I started swimming again about a year ago (after a 45 year layoff). For the past 6-8 months I have been doing 12-15000+ yards a week, almost all breaststroke, lots of repeats. My knees were replaced about 8 years ago and they are very good but I cannot get much drive with them. My 50 yard time is horrible for the amount of work I am doing. I believe it is because I cannot get a lot of lift when I bend them backwards (less than 90 degrees). Has anyone got any suggestions?
Tom
I am not sure what you mean by can't bend past 90 degrees.Do you mean you can't flex the knee joint more than that or you can't externally rotate your ankles.Without knowing I can't comment.I definitely think you are starting off with too much breaststroke.I'd ease into it more,no more than 200 BR at a time at first with the rest other strokes.If your shoulders are an issue do BR pull with dolphin kick with fins.
The amount of breaststroke does not seem to bother my knees. I just can't bring my feet up near my butt so I don't seem to get much drive. I think I have some rotation in my ankles, maybe 40-60 degrees.
