swimming. Journal of Swimming Research 4(1):9-13.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if shaving of body hair would have an effect on the physiological cost of standard swimming velocities. Physiological effort required to swim at a given velocity was assessed using determinations of blood lactate concentration 2 min after each of four 200 yard freestyle swims. Six subjects volunteered and were asked to swim four 200's with 15 min rest between each and reducing their time by roughly 10 sec on each consecutive swim. On the next day, subjects shaved their body hair from arms, legs and exposed torso and repeated this swimming protocol. Blood lactate accumulation at a submaximal speed of 1.08 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 28% by shaving. Blood lactate accumulation at a maximal swimming speed of 1.30 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 23%. This much change in the physiological cost of submaximal and maximal swimming speeds is nearly as great as that resulting from a season of collegiate swimming training. It was concluded that there is indeed a physical benefit to shaving-down (most likely a reduction in body drag) and that the benefits are not solely due to a psychological response.
Competitive swimmers progressively reduce training volume or ''taper'' prior to an important competition in an effort to improve performance capabilities. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of taper upon factors associated with swim performance. Twelve intercollegiate swimmers were tested before and after taper in preparation for their season-ending meet. Power during a tethered sprint swim increased significantly (P
Former Member
Shaving is simply not fair:
- it affects different swimmers in different ways > one of the main arguments against the suits. Teenwolf has a huge drop in time, while Mr. Icantgrowabeard goes the same times
- what is more normal ? Putting on a body suit no matter what material or taking a razor blade to your entire body ?
- the advantage of shaving to not shaving seems to be just as big as any of the suits out there (see research)
- we are naturally born with the hair -- what's next ? Cutting off body parts that are in the way
- the suits make more sense - you can only shave once or twice a year for the benefit, you can put on the suit at any time.
- it's too bloody - we should not require to expose the kids to razor blades.
- the opportunity cost is much higher than any body suit >> 3 hours of shaving + 2 weeks of agony afterwards - not to mention the complaints by your partner about the stubbles
- and last for the guys ... seeing you in the body suit was weird for her -- just wait till you ask her to shave the hard to reach place around your speedo ....
I'm fine with that too. Would manscaping still be allowed or would there be not trimming of the lenght? While I am not that embarassed by my extremly eccessive body hair, I do like to keep it in check a little with the clippers.
- the opportunity cost is much higher than any body suit >> 3 hours of shaving + 2 weeks of agony afterwards - not to mention the complaints by your partner about the stubbles.
I missed this part. More than three hours? Are you serious? What, does it first take two hours to construct the scaffolding, and then one more hour to have workers perform the actual shave?
:D
Don't hit me. I kid! (Mostly. Still, three hours? It takes me maybe 15 minutes if I hurry.)
There's always waxing... :bolt:
Grows back softer, only hurts for a few hours after, and if you leave a thin translucent coat of beeswax on your skin, maybe people will think its a tan and no-one will notice that the water is beading right off.
Still, three hours? It takes me maybe 15 minutes if I hurry
A lady without a doubt :)
The time spent is directly related to the number of cuts inflicted. 3 hours is required for a fullbody shave of hair and top layer of skin + TWO customary cuts ( a cut is defined by "blood running in the bathtub"). For each half hour less of total shaving time the number of cuts will double -- 4 at 2 1/2 hours ...8 at 2 hours ... 15 minutes, you may as well call for a blood transfusion :applaud:
A lady without a doubt :)
The time spent is directly related to the number of cuts inflicted. 3 hours is required for a fullbody shave of hair and top layer of skin + TWO customary cuts ( a cut is defined by "blood running in the bathtub"). For each half hour less of total shaving time the number of cuts will double -- 4 at 2 1/2 hours ...8 at 2 hours ... 15 minutes, you may as well call for a blood transfusion :applaud:
I laughed. Would read again. :bliss:
Sure - that is why female swimmers used to shave all the time .... oh no, coaches asked them not to shave for months before a big meet.
That doesn't mean the coaches were right, though!
Anyway, I would think the rationale for this is more part of the psychological aspect. They're used to swimming hairy, so when they dive in hairless they feel totally different and that boosts their confidence so they swim fast.
I'd argue shaving is more normal than a wearing bodysuit.
On a more serious note -- ARE YOU SERIOUS ???? Just because swimmers have been doing it for many years does not make it more normal. If both would offer the same benefit - and you would ask 100 people who know nothing about swimming, how many would say that shaving all your body hair is more normal ?
Incorrect...
The paper cites drag reduction as the key benefit so the physical improvement effect from shaving is constant if one shaves every day.
Sure - that is why female swimmers used to shave all the time .... oh no, coaches asked them not to shave for months before a big meet.
