Which swim toys, if any, are you currently using at least semi-regularly. Feel free to elaborate on why and when you use them! You can make as many choices as you like.
I forget to add breaststroke fins. You can just note if you are. I have just started kicking once in awhile with them. I aspire to learn the snorkle, but haven't gotten around to that yet. I also can't keep my nose clip on. Hoping to get the hang of it this winter to avoid sinus infections.
Former Member
Just a pull bouy. I never cared for paddles of any sort, so now that I have the choice I avoid them like the plague.
Got Boost
Question about fistgloves.I do fist swimming drills often,but figured I could make a fist for free without paying for gloves.Am I missing something?
Amen, Allen! This is one of my favorite drills.
The gloves are also weighted. I've seen a few aquatic fitness people with these.
The last season or two I havent really used too many toys--just fins (zoomers normally) when coach made us, or when my shoulders were really beat.
However, this season i have tried to incorporate toys into my workouts a little more because I think that if your using them for a purpose rather than as a crutch (like when I throw on fins to save my shoulders) they can really be beneficial. I use Kiefer's Stroke Perfection Hand Paddles--they are very small paddles that really help put the emphasis on the correct stroke form--while not being rough on the shoulders (even the worse shoulders). I think they have really helped me to get the feel and muscle memory for the straight arm underwater pull--and away from the "S" pull underwater. I use them for at least 300 yards a practice right now--hopefully as it becomes more of a habit when I don't use the paddles I will reduce how much I use them.
I don't normally use a kickboard, but if I do, the only one I will use is the Kiefer Classic kick board--it's awesome for people who have shoulder issues as well. And it's hand holds are in a manner that doesn't make using it a walk in the park--it still forces the swimmer to keep their core tight.
And I use the finis swimmer's snorkel once in a while--probably not as often as I should but maybe 1-2 times every week.
I use a pull buoy when my shoulders are feeling good, or when I need to concentrate on my arm placement--but I feel I get better body roll and movement if I just drag my legs without the buoy.
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You're using them for a purpose rather than as a crutch (like when I throw on fins to save my shoulders) they can really be beneficial.
Using fins to save your shoulders is not a "crutch." :dedhorse:
Peg: Forgot about the knees. Yes, you might need that ole pull buoy.
Yeah--that sentence didn't really come out the way I was hoping it too...I guess I meant--the people who use fins or toys to make their practices easier in general--or if I were to put on fins at the beginning of practice--just in case my shoulders might hurt at the end of practice if I don't put them on?:drown:
Question about fistgloves.I do fist swimming drills often,but figured I could make a fist for free without paying for gloves.Am I missing something?
Essentially, you are correct, however, two points to mention:
1) When you make a fist you must tense your muscles to keep your fist closed. With fistgloves you can pretty much relax your muscles and the fistglove will keep your hand closed. It makes it easier to concentrate on whatever you are working on.
2) Having your hand covered like that really takes away most of the sense of feeling for the water, unlike with a closed fist. (It's also easier to "cheat" with a closed fist.) When you take it off, it feels like your hands are 3 times their normal size and the feel for the water is amazing.
I really love the things.
-LBJ
