I was just wondering what is the optimum “body form” (for a human of course – not a fish) to maximize swimming ability.
The factors taken into consideration would be height, weight, spinal alignment, overall volume, and a few other or “anthropometric” characteristics.
Happy Swimming!
Dolphin 2
:)
so john are you saying
what matters is not
the dog in the fight but the
the fight in the dog
in swimming Certain body shapes do have an advantage
look at how jager, popov, and hall were shaped at their peaks
long limbs
flat belly / strong core
skinny hips
lean body
racing kayaks are faster than row boats
ande
Originally posted by TheGoodSmith
I think you'll find that what's on the inside is probably more revealing than what is on the outside.
Mental grit, talent (feel for the water) and an extremely powerful aerobic threshold (i.e. large heart and lungs) probably have more to do with success in the end than mere height arm, foot and leg measurements.
John Smith
Originally posted by ande
so john are you saying
what matters is not
the dog in the fight but the
the fight in the dog
I just saw this on TV recently but I can't remember what ad its from.
I think you'll find that what's on the inside is probably more revealing than what is on the outside.
Mental grit, talent (feel for the water) and an extremely powerful aerobic threshold (i.e. large heart and lungs) probably have more to do with success in the end than mere height arm, foot and leg measurements.
John Smith
There are some similarities.... but throw in a skinny litle wirey Anthony Erwin or a young Shawn Jordan and the formula goes to hell in a hand bag very quickly.
Too many exceptions to the rule in my opinion. There are short 400 IM world record holders like Ricardo Prado and long lanky ones like Phelps.
Even on a significantly lessor personal level.... Doug Elenz and I, who we both just barely placed in the top 8 in the 100yd free a quarter century ago. He's 5 inches shorter and much stronger.
John Smith
Originally posted by newmastersswimmer
I guess that at least partially explains why I'm so slow in comparison to the so called elite masters swimmers in my agegroup?
With an emphasis on partially. My belly's pretty flat and I can't keep up with them, either!
long limbs
flat belly / strong core
skinny hips
lean body
originally posted by Ande
I guess the flat belly thing then puts me way out on the wrong side of the spectrum then.....I guess that at least partially explains why I'm so slow in comparison to the so called elite masters swimmers in my agegroup?....Don't tell me I have to actually go on a diet or something now to get faster?...Yikes!!
Guess what Grant Jeffery said when I beat him in the 50 lc free and fly, he said "I let that big fat guy beat me". Canadian master swimming championships 1998.
