Getting over a Bad Race

Bad races are bound to happen. Sometimes they are completely out of your control, even though you have trained day after day for this big day. You have woken up before the sun rises, you have put in time after school, and you have made goals and put in the work in order to achieve them. The inevitable happens. You fail. Now what?

1.    Move Forward. Unfortunately you are unable to go back in time and change how you performed. Sure you can dwell on your performance and let it eat you up, but that will only leave you distraught. Do your best to put this behind you and move forward in your training.

2.   Acknowledge it. Instead of letting it bother you, use that for fuel. What happened? What went wrong? Once you determine your trouble areas, you will be able to create a strategy accordingly. Do you need to work on your flips, your breathing, etc? Work on your weaknesses and make them your strengths.

3.     No one is perfect. Everyone faces different troubles and failures at some point in their lives, it is how you overcome those that matter. One race will not make or break your entire year. It won’t take you back in progress. No one is perfect. As soon as you realize that everyone fails, the less you allow it to control you.

Introducing: Bikini Separates

Vented Top:

Inspired by exhaust vents on the bottom of the swim fins, the vent top got its name because of  the opening between the two cups that allows water to pass through during a workout. The cross tie back allows for adjustability and two layers of fabric are sew in for privacy. The tie straps accommodate varying torso volumes and chest sizes with maximum hold, and can be tightened for performance or loosened for comfort. This top is not padded, but has two layers of fabric sewn in for privacy.

Triangle Top:

The triangle top features a classic triangle bikini look, with high and low elastic lines to provide a superior hold for athletes. The tie straps accommodate varying torso volumes and chest sizes with maximum hold, and can be tightened for performance or loosened for comfort.  This top in not padded, but has two layers of fabric sewn in for privacy. 

Euro Bottom:

This is our popular, low waisted performance bottom. The euro bottom offers a clean diagonal line from the hip across the backside that allows for athletic performance with a medium amount of coverage.  To help with superior hold for workouts, we include a drawstring around the waist, and our stronger construction includes double stitching and securing to prevent unraveling, and two layers of fabric for privacy and durability.

What are you waiting for?

The Lifeguard Store Gives Back

This holiday season The Lifeguard Store chose to give back to those in need. Employees were asked to bring in canned and/or boxed nonperishable goods throughout the month of November. This was a great, rewarding experience which made a difference in our community. All of the donations received were taken to the Midwest Food Bank, located in Bloomington, IL.

"Our hope is to help bridge the gap between prosperity and poverty in our community."

- David Kieser, Midwest Food Bank Founder & President

We encourage anyone who is willing and able to also help out their local food banks this season, as the need rises significantly. We had a little fun while we were at it..

Water Polo Needs

Water polo is a fun team water sport that combines swimming, treading water, throwing, catching, and shooting! Whether you’re new to the sport or you need new gear, The Lifeguard Store can equip you with all of your needs! Supposing you don’t need to provide the pool and goals, here is what you’ll need!

The most obvious item you will need is a swimsuit. Depending on your gender, your choices vary. For females, try the TYR Destroyer Water Polo Swimsuit. It’s made from 100% durable polyester fabric and lasts 20 times longer than traditional suits. Men’s options are very similar, but we recommend the Nike Water Polo Brief. This brief has a brand new fit for easy movement and is made from 100% polyester.

To go with your swimsuit, you’ll need a polocap and a mouth guard. Polo caps are used to protect your head and ears from injury. These Polo Caps show your individual number and helps differentiate you from the goalie and the opposing team. Goalies may find this more important than other players, but a mouth guard is a very good investment too.

For your matches, you’ll want something to go over your swimsuit. The Lifeguard Store has a great selection and we can even customize your items. If you are looking for separates, check out the Speedo Boom Force Warm-Ups! If you are not a fan of warm-up jackets and pants, you need to check out our Team Parka collection!

Everyone likes to have their own equipment right? By having your own waterpolo ball, you can practice on your own time! Water polo balls come in different sizes: 28 inches in circumference for men and 26.5 inches for women. These balls should weigh between 14-16 ounces. The Lifeguard Store carries Mikasa water polo balls that have a great warranty and are USAWP Approved.

We're teaming up!

All American Swim is pleased to announce that we have entered into a definitive agreement with The Lifeguard Store, a leading provider in lifeguard swimwear, accessories and facility equipment.

This partnership with the Lifeguard Store based in Normal, IL further strengthens our position in the swimming industry. The combination of The Lifeguard Store's expertise within the lifeguard and facility equipment business with our vast swimming knowledge will provide our customers with everything they will need poolside. This partnership is also expected to result in greater efficiencies and significantly increase our market share.

As will all important business decisions, we will work closely with our customers, vendors and employees to make the integration process as smooth as possible. The integration of both companies will take place over the next several months. Of course, in the meantime our customers will continue to receive the same high quality service, which they have come to expect.

All American Swim will continue to operate under that name, as a DBA ("doing business as") of The Lifeguard Store.