Dan Abel

Swimmer and swim coach at Fit&Abel

Lisa Lloyd

English Channel swimmer

Jonathan Cowie OS editor

Alice Gartland OS contributing editor

£37.25, roka.com

Jonathan: A drag suit worn over your normal swimming costume gives more resistance when training. I wore it in combination with an ankle strap, pullbuoy and paddles – these are great if you want to add resistance training to your sessions. And they look good too!

£8.28, roka.com

They say: Wrap around your ankles to immobilize the legs.

Dan: This really works your upper body. The issue is, if you don’t maintain your technique you fall out of position right away, and your workload goes through the roof, putting pressure on your shoulders. These are an advanced tool. If you have any shoulder injuries, stay away. If you’re not technically accurate, I’d be cautious too.

£67.50, zone3.com

They say: An alternative to a pull buoy, they give a more natural feeling of buoyancy, with extra core support.

Dan: You’re just flying in these. No drag. I can swim the same steady stroke, but this puts you in the same position as a sprinter and higher on the water. A great alternative to a pullbuoy.

€80.99, finisswim.com

They say: The latest in resistance training. The resistance zip system means you can adjust the level of intensity.

Dan: This is good fun. And the kit has advanced – in the old days we would use a rope and old bucket! Lisa: It made me work harder. I liked it because it fits round my bump!