I don't know if this is in the right place, but I have a question.
I have heard about a device that you strap into, tether it to the side of the pool, and it basically allows you to do the complete swimming motion without actually moving through the water.
My question to you is this..
Is there any difference in the quality of the workout that you are going to get using this device and just working out the traditional way? This considering everything is constant (the stroke you are using and the effort).
Any scientific facts arguing either way would be appriciated as well..
Thanks.
It will be different for two reasons:
1) Normally, you encounter greater resistance as you swim faster. So the tether will take that out of the equation.
2) Part of swimming is leaving turbulent water (from your pull or kick) behind you. In this case, there is no escaping it.
Having said that, one way to use the tether (bungie cord) is to swim out as far as possible, then turn around and swim back using the assistance of the cord. You'll swim faster than normal, which will make you more conscious of forward resistance.
Originally posted by dasani_man
Well ok, but which will give you a better workout overall?
That's not a valid question. That's like asking if swimming 50's or swimming 1000's will give you a better workout overall. There isn't one single universal answer.
If you're getting started in swimming, I think you're better off just swimming in the water -- no tether. When you're swimming against the tether, you don't move, and so all of the water is slipping around your hands. You can "dig" into the water as much, but since you're not moving forward, the motion is different.
Consider standing on a slippery surface, say snow, and pushing against the side of the building. Your feet are moving in a running/walking pattern as they slide over the ground, but the building doesn't move. That's a very different feeling than actually running along solid (non-slip) ground.
-Rick
