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
Parents
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 ....
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 ....
