Need help - Workout Machine

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 13:40:43 GMT

Alison, Although the machine doesn't help on your rotation, it does increase arm, back and abominal strength. Setting the resistance to a high amount can really force you to pull hard. I rely heavily on my kick, with my shoulder problems and all, but using the machine really helped me feel much stronger in the water. My favorite exercise on it was butterfly. I would never use the machine as a substitute for swimming, but it is a nice machine to use to increase strength, just be careful with your shoulders, don't overuse it. I'd suggest at least trying it since you have access to one and see how you feel on it.

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:53:48 GMT

I trained all winter in La Tuque Quebec (no pool available) with a pulley machine that I built with four clothes line pulleys, window sashs weights and window sash cords. I built it in a closet. It was sure good to come out of the closet in the spring and get into the rivers and lakes.

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 07:58:44 GMT

(I know some swim teams have their swimmers cross train with running. I'm not sure whether that really helps their swimming. I guess that's another interesting topic we'll have to explore.) ... It makes you a better runner. If anything it's a great way to get some rest (recovery)for the swimming muscles...while still doing a cardio workout.

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 07:54:49 GMT

This handy little invention will work every muscle you need (in the upper body and torso)...even legs...for increasing strenth in the swimming muscles. Inexpensive and it works. ;)

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 07:48:41 GMT

Alllison, What exercises do you do for your rotator muscles?

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

The Fortress — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 04:06:54 GMT

Gil: I do a lot with 3 or 5 pound hand weights: lifting the arms straight up from the thighs to the shoulders (thumbs out), in a v formation from the inner thighs to shoulder height, and to the sides to shoulder height. I do tricep kickbacks. I'll put my elbows at shoulder height with fingertips down and lift my hands forward to shoulder height. I do shoulder shrugs. In the gym, I do chest press and seated dips, but instead of the fully extended motion, I do a small motion keeping my arms straight and moving my shoulders. That works the small muscles. For all these exercises, I do low weight and high reps usually 25. Sometimes I use a theraband. There's a booklet out called the Buckberger 12, which lists all these. I'm sure there's more. There are many sites which show these exercises in action. I think some may be listed under one of the shoulder problems threads. Good luck! Leslie

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

The Fortress — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 01:52:49 GMT

Thanks Terry and SwimmerLisa: I think I'm avoiding the VASA machine. My arms are pretty strong already, so I'd rather spend my limited free time strengthening the core with dryland or weights on a bosu or doing my rotator cuff muscles exercises. I also run to get in some weight bearing activity. (I know some swim teams have their swimmers cross train with running. I'm not sure whether that really helps their swimming. I guess that's another interesting topic we'll have to explore.) I'd love to do pilates too, but I just don't have the time. I also should be eating flax seeds and acai fruit too ...

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:54:29 GMT

Dammit, I didn't know those existed, I was thinking I should invent something like that. :frustrated: :frustrated:

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

The Fortress — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:43:45 GMT

We have one of those right on deck at my pool for the college team. Only one of our masters swimmers uses it. He heads right over there after practice for more pain. Of course, he swims events like the 200 fly and 800 free. Is this machine Ok on the shoulders?

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

Former Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 06:48:02 GMT

YES! that's it! thank you!! now i just hope i can find a gym/pool that has one!

RE: Need help - Workout Machine

knelson — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 02:45:03 GMT

Vasa Trainer