Gear for Cross Training

When most of your time is spent staring at the black line at the bottom of a pool, finding the right gear for training outside of the water can be overlooked. Cross training is one of the most beneficial practices for any athlete, especially swimmers. Using a variety of different exercise disciplines not only gets your body out of a stagnant routine, but it also gives your mind a chance to rejuvenate and refresh while still improving overall fitness.

Best Cross Training for Swimmers

There are many different types of cross-training that swimmers can take advantage of. The following sports can help you become a better swimmer—physically and mentally:

• Running
• Yoga
• Weightlifting
• Water polo
• Cycling and mountain biking
• Soccer
• Hiking
• Boxing

These activities are a great way to develop strength, prevent injuries, and step away from the countless hours in chlorine. To enjoy these kinds of activities, however, you have to have the right, high-quality gear to get the most benefit and enjoyment from the time you spend cross training. It’s worth it to invest in a pair running shoes that fit properly, supportive compression gear, a high-quality bike helmet, and superior eye protection. These items can make all the difference in your cross training experience.

Selecting the Right Gear

Eye protection is one of the most important investments a swimmer can make when transitioning their workouts from the pool to the outdoors. Sunglasses should be worn any time your eyes are exposed to UV light, even on overcast or cloudy days. When selecting your next pair of shades, look for the following features that signal high quality gear:

• Fully adjustable (at the temple tips and nosepiece for a custom fit)
• Lightweight
• Durable/scratch resistant
• Comfortable
• Photochromic (lenses change from clear to a specific color depending on light conditions)
• Prescription friendly
• Polarized

Polarized lenses are superb at blocking blue wavelengths and thus, increasing visual acuity. Unlike standard lenses, polarization diminishes glare and maximizes optical clarity by only allowing vertical light rays to pass through the lenses. This is especially noticeable when staring at a horizontal surface like water, which typically has an extremely strong reflection and interferes with your vision.

Your Cross Training Solution

Some of the world’s most technically advanced sunglasses come from Rudy Project, a company focused on protecting the eyes from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB sunrays, all while incorporating undeniable comfort and style. Designed and crafted in Italy since 1985, Rudy Project eyewear features award-winning lens technologies such as ImpactX-2™, Polar3FX™ and RPOptics™.

As the Official Sunglass of U.S. Masters Swimming, Rudy Project is committed to keeping Masters Swimmers protected outside of the pool. Along with optically superior shades, Rudy Project manufactures helmets, goggles, gear bags, and much more. We encourage members to take advantage of their special 30% off discount on our website, e-rudy.com. Orders of $250 or greater will receive a free casual sunglass, perfect for protecting your eyes while taking a stroll or relaxing on the beach.