I just saw the Fortress post something about Karlyn Pipes-Nielson having designed some new lightweight fins under, I think, the who wants to race which poster thread.
I thought I had read where swim devices were taboo; that it was better to use the entire body to enjoy full-body swimming and that there was little to no benefit to the use of fins (can't remember who wrote that).
Well, I use fins, two kinds; Zoomers, and some big lightweight ones with holes in them. They create great ankle flexibility; much better than sitting in front of the TV stretching them. My backstroke kick all through the 60s, 70s, 80s would not have been great without my kicking with fins. I find that fins help to develop quad and hamstring strength.
I need a new pair for Christmas. Anyone else use fins?
Donna
Parents
Former Member
The principle of "isolating muscles to strengthen them" is one of those sacred cows of swimming I referred to in the infamous swimming theories thread, that I do not believe stand up to greater scrutiny.
I spent 25 or 30 years trying to strengthen what was always an ineffectual kick with all the traditional means.
I related to Dave Barra the other day that when I did my 3000 Postal swim on Nov 13, I focused the entire time on synchronizing left leg drive with a "light, patient" right hand catch and vice versa. Because that focus created steadily keener awareness I descended all six 500s in that swim.
Do I believe in strength for swimming? As a middle-aged person I believe in strength for living which in turn has a beneficial effect on my swimming.
Weight lifting works fine for me and I use it for both swimming and living. Maybe it works for some and not others like some of those other "sacred cows." Now I would like to improve that technique that I bolded above. I find it difficult, but I know people who say it gives them great cruiser speed.
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Former Member
The principle of "isolating muscles to strengthen them" is one of those sacred cows of swimming I referred to in the infamous swimming theories thread, that I do not believe stand up to greater scrutiny.
I spent 25 or 30 years trying to strengthen what was always an ineffectual kick with all the traditional means.
I related to Dave Barra the other day that when I did my 3000 Postal swim on Nov 13, I focused the entire time on synchronizing left leg drive with a "light, patient" right hand catch and vice versa. Because that focus created steadily keener awareness I descended all six 500s in that swim.
Do I believe in strength for swimming? As a middle-aged person I believe in strength for living which in turn has a beneficial effect on my swimming.
Weight lifting works fine for me and I use it for both swimming and living. Maybe it works for some and not others like some of those other "sacred cows." Now I would like to improve that technique that I bolded above. I find it difficult, but I know people who say it gives them great cruiser speed.
