With this I have had the opportunity to test and review two of their awesome training/ racing products their lava shorts and lava pants. I would like to offer my thoughts on both in order to help you make up your mind on which would be best for your swimming abilities and training.
The Lava Pants
I first got my hands on the lava pants about a year or so ago when I came on with the Xterra team. I was one of those people who used to pull on a wetsuit about once a week just to get used to have in on, swimming in it and taking it off before my main set. The pants will ALMOST eliminate the need for that. I say almost because it is always good to practice in your full suit, especially as a new athlete. The lava pants however provide a great amount of bouncy when swimming in them. They really mimic the feeling of swimming with a wetsuit on. In my training the pants are good for about 10 seconds or so faster than just a normal swim. They give you a great feel for what is going on with your upper body and move your hips into a nice position. These are great for a cooler swim when the temps are lower but not quite cool enough for a full suit. They are also great for active recovery swims where you are taking it easy.
Two things I will say about the lava pants. 1. I find that I do not kick nearly as much when I wear them. This is OK if I am training for a wetsuit swim but I do not use them during every swim. 2. They are the bottom half of your wetsuit so if your pool temps are on the higher end of the spectrum keep that in mind. I felt it a few times when swimming indoors.
The Lava Shorts
On to the lava shorts. I just got my hands on these a few months ago and I really enjoy these for day to day swims. They elevate the hips very well and are super comfortable. I feel like I am putting on a pair of jammers when I pull these out of my bag. These are great for indoor swims, elevating the hips but not interfering with your kick. They are definitely made for a more experienced swimmer however. When I first put them on and jumped in I could feel a significant difference from swimming without them but there is also a difference between them and the lava pants. I like them because I can do my longer sets inside with them and not get hot. I still get all the benefits of the bouncy factor with them, without getting on during hard working sets. These however do not mimic the wetsuit position nearly as much as the lava pants however and I would not use them in a race situation. I would elect to either use the lava pants or my full suit personally.
Xterra has two great products here that both have different purposes but if they are used correctly can really benefit swimmers and triathletes in preparing for their race. I love both products and use them in my training throughout all different situations. I cannot say enough about how much I love these two products and how I really appreciate what Xterra has done for me as a customer first and now an athlete.
Another piece of exciting news is that Xterra has opened up a chance for me to share my personal discount code with any athletes who are interested in purchasing these, or any of their products. If you are interested please do not hesitate to contact me to receive up to 50% off their products!
All for now
Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself
I don't post on here daily but feel free to find me else where!
These pants are the best for gym and jogging. Back and side pockets of Alo leggings are quite unique and my legs also appear slimmer in them. Bought them from carbon38 on recommendation of my friend. Legs get a perfect shape and are water resistant as well. Grey and blue with black lines are already in my wardrobe and will buy printed ones now.
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