6 Nike Essentials for New Swimmers
Buying Guide
Before your next pool session, be sure to stock up on Nike swim gear to get the most from your workout.
Swimming is an excellent form of full-body, cardiovascular exercise that can get your heart rate up without the impact of running, making it an effective cross-training option. When you swim, you reap the benefits of high-intensity aerobic exercise, while giving your body a break.
Whether you’re learning to swim, starting a new lap-swim routine or supplementing your training plan with a swim workout every once in a while, you’ll want more than a swimsuit to excel in the water. Here are six basic swim-gear essentials to have on hand if you’re hitting the pool for a workout.
1.Swimsuit
While most swimsuits will work, a swim workout calls for a well-fitting, supportive bathing suit that won’t fall down when you dive into the pool or do a flipturn. For women, look for a snug-fitting one-piece swimsuit or bikini top with adequate support. For example, the Nike Women's Crossback Bikini Top features breathable mesh and perforated, removable cups that add support and dry quickly.
On the men’s side, if you’re looking for a little more resistance in the water, regular swim trunks will do — just be sure to secure the adjustable drawstring before diving in. If you prefer less drag in the water, opt for a tight-fitting jammer or swim brief.
2.Goggles
Swim goggles are essential to keep water out of the eyes. The Nike Swim collection offers goggles for men, women and kids in a variety of colors, as well as swim goggle cases to protect them from scratches. If you’re planning to swim in an outdoor pool or open water, go for a pair of tinted goggles to help reduce glare and UV-ray exposure. Many styles come with a customizable nose bridge to create the perfect fit.
3.Swim Cap
Chlorine found in swimming pools can dry out and damage hair over time, so it’s best to wear a swim cap to help protect your hair. Not to mention, swim caps reduce drag and keep hair out of your face and eyes — and the pool. Nike has silicone swim-cap options available in a range of colors, as well as a larger size that offers extra space for swimmers with long or natural hair. The Nike Victory Women's Swim Hijab provides additional coverage, plus an interior elastic band to hold hair in place.
4.Kickboard or Pull Buoy
To take your swim sessions to the next level, consider using a kickboard to practice your kick and build leg and upper-body strength. Nike offers a compact and easy-to-transport kickboard that doubles as a pull buoy, which you place between your legs to keep them afloat while you focus on your form and upper body.
5.Swim Fins
Swim fins are another piece of equipment that can switch up a swim workout and optimize the efficiency and speed of your kicks. The ridged areas on the sides of the blades, designed in conjunction with softer, more flexible areas, help produce maximum propulsion with each kick. The open toe box with grooves at the tip of the blade make for a comfortable fit. Nike offers a selection of sleek, black swim fins with brightly colored accents.
6.Swim Gear Bag
To hold your towel, swimsuit, goggles and the rest of your swim gear, it can be helpful to designate a bag to carry everything. Nike has several swim-bag options that are designed to fit all the necessary swim equipment, and they’re perforated to allow for water drainage, so your swimsuit, towel and other items will dry quickly, even when stored in the bag.
Words by Emilia Benton