Pro tips with triathlete Ben Hoffman: Training gear

Swimming, whether in open water, swim spa, or pool, requires some gear. At the most basic, you will need a swimsuit, goggles, and a cap. However, if you are preparing for a triathlon, swimming gear can help you improve your swim and show up to the start line strong.

Professional triathlete Ben Hoffman swims and trains in a Master Spas swim spa. To get the most out of his session, he incorporates training tools such as a swim snorkel, pull buoy, and buoyancy shorts.

Why are these pieces of triathlon training gear important?

A swim snorkel is a valuable piece of triathlon training gear. Find a model that suits you, Hoffman advises. With the snorkel properly positioned, you don’t have to rotate to breathe. You can then focus on your catch, pull, and other elements of your stroke. Another benefit to this piece of triathlon training gear is getting a good feel for the water.

A pull buoy can keep the hips and legs lifted, Hoffman says. Triathletes might struggle with sinky legs due to increased muscle mass. The result is like trying to swim upstream. The buoy helps you maintain a better body position in the water.

Buoyancy shorts might get a bad wrap, Hoffman says. However, he likes to incorporate them into his training to help with body position. Almost like a partial wetsuit, the shorts keep your hips lifted while allowing you to kick.

In a new video series for Master Spas, Ben Hoffman shares his pro tips for swimming and training in a Master Spas swim spa.

A seven-time IRONMAN champion, Hoffman trains, recovers, and relaxes in an H2X Challenger 18D Pro. This 18-foot swim spa has a generous swim area and powerful water flow, which is ideal for stationary swimming. This swim experience mimics open water conditions, which is ideal training for triathletes.

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