Hi everyone, got a question on the use of hand paddles. I've been swimming over a year now, (about 4 times a week, 3000 yards average). 2 months ago I encorporated hand paddles into my workout. Usually about 500-1000 yards, typically 50,s and 100's on a interval such as .45 or1:30. Since then, the last 3 times I swam freestyle events (mainly100's & 200's), my times have actually fallen off. My yearly big meet is coming up in the end of April. Should I discontinue the use of them soon. Could my arms be overworked and tired? I have absolutely no shoulder/arm pain because of them.
Thanks for all suggestions
I have the TYR Catalyst hand paddles and use them when we're doing a strict pull set. Sometimes I'll also use them for our hypoxic sets (breath control). I'd say this works out to 400-600 yards, 1-2 times a week (I swim 5x week usually).
I've gone through phases with paddles where I'd use them everyday, to sometimes 1 time in 2 weeks. All depends really what the coach has in store for our workout. One thing I rarely do is wear them for a swim set....unless I'm in a lane with swimmers significantly faster than I am...they do really make me go faster.
The only problem I've had was tennis elbow when I first started using paddles (8+ years ago). I just had to back off a bit, and it has never come back.
I have the TYR Catalyst hand paddles and use them when we're doing a strict pull set. Sometimes I'll also use them for our hypoxic sets (breath control). I'd say this works out to 400-600 yards, 1-2 times a week (I swim 5x week usually).
I've gone through phases with paddles where I'd use them everyday, to sometimes 1 time in 2 weeks. All depends really what the coach has in store for our workout. One thing I rarely do is wear them for a swim set....unless I'm in a lane with swimmers significantly faster than I am...they do really make me go faster.
The only problem I've had was tennis elbow when I first started using paddles (8+ years ago). I just had to back off a bit, and it has never come back.
