Quick Dip: Why Should I Bring a Drink to Training?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Fuel & Recovery  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Your body needs water to work properly. During swimming, you lose some water through breathing and sweating.

You may not notice yourself sweating because you are already wet and the pool helps keep you cool. Being in water does not mean you cannot become thirsty or dehydrated.

Not drinking enough can make it harder to concentrate and train well. You may also feel thirsty, tired, dizzy or develop a headache. Tell your coach if you feel unwell during a session.

Bring a filled and clearly named bottle to every training session. Keep it where your coach asks and take small drinks when there is an opportunity. Try not to wait until the end of the session to drink everything at once.

For most regular training sessions, water is usually suitable. Longer or harder sessions may have different needs, so discuss these with your parent or carer and coach. A sports drink is not automatically better just because it is made for sport.

Do not share your bottle with other swimmers and clean it regularly. Before you leave, put your bottle back in your bag and take it home. Bottles are often left behind and many are never collected from lost property.

Bringing your own drink is a simple training habit that helps you arrive prepared and look after yourself during the session.

Ask your coach: When are the best times to drink during our training sessions?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team