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Dry Land Swim Tools

kimmydctkimmydct
in General Training Discussions

Anybody ever use any of those swim bands or anything like that in the OS?  Did it help?  Worth it?  What kind?

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

     Yep. I have a set of Stretch Cords, with paddles. I've had them for longer than Anson has been alive :-) They work. Different colors are different levels of resistance. Don't get blue. I have blue and they are basically the younger me kicking old me in the nuts. 

    http://www.swimoutlet.com/photos/options/15909-29381-T.jpg

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Holy cow, that means I need the easiest color for old grizzled veterans!
  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Posted By Paul Hough on 26 Sep 2012 04:51 PM

    Holy cow, that means I need the easiest color for old grizzled veterans!



    Recommend pink 

     

  • Michael ByertsMichael Byerts
    I have used stretch cords semi-regularly. For me, they are primarily useful for injury-prevention shoulder exercises (rotator cuff etc.), but that's more of a concern when you are swimming twice a day 5-6 days a week. If you have 10 minutes after your swim to use them, they can help, but I wouldn't substitute them for pool work. I have heard people say good things about the Vasa Trainer, especially beginners, but again, I wouldn't substitute a dry-land session for a swim.
    And you don't need anything fancy. Basic, relatively stretchy elastic cords that you tie off with two loops at the ends should work just fine.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

     I have cords too, like Richtheoldfart . Except mine have handles instead of paddles, though I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to modify them to put my paddles on them...

    Agreed that it shouldn't be a substitute for swimming. I'll use cords as a *supplement*, or as a last minute workout if I really can't find the time to swim. I like to tie the cords around a door handle and try to practice a high elbow catch while pulling back. I find that I have problems with that in the water because it can be hard to isolate that at times, and my shoulder muscles are especially weak at holding a high elbow particularly if I'm dropping into swimming again after a break from the pool. Another downside is that cords might encourage you to rely on your small shoulder muscles too much when actually swimming, so it's important to get in the pool so that you know how to apply your fitness. 

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