Vincent Koh (left) set the record for the most number of laps swum by an individual with 306 laps at the SAFRA Swim For Hope 2013. (Photo courtesy of SAFRA)
Professional swimmers understand that out-of-pool preparation is vital for a successful swim. Swimming is not simply test on a swimmer’s strength or technique. It is equally important to ensure that you are well-adjusted prior to the swim to ensure optimal performance.
With the SAFRA Swim for Hope 2014 right around the corner, here are five ways on how to better prepare yourself for the upcoming event.
Warm up
Do some stretching exercises before you dip into the pool. Warming your body up for 5 to 10 minutes helps to minimise muscle stiffening, especially after several laps of swimming. Plug in to your favourite soundtracks during stretching to get yourself in the zone. For some, fast, techno music is a favourite, giving them the extra mental push prior to the swim.
Block up
The Singapore sun can be too harsh for your skin. Protect yourself from further skin damage by applying quality sunscreen. Try BLOCK UP! sun-care products to protect your exposed skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. BLOCK UP! formulas allow quick absorption and leave no greasy feeling after application. Its signature aloe vera extract also soothes the skin with its trusted healing properties.
Besides protection from sun damage, the BLOCK UP! range also contains anti-oxidants, vitamins A, C and E to help to fight premature aging from prolonged exposure in the sun, so you can kiss the nasty sun spots good-bye!
Drink up
Lack of liquids can adversely affect your swimming performance. When you are dehydrated, your concentration sways and you get tired quickly, triggering the flight response that lugs you out the pool. So do remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids the day before and during the event.
But how do you know you are adequately quenched? The 100 Plus website provides a comprehensive, in-depth hydration and nutrition guide. Check out the interesting Fluid Loss Calculator to determine your sweat loss and develop a hydration plan from there to complement your active lifestyle.
Defog it
You cannot perform your best without a clear vision in water. Investing in anti-fog swimming goggles could alleviate this fogging issue, but they can be expensive. The anti-fog swimming treatment might also not last as long as the goggles. So stop spitting into your goggles at every lap and try FOGGIES, the only anti-fog towelette that defogs and cleans the lens at the same time! Simply wipe a thin film of FOGGIES on the inside and outside of your dry goggle lens. After letting the surface dry for three seconds, you get crystal clear vision!
What’s more, place the wipes in a ziploc, and you can reuse it for approximately 5 to 6 more applications.
Shampoo up
Do not neglect after-swim care! Regular exposure to chlorinated swimming pools can cause significant damage to your hair. Disinfectants in the pool strip down the natural oil produced from your scalp, causing over-drying and increasing the chance of hair breakage. TRISWIM shampoo contains sequestering agents which assist in washing the chemical off the hair. With ingredients such as aloe vera, pro vitamins B5 and vitamins A and E added to the formula, the shampoo helps to restore your hair back to its original, healthy condition. Not to mention the sweet-smelling citrus scent too!
For more information on Swim For Hope 2014, visit: http://www.safra.sg/en/Participate/SAFRA-Swim-for-Hope/FAQ.aspx#.VCJKJUstspE
To donate to Swim For Hope, visit: http://www.safra.sg/en/Participate/SAFRA-Swim-for-Hope.aspx#.VDn0OL4tufQ
[…] 5 methods to get ready for Swim For Hope 2014 Its signature aloe vera extract also relieves the skin with its relied on recovery properties. Besides defense from sun damages, the BLOCK … After letting the surface dry for 3 secs, you acquire crystal clear vision! What'' s much more, position the wipes in … Find out more on Red Athletics […]