Better to swim in the lake by the sea or in the pool?

If you like swimming during your holidays, you should know that doing it in the sea, in the pool or in the lake requires no technical and resistance differences. The same act, swimming, changes, and not a little, according to the context in which it is done. It is no coincidence that swimming in open water is not always practiced by swimmers in the pool, and vice versa. These are quite different workouts. But what are, specifically, the differences between swimming in the sea, the lake, or in a pool?

SWIMMING AT THE SEA

It is often tiring, and the reasons are many. First of all, the presence of salt in the water, which, while benefiting the buoyancy, increases resistance. Therefore, the same distance traveled in the sea or in the pool requires different timing and physical commitment. But salt also has another disadvantage: it creates friction with the skin, and makes rubbing (thighs, armpits, edge of the costume) irritating. Not surprisingly, open water athletes sprinkle themselves with Vaseline in critical points. The water temperature is not stable, and is on average colder than that of the swimming pool: a greater effort is required from the muscles, lungs and heart.

SWIMMING AT THE LAKE

The question of water temperature in lakes becomes even more challenging. In fact, very often these are rather cold environments. In addition, plants that can annoy during swimming often thrive in lake water. As in the sea, there are no reference points, and the darker color of the seabed makes underwater viewing difficult. Compared to the sea, however, there is no salt, a factor that makes movements more fluid, but at the same time reduces the buoyancy capacity. Waves and currents can be present in this environment. If you find yourself going to Lake Orta in Piedmont try and see the difference.

SWIM IN THE POOL

Finally, training in the pool is simpler and more practical (unless you’re aiming for a career in open water). The well-marked lanes provide constant reference points, you know the environment perfectly, no unexpected events occur, there are no currents, even in the most crowded pool. Furthermore, the water temperature is monitored, and usually is around 26 °. The tub is the only environment that allows you to focus exclusively on body movements, and it is therefore likely that you will derive the greatest benefits.