Why do most competitive swimmers prefer these water bottles?

During a workout, it is important to stay hydrated. For water, energy drinks, smoothies, and other drinks, the bottle you use is important, for convenience and efficiency. There are 4 types of swimmer water bottles that you should consider.

• A bottle for your energy drink
• A sports water bottle for plain water
• A thermos for hot beverages
• A bottle for juices or smoothies.

Of these 4, two are especially vital for competitive swimmers. The sports water bottle is for plain water, and the bottle is for your energy drink. During a workout, you will usually keep them by the side of the pool for easy access. During a training session, these two drinks are very important, and being able to drink them quickly and easily is even more important.

Other beverages such as hot water, milk, smoothies, and other juices should be consumed after your workout. Usually, we prefer plastic bottles over stainless steel, as plastic works better in water, is lighter, and easier to clean.

How to choose your swimming bottle?

When choosing a water bottle for swimming, there are a few key factors to consider.

Consider the size and capacity of the water bottle . See the water bottle is light and durable material Additionally, look for a water bottle with a secure cap or lid that will prevent leaks or spills. Here are some more features of a good swim water bottle.

Swimmers water bottle for various types of drinks

Usually, the water bottle you choose varies with what is carried in it.

Energy Drink Bottle

Competitive swimmers need minimum 250 ml of energy drink for a 2 hour training session. This drink should be consumed in between the set to replenish energy. There are a few things to consider while buying this bottle.

You should use a bottle that you can access quickly for this drink. One that can be easily squeezed into the mouth within a few seconds. Do not buy bottles that you need to screw open and closed. The mouth of the bottle should also be small so that you do not worry about spilling the drink.

For these reasons, squeeze sports bottles are usually your best option.

Our first choice is the Adidas squeeze bottle. This is one of the best swimmer water bottle. It is a 500ml plastic water bottle with a transparent/translucent finish. The spout makes it easier to drink, as you can leave it open and quickly squeeze your energy drink into your mouth during a workout. This is ideal for workouts with less rest time, as you won’t have many seconds to properly take rest.

Pros

• Because of the wide mouth, it is easy to clean.
• Energy drinks keep residue and with this type of clear bottle, you can easily see if it is not clean.
• You can squeeze the bottle without having to tilt it back for the energy drink
• A translucent finish means you can see how much of your drink you have left

Cons

• The bottle has a tendency to leak.

Sports Sipper Bottle

Some other swimmers prefer sipper bottles instead of squeeze bottles. Our recommendation is the Nike Sipper Bottle (also known as the straw bottle). It works similarly to the sipper bottle, but it doesn’t allow you to just squeeze the water quickly. And just like the squeeze bottle, it has a tendency to leak.

Other than the Nike Sports Sipper bottle, you can also use the Quecha Hiking Straw Bottle. It is a one-liter bottle though, and a little large for a workout. But it is cost-efficient, and you can buy it at your local Decathlon.

Pros

• It is easy to clean
• It can be used quickly
• Spillage is unlikely

cons

• Non-translucent
• Can leak

Bottle for water

During a workout, you should drink water when taking rest and replenishing after an active set.

Water bottles for after an active set do not have to be quick. For this reason, when looking for a bottle of clean water, you can choose a flip bottle, such as Tupperware.

Tupperware bottles are sturdy and durable. They are available in different colors and shades and you can buy a 750ml bottle online easily. You can also use this for juices

Pros

• Easy to hold while drinking.
• The flip top is easy to use and is leakproof
• inexpensive

Cons

• Gets dirty quickly.

Flask for Hot Beverages

If you want to carry beverages like hot chocolate to have just after a swim, you might consider buying a small insulated flask that keeps the drink warm for at least 3-4 hours. This can also be used for milkshakes or smoothies. This is not necessary, but if you are usually cold after swimming, this can be very comforting

Pros

• Compact size to hold one cup
• Stays warm for 3-4 hrs, ideal for the duration of swim training.

Cons

• Small capacity

When you want to carry these bottles, you want to carry them straight. So you would prefer bags which have a flat bottom. Organic flat canvas bags are insulated bags that will serve this purpose.

Importance of hydration for swimmers

Swimmers, like all athletes, need to be hydrated because water is essential for proper bodily function and performance. When swimming, the body loses water through sweat and breathing, and if this water is not replaced, it can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration can have several negative effects on swimmers. When swimmers are dehydrated, they may experience:

1. Decreased performance: Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, which can cause the heart to work harder to pump blood to the muscles. This decreases the performance of the swimmer and endurance in the water.
2. Muscle cramps: Dehydration can cause a loss of electrolytes, which can result in muscle cramps. These cramps can be painful and swimmers can hardly swim in this situation.
3. Fatigue: When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This can make it difficult for swimmers to maintain their energy and focus during their swim.
4. Heat exhaustion: When swimmers are dehydrated, they are at an increased risk of heat exhaustion. Moreover, most of the pools in India are outdoor pools and many times swimmers swim in the sun. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches, which can be dangerous in water.

Role of water bottle for swimmers

Water bottles play an important role in keeping swimmers hydrated before, during, and after their swim. Here are some ways water bottles can help:

1. Pre-hydration: Swimmers should start hydrating before their swim, and having a water bottle on hand can help them start hydrating early. Swimmers can sip water in the hours leading up to their swim to ensure they are adequately hydrated.
2. During the swim: Swimmers need to stay hydrated during their swim, and having a water bottle on deck can help. They can take quick sips of water between laps or during rest breaks to help replenish lost fluids.
3. Post-swim hydration: After a swim, swimmers need to continue hydrating to replace fluids lost during the swim. Having a water bottle nearby can remind swimmers to drink water, and make it easy to do so.

It’s important for swimmers to choose the right water bottle for their needs. Ideally, a water bottle should be easy to carry, leak-proof, and made from safe materials. Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic water bottles are good choices.