Swimming faster
September 5th, 2007 by Glen Gore
Besides the normal swim longer, swim harder train of thought, when it comes to swim training, there are some nifty gadgets on the market that I have definitely found useful of late. Most who know me, will testify to the fact that I would normally prefer to simplify my training programs I prescribe without too much fanfare. Plain and simple, if you want to swim faster over 3.8km, the general rule is that you have to swim more than you have being doing thus far, unless your at the top of your game, in which case, swimming faster become a little trickier. This rule still applies but with the added aid of some nifty Finis swim gadgets, swimming faster and better, may just become that much easier and how should I put it? “Less boringâ€.
I have had the opportunity to test the following products, so when you’re in the swim rut, give the website www.swimgear.co.za a peep, speak to Joe and see if it can help you as much as it has me and all my athletes.
Z2 zoomer fins
The latest release from the Zoomers line of fins, the Z2 fins utilizes a patented angle and quick response technology to promote a shorter, faster kick. The smaller blades make legs work harder without overloading the muscles, therefore helping you sustain better form over a longer period of time. The higher propulsion generated by the use of Z2 fins support a higher body position and better body roll for a greater level of swim conditioning.
Recommended retail price of these babies is R340
My personal opinion on the fins was that the zoomers were great and made me work really hard during the kicking motion. They are not your normal average looking or functional “flipper†where you give a kick and away you go, these make you work harder but the results are by far better. Even though triathletes tend to use their legs as little as possible during the swim, a strong kick especially for the weaker swimmers is imperative for buoyancy.
Stretch Cords
The second piece of equipment I tested and this is a big secret I am letting out of the bag here, is the sport vector stretch cords. I know swimmers and the more experienced triathletes have been using this type of training aid for ages, so no secret there. The biggest gains come to the novice/weaker swimmer who get a massive boost out of incorporating this extra strength work item into their weekly training routine. The cords are also great when it comes to pre-race warm-up, as its often impossible to get to warm-up for the swim before the race starts. These cords are used to simulate the swim motion and in so doing so, get you adequately warmed up and ready for the swim start without even going near the water. I use these cords on a daily basis for strength training and they are a definite help to me in my quest to stay up front during the swim sections.
Recommended retail price is R212.
Fulcrum Forearm Paddle
Next on my list is by far the most complex of all the finis products but could possibly turn out to be the most sought after especially with those looking to radically improve their swim stroke. The Forearm Fulcrum paddle improves the efficiency of a swimmer’s stroke by holding the wrist, elbow and shoulder at the optimal position while focusing on technique development as opposed to the strength building.
Price is R175.
These are not easy to use at first and do take some time getting used to, so take it slow with the babies. I only use them twice a week and for no longer than 200/300 metres at a shot. They are purely for technique purposes but do have more benefits to the swimmer/s with limited experience in the correct stroke pull.
FreeStyler Hand paddles
Last on the list is the freestyler hand paddle. Most swimmers/triathletes will use paddles at some stage. Most of the time, the paddles are huge and give you a great amount of power when using them. The Freestylers however do not give you as much perceived power but they certainly will help your swim stroke.
The Freestyler is the only hand paddle designed specifically for freestyle. With its unique shape and design, swimmers can improve the more technical aspects of their freestyle stroke during daily training. Benefits such as high elbows, maximum extension, proper hand position and entry will be a natural and instant result of using the Freestyler hand paddle. This paddle is not designed for resistance and strength training, but is intended as a training aid to improve technique and efficiency.
Recommended retail price is R129.
November 16th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
[...] I found his swim cords tips especially useful after this exercise was suggested to me by my coach. To buy swim cords also check Glen Gore’s Tricape.com article on Finis products. [...]