I have heard numerous articles of how using flippers can improve your kick.... I would like to hear from those who have used flippers before on your training sets and the pros and cons of using one. I admit that I have tried it out before, but usually results in cramps after usage, and the skin at the back of my heel starts peeling. Despite all the bad exp I had, I still believe there certainly must be some good in using flippers. Thanks. :)
Parents
Former Member
I've been using fins for years. I use long fins and find that they're very valuable both for ankle flexibility and as a kind of resistance training for strengthening the muscles used in kicking. I also think they're good for getting a sense of the the feeling of swimming fast -- of course, that (and the fact long fins, particularly, can slow your kick rate) is one reason not to use them for the whole workout, so that you know the difference.
The benefit of Zoomers is that they provide both resistance and some extra speed, while allowing an almost normal kick rate. But I stopped using them because they give me back pain (which doesn't seem to happen to me with long fins). I think it's because they require extra effort but don't give as much force back as long fins. Also, Zoomers do very little for ankle flexibility.
I've been using fins for years. I use long fins and find that they're very valuable both for ankle flexibility and as a kind of resistance training for strengthening the muscles used in kicking. I also think they're good for getting a sense of the the feeling of swimming fast -- of course, that (and the fact long fins, particularly, can slow your kick rate) is one reason not to use them for the whole workout, so that you know the difference.
The benefit of Zoomers is that they provide both resistance and some extra speed, while allowing an almost normal kick rate. But I stopped using them because they give me back pain (which doesn't seem to happen to me with long fins). I think it's because they require extra effort but don't give as much force back as long fins. Also, Zoomers do very little for ankle flexibility.
