VASA trainer... what do you think?

I can't offer any personal experience, but our LMSC practices at Northwestern. I can tell you that the men's and women's teams use them. There must be three or four scattered around on the pool deck or outside on the patio. Someone here must like them. Skip Montanaro

Vasa trainers are great. I first started using one at a YMCA in MD about 4 years ago. I liked it so much I donated $100 and purchased some new hardware to bring it 'back to life'. (It was probably 10 years old and pool deck humidity had taken its toll). Last year for Christmas my wife surprised me with one for the house (the mid-grade version is adequate for me.) Great swim specific strength training. I probably use it 4 days a week. You can do a variety of exercises that really help your core strength. I have replaced most of my free weight training with Vasa work, less wear on tear on the shoulders and no bulking up. I have only used the ergometer version at a coaches conference that I attended, so I can't really make a comment on that version. I keep in touch with the coach at the Naval Academy and they have about 6. I think some are trainers and some are ergometers. Vasa is a very easy company to deal with and has great customer service. They run a decent discount around the holidays. If you are really interested in buying one at a discount, find out when they take their show on the road and they might be interested in selling you the one they have at the meet or conference. It saves them shipping it back home.

I've used one as part of dryland and really liked it. I wish I could hav access to one all the time. Alison

Vasa trainer is GREAT. We used them a lot in college. Great, great stuff. If you can't afford that or don't have room for one, there are also stretch bands that you can use that offer a similar effect. I use those and attach them to the dining room table for resistance. If had room for a Vasa, I would LOVE one.

I have one. It is currently used as a clothes hanger. I do like it, but it's not very thrilling--but I suppose if you can't get in a pool and actually do it, this would be a good alternative. Mine is in front of the tv in one of the guest bedrooms at my home--so when I do use it I like to watch tv while I'm on it...but I think maybe if it was in a more high traffic area of the house I would use it more often--but it is big and cumbersome.

I'm a big fan of buying fitness equipment used. That way if it is destined to be a clothes hanger at least I didn't spend much. I bought a used total gym knock-off (called sensible gym) for $80 on craigslist. It can sort of do some things the vasa trainer does, and I do use it if I can't get to the gym. It folds up for storage.

I've seen several but I've never seen them in use. I don't know what that means.

I have a VASA I'm actually trying to sell right now. Shipping may be a bit of a problem though :(

the VASA trainers look good for that sort of specialized training. and i've heard good things about rubber-band/tubing and other resistance training tools. but if i ever wanted an at home machine i thought the BowFlex systems are a good idea. the low end ($900! :-o) Bowflex Blaze Home Gym looks pretty good to me. anyone have any feedback on any of these systems? i like the idea picking them up used.

I have a VASA I'm actually trying to sell right now. Shipping may be a bit of a problem though :(Bring it to Atlanta when you come for nationals at the end of this month and I’ll make you an offer. It should fit completely under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin on the plane. MODERATORS NOTE: The USMS discussion forum does NOT allow for sale / wanted threads. So please don’t perceive this posting as an invitation to try to unload your slightly used suits and other paraphernalia.