Many swimmers want to improve their swim technique. Myself included. So, we read article after article…
Looking for INSPIRATION. Seeking MOTIVATION. A new IDEA. Or REMINDERS of the classic elements to improve. It helps. But it’s a long, monotonous road of self improvement.
Photo By Jon Rawlinson via Wikimedia Commons
A hand paddle is an awesome invention that you can wear to train your arm more effectively. It is a curved, often perforated, plastic board. You wear it under your palm. Elastic bands wrap around the back of your hand to keep it secure.
Kind of like wearing a flip flop or a sandal on your hand.
The paddle adds length and width to your hand. This increases the flat surface area that pulls through the water in each stroke. Creating greater resistance and more water displacement.
TYR Pull Float at PureBlueSwim.com
Paddles are often used with pull buoys to build up arm strength. A pull buoy is a piece of closed-cell foam shaped like the number eight.
Placed between the legs, it keeps the back of the body afloat.
The hips and legs are fully supported. The purpose is to make it so that you don’t have to move your legs at all while swimming. This allows for complete concentration on the arm stroke. It is sooo much easier to fully focus on arms when you don’t have to worry at all what your legs are doing.
Which helps in developing “endurance and strength in the upper part of the body, and work[ing] on your arm stroke technique and breathing rhythm.”
Pull Bouy at Watergear.com
Zoomers at Finisinc.com
Zoomers Fit at Finisinc.com
Men, you may feel uncomfortable in those snug, little speedos that hug super tight. I get it- swim trunks look much more comfortable.
Women, the traditional competitive swimsuit may not be as cute as your trendy tankini with thin straps and an adorable print.
I understand.
You may not feel 100% confident with how your body looks in sporty swimsuits. Swim attire in general is typically not the most flattering thing in our wardrobe If we’re being totally honest.
And sadly, beach attire is not synonymous with swim attire. Swimming is a sport. And the dress code facilitates functionality and speed.
After all, you don’t go running in your flip flops,
Do you?
I would not be suggesting this if it did not make a considerable difference on your time. Competitive swimsuits are known to decrease resistance in the water, improving speed. So, I know they are uncomfortable… But what can I say?…
They work!
Sometimes, it’s not enough to just hear suggestions from someone watching us swim.
We still may not understand what they are asking us to change. Because we still can’t see what they are seeing.
Having someone film your swim changes everything!
You literally have a whole new perspective on your technique. You can also see for yourself how much of an adjustment you need to make. This helps in avoiding an over-correction.
I have a feeling some of you have secret tools for swim success up your sleeves… or should I say “suits“….
Don’t be stingy.
We shared our tricks with you.
Now it’s your turn!
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