{"id":3790,"date":"2023-09-03T17:07:37","date_gmt":"2023-09-03T17:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=3790"},"modified":"2023-09-04T02:15:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T02:15:24","slug":"why-do-swimmers-shave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/why-do-swimmers-shave\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do Swimmers Shave their Bodies, Legs, and Arms?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trimming body hair before a big swimming competition is a time-honored tradition among competitive swimmers. But why do swimmers put themselves through the arduous process of removing all their body hair?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backed by sports science and decades of anecdotal experience, swimmers shave their bodies to reduce drag allowing them to swim faster and more efficiently. It also helps them feel the water better, improving their technique.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following is a complete guide on all you need to know about this practice including the performance and psychological benefits, shaving tips, origins, and frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Swimmers Shave-The Science Behind it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Swimmers may intuitively sense that shaving improves their feel and speed in the water, but research has empirically quantified the performance benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduction of Drag and Improved Hydrodynamics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your body hair, especially on your legs and arms, creates extra friction as you move through the water. This drag forces you to expend more energy and effort just to maintain your speed.\u00a0Studies show that removing body hair reduces drag so more of your power directly propels you forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one study<\/a> participants improved their distance per stroke by 5% after shaving. Their swim times improved on average by 1.5% compared to swimming with full body hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For longer races like the 1500m, reduced drag can cut several seconds off your time. Over shorter races, shaving may provide a more modest boost, but still makes a difference at the elite level<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shaving
A perfect shave!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lowering Blood Lactate Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Researchers<\/a> found that shaved breaststroke swimmers had 23% lower blood lactate levels<\/strong> at peak speed versus unshaved. Lower lactate indicates an enhanced ability to resist fatigue. Therefore, shaving creates a smoother texture to optimize the body’s hydrodynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhanced Feel for the Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to removing hair, shaving takes off the top layer of dead skin cells. This exposes a new layer of skin that feels ultra-smooth and sensitive. The heightened sensory feedback helps you better feel subtle changes and nuances in the water flowing over your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This renewed sensory connection with the water reinforces proper stroke technique. The smooth sensation also reinvigorates your motivation right before the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Reading: Why Swimming is Awesome for Your Body and Mind<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Shaving for Competitive Swimmers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the science, what measurable performance and competition benefits can shaving provide?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faster Times and Improved Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every bit of reduced drag helps. Evidence from research shows that shaved swimmers improve power and distance per stroke by 5% each. For sprinters, hundreds of seconds matter, and shaving is an effective way to trim times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased Efficiency and Reduced Exertion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By lessening drag, shaving enables a more streamlined and relaxed swim stroke. Less exertion<\/a>, is required to maintain a given speed – an effort that can be directed toward power and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psychological Advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shaving the body refreshes the mindset and confidence before the competition. Seeing smooth limbs reminds you of the work completed in training and signals your readiness to unleash peak fitness. Feeling renewed sensitivity in the water further elevates focus and motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full shave is often the final preparation step, so it inherently carries psychological power. Swimmers can use it to their advantage rather than just relying on the physiological effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Massage and Physical Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When swimmers shave their bodies, it helps massages and physical therapy work better. Removing hair makes it easier for therapists to reach the muscles and give a deeper massage. This helps release tension and improve blood flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shaving also helps tape and bandages stick better during physical therapy sessions, providing more support. Overall, shaving helps the treatments be more effective in helping swimmers recover from muscle strain, prevent injuries, and perform their best in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Shave for Swimming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Follow these best practices for optimal shaving technique and maximizing the performance boost:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Shave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At a minimum, shave your arms, legs, armpits, and any other skin that is likely to be exposed while swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For maximal reduction of drag, also shave your chest, back, shoulders, and lower neck\/upper back. Swimmers even shave their mid to upper back and lats if their strokes cause substantial body roll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some choose to shave hands and feet as well since these constantly make contact with the water. The more surface area you shave, the less friction you’ll encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shaving Equipment Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n