I have been trying hard to correct the lack of symmetry in my backstroke. In trying to correct it I swim slowlier. Then I saw this:
www.youtube.com/watch
At :41-:44 and 1:07-1:12 it's so obvious he was far from being symmetric. Would he have been better off if he corrected that?
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Former Member
It seems like carrying a bag on your shoulder: you move around more easily when you carry it on the side you are used to. But doing so for long term, especially with heavy load, will cause your spine and other bone structures inbalance. So you try to alternate. But when you are running to catch a train, you naturally carry it on the preferred side because you can run faster that way. :) So yes, for fitness and correcting posture, symmetry is important, but for competition, take whatever you feel more comfortable and efficient. (I still wonder, though, that maybe those great loping swimmers could break even more records if they had got used to more symmetrical movement?)
Edit: Just saw your post, Chris. Is there a video online that shows your underwater swimming?
It seems like carrying a bag on your shoulder: you move around more easily when you carry it on the side you are used to. But doing so for long term, especially with heavy load, will cause your spine and other bone structures inbalance. So you try to alternate. But when you are running to catch a train, you naturally carry it on the preferred side because you can run faster that way. :) So yes, for fitness and correcting posture, symmetry is important, but for competition, take whatever you feel more comfortable and efficient. (I still wonder, though, that maybe those great loping swimmers could break even more records if they had got used to more symmetrical movement?)
Edit: Just saw your post, Chris. Is there a video online that shows your underwater swimming?
