If swimming is your Achilles heel in a triathlon, then it is most probably because of the poor technique. However, here are some swimming workout, which make it quite easy to learn the right technique.

     Brainwork

     Requiring plenty of concentration, the goal of this swim workout is to maintain a steady pace while achieving high technical proficiency. It may sound simple but maintaining a steady, sustainable, non-stop effort throughout the distance can be a challenging task. While initially it may be difficult to achieve, but the target speed is race pace or slower, while maintaining the same speed over the distance.

     Sample Workout

     Try for a non-stop, steady sustainable effort for a 750-meter swim, done every 2 to 3 weeks. Initially try to restrict these efforts for short distances. You will see that as your fitness levels increase, you will feel stronger at the end of the swim, even though your time remains the same. This is an indication of an increase in technical proficiency so needed in a triathlon. With time you can add 100m to 300m to these swims.

     Technique Golf

     The technique golf workout routine helps in reducing the stroke count by varying the speeds from slower to faster than race pace, while you experiment with stroke rates and stroke distances. With its rules similar to that of golf, it is a fun way to improve your swimming. With time and experience, triathletes usually move to a narrower stroke range and towards race pace.

     Sample Workout

     This has to be done every week and involves swimming for 10 X 25 meters and a 15-30 seconds rest in between. Athletes need to count stroke for each length and add stroke count and time in seconds. The aim is to decrease total time for each 25 or 50 meters within a workouts.

     Race Simulation

     This workout is designed to stimulate a rapid race start, a moderate tempo during the middle meters followed by a slightly higher pace at the end.

     Sample Workout Read more »

     Step 1: Instructions. Read and carefully follow any fabric care instructions that come with or are listed on your bikini wear. You don’t want to ruin it and use something that’s going to make the color fade or stain even more. Determine if you are going to hand wash or machine wash your bikini wear. Take in consideration the fabric, texture and ornaments, if any, that may be affected. Of course, hand washing delicates is the safest way of handling such items, although if you are confident that your fabric can withstand a washing machine, then going that way may be plausible.

     Step 2: Stain Removers. Treat stains as soon as possible. Newer stains are easier to remove than older ones. Always test stain removers on an inside seam or hidden part of the garment for color fast issues. Never put chemical dry-cleaning solvents into the washer.

     Don’t mix different stain removal products together. Some mixtures such as ammonia and bleach can discolor your swimwear. Always launder the washable items after using a stain remover to eliminate the residue of the product. Have patience, some stains take longer time to remove and multiple applications. Along with stain removers are pre-stain removers and they come in either liquid, stick or spray formula. Pay close attention to the type of fabric and read the instructions on the individual product for finding out which will work best for you.

     Step 3: Water Temperature. Always use the safest water temperature for your fabric unless you have tested it and it bleeds. In that case, either use lukewarm water or cold water. Make sure the water is clean and sometimes you can add a pre-soaking agent to the water that you are going to hand wash your fabric in to aid cleaning. Refer to the Party Stains List below to select the proper water temperature with regard to a specific stain you would like to remove.

     Step 4. Detergents. There are all purpose detergents that come in either liquid or powder form. Some are heavy-duty and some are fabric sensitive and/or hypoallergenic. It’s up to you to determine which is better fitted for you and your fabric. Again, pay attention to the fabric and ornaments on it. You want a detergent that will liquefy quickly enough so your bikini doesn’t have to sit a long time in the solution. Here are some tips on removing specific stains when choosing your detergent and water temperature. Read more »

     Help exists as swimsuit designers create swimwear with different body types in mind and trust me, the perfect suit does exist. When shopping for a must have summer wardrobe essential, I have created a few helpful hints to help you find the suit that will make you feel and look fabulous:

     1. FULL BUST - Do not despair ladies there are many suits, both one piece and two piece styles, that come in D-F cups. Designers are listening to women’s’ cries for sexy and attractive suits that are specifically designed for D and DD cup women. Storm & Freya have some very attractive and young suits for women who are D through G cups. Soshanna unveiled some appealing, yet supportive designs for 2008. These suits provide support and coverage and are very much in fashion. Finally, vendors have come to realize that there are many full busted gals out there who want great looking suits that provide support and are attractive. You can find them with and without wires and with tummy control if you desire.

     2. TUMMY HIDER - If you want to camouflage your tummy look for a suit that flatters and firms. Shirring, color blocking, asymmetrical patterns and surplice suits are good to take control of the mid-section. This season, the monokini is another choice that can provide a slimming illusion with a sexy appearance. This is a hybrid between a two piece and a one piece suit as its distinctive feature is fabric down the middle connecting the top and the bottom, yet revealing much of the mid-section.

     3. LARGE THIGHS - Find a suit that takes the eye away from that area. Skirted tankinis are a great option, as are swim dress suits or boy short suits (jogger style).

     4. HIP PROBLEMS - If you are trying to deemphasize the hip area, then you need to find a suit that flatters the leg. You should look for a suit that is cut up higher on the leg because it makes your hips look smaller. Dark bottoms are a good choice. Also try to find a suit that has interest across the top to take your eye upward, away from the hip area.

     5. LONG TORSO - Suits are available in long lengths. Tankinis and two piece suits are great for long torsos too. Emphasis at the waist deemphasizes the length of the torso.

     6. SMALL BUST - Many suits are available that will provide cleavage and fullness. Look for suits that have push up cups or pads inside. Shirring across the bust is also good and embellishments on the upper area also add some fullness. Find one with ruffles or a big and busy design to add emphasis to that area. Read more »

     Pool Party Decorations Type 1 - Kids Pool Party Decorations

     This one is first in the list, as the pool party that we were planning was for her (my friend’s) 5 year old. Pool parties for kids can be a messy affair. At such parties the decoration has to be of a simple and protective nature. For example, knowing that seldom do kids stay out of the pool, keep a lot of colorful floaters in the pool. You could keep two floaters per child. The lounge chairs on the pool deck can also be colorful. Select bright colors like blue, red, green, yellow and purple. They add a cheerful and childlike ambience to the party. You can have a lot of balloons around. You can also have cute balloon animals all around, using some balloon twisting instructions.

     Pool Party Decorations Type 2 - Game Time Decorations

     Pool Volley Ball is a popular game. So why not add it to the party. You can add a net, mid way in your pool and throw a few balls in there. Let the people enjoy. You can have other games like, table tennis and ice hockey on the deck as well. You could have colorful posters around the pool. This kind of a decoration will be appropriate for young adults and adults. Children attending such a party can have fun splashing water around in the kiddy pool!

     Pool Party Decorations Type 3 - Hampton Style Decorations Read more »

     As urban life develops, the need for treated water increases, and so do the costs. In urban water supply systems, all water has to be treated to drinking water quality but only 1% of water consumption is used for drinking. In Ireland, daily water consumption rate per person is 148 litres. However, only 67 litres of this is used for personal hygiene and nutritional consumption. This means that approximately 80 litres of water per person on a daily basis do not need to be high quality. For other purposes such as watering plants, toilet flushing, cleaning or even carwash, rain water harvesting can be a good, cheap, and environment friendly solution.  

     How much can you save using rainwater harvesting systems?

     The answer to this question depends on where you live, i.e. how much rain falls annually, the area of your water catch surface and your water consumption. However, to make a rough estimation, you can save €1 for each square meter of your horizontal water catch surface annually. Read more »

     There are several water treatment methods, each of which is based on a particular technique. Some of the common water purification methods are sedimentation or settling, boiling, chemical disinfection and filtration. In addition, there are other water treatment types, which are discussed as follows:

     Ultraviolet Water Treatment

     In the ultraviolet treatment, the water to be treated is passed through germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light configured inside a low pressure lamp. As the water passes the ultraviolet purifier, the biological contaminants are exposed to UV light, which damages the genetic components of the microbes. This way, the microbes are killed by using ultraviolet water treatment. A major drawback of this water treatment type is that it is ineffective in removal of dissolved chemicals and other particulate matter.

     Ozone Water Treatment

     Ozone, a colorless and unstable gas, is effective for killing the biological contaminants than that of chemical disinfection method like chlorination. Other than this, it also reduces odor problems and concentrations of iron, sulfur, manganese and other dissolved chemicals. In this water treatment type, an ozonation system is used that generates ozone gas, which is then dissolved in the raw water for treatment. The disadvantages of ozone water treatment are mild carcinogenic by-products and high cost of operation. Read more »

     First of all, when buying a swimsuit, make sure that the fabric has been treated for chlorine resistance. You may access this information from either the manufacturer of your swimsuit or the store salesperson. Also, try shopping at a swimwear boutique or other small store to ensure that you are speaking with knowledgeable salespeople.

     Secondly, when you do go swimming in your new swimsuit, shower immediately after exiting the pool. While lounging on the poolside in your swimsuit is certainly a relaxing experience, the chlorine from the pool water will very quickly impregnate the fabric in the heat of the sun. Try showering first and then lounging to dry off. This action will also serve the added benefit of quickly removing chlorine that could irritate your skin and hair.

     Next, when lounging at the poolside, be careful where you sit. Lycra fabric, a major component of almost all swimsuits, can snag and fray if caught on a wooden lounger. Be sure to sit and rise slowly to catch any snags before they become a major problem. Read more »

     If you have a small or flat chest, you’re in luck. Gone are the days of only big breasted women being regarded as curvy or sexy. Today, women with small breasts or none at all are just as alluring. If you have a small chest, then pick out a top for your chest size. Don’t try to wear a top that a bigger breasted woman would wear. It will look very tacky and show that you’re trying too hard. Try a ruched style or anything with ruffles or layers. Those types will make your bust look fuller if that’s what you are looking for. Look for a top with adjustable straps so you can have some flexibility. Yet, if you’re just looking to cover up your chest and not give the appearance of increasing it, then going with a triangle top style is the “in thing” that will show off your small bust.

     Busty girls need to pay attention too. Just because you are well endowed doesn’t mean it’s all gravy. Many top heavy girls make the mistake of choosing swimming tops that are too small so there is a bunch of extra stuff hanging out on the sides, making them look quite desperate. First thing is to be honest about your breast size. Trying to fit a DD into a B is not sexy. It looks quite “cheap” and takes away the “class” when wearing a nice bikini. Try to avoid strapless tops because they can make your bust look unleveled and saggy. Halter tops are good for busty girls, allowing for more bust support for if you’re playing volleyball and don’t want anything falling out. Make sure you use a top with an underwire so your breasts won’t appear to sag. Read more »