Choosing Swim Gloves and Water Gloves

Swimming Gloves

Swim gloves increase the water resistance created with each stroke but allow the hand to remain flexible. Typically smaller and less resistive than swim paddles, swimming gloves strengthen arms and shoulders and increase propulsion. Many gloves for swim use have open fingers that allow the user to adjust their swim goggles or push buttons on watches or aquatic mp3 players .

Water Gloves

Very similar to swim gloves are water exercise gloves. In fact some water gloves, particularly the open finger designs, could be used for swimming or for water aerobics.

Made in a variety of materials ranging from soft Lycra, to heavier neoprene, water gloves increase drag when moving the hands through water and help tone arm and shoulder muscles. Heavier glove materials such as neoprene keeps hands warmer.

Open finger designs allow the water exercise enthusiast to pick up objects or grab pool hand rails easier, closed finger designs increase resistance through the water a little more than open finger designs.