Let me pick your brains for a moment.
In college, we used a machine that really helped me with my arm strength and with my cardio work out as well. I cannot remember the name of it. Perhaps one of you can, I'm going to describe it as best I can.
It's long, at least six feet, with a movable rest on the top. you lay on it (you can be on your back but mostly on your stomach) and reach forward for 2 straps, one on each side. you put your hand around the strap, which looks like a swimming paddle. then you pull, fly or freestyle, while the machine can be set to record how far you've pulled and how much/little resistance.
does anyone know what i'm talking about?? :dunno:
thanks! i'd love to find one near here...
Former Member
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.
