Why do competitive swimmers wear baggy suits when they are training

Answer 1

Competitive swimmers typically wear baggy suits when they are training for a variety of reasons:

1. Drag reduction: Wearing a baggy suit increases drag in the water, making swimming more challenging and intense. By training with increased drag during practice, when they switch to a tighter, more streamlined racing suit during competitions, swimmers experience a significant reduction in drag, allowing them to swim faster.

2. Muscular development: Baggy suits provide more resistance in the water, which helps swimmers build strength and stamina. The increased effort required to overcome the drag of the loose fabric helps in developing stronger muscles.

3. Mental preparation: Competitive swimmers often use baggy suits during training to prepare mentally for races. Wearing a more restrictive racing suit during competitions can feel different and affect their performance. By incorporating baggy suits in training, swimmers become accustomed to different sensations and focus on their technique rather than relying solely on the advantages provided by competition suits.

4. Comfort and versatility: Baggy suits are generally more comfortable for extended training sessions and do not restrict movement as much as tight racing suits do. This allows swimmers to perform a wider range of strokes and drills during training without feeling constrained by a tighter-fitting suit.

Overall, using baggy suits during training helps swimmers develop strength, technique, and mental resilience, which contributes to improved performance when they eventually transition to competition swimsuits.