Drag Chutes
Hi everyone. I am currently training for a Catalina Channel swim in July and unfortunately am stuck in pools here in the Northeast. I have started using a chute that creates drag for some of my sets. I feel like it is forcing me to concentrate on my form as well as building swim specific strength. I am curious if any others have had experience with this kind of pool toy. Also, what do some of the experts on here think about using it. Are there any other toys I should consider apart from the typical ones like a pull buoy? Thanks for any thoughts you might have.
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As to other toys, I am absolutely wild about Fist Gloves. I find that they correct all sorts of form flaws AND are a good way to get in a useful workout if my shoulders are in bad shape and/or injury recovery - they reduce the force transmitted to the shoulder.
Just sayin'
-LBJ
“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” - Oscar Wilde
I have used the chute a few times and it is perfectly fine...not my favorite but okay.
I really like the stretch cords. We use them weekly. Sometimes I use an easier cord than I would have used if I were training for short sprints and go on a minute interval (25 pulling the cord down, then just pulling yourself back). I find this is REALLY helpful in getting yourself to continue with a quality DPS stroke when the circumstances are less favorable...like when you are tired or when it is choppy and you feel like you are trying to go faster but you are spinning your wheels.
We also do kick sets holding light weights in neutral position. They are only two pounds or so on each side, but it is KILLER. The kids will do fast sets, but I'll do an 800 or 1000 kick. Perfect core training.
We'll put the toys together for Crossfit type things too...which is good for strengthing my lower back which is ALWAYS feeling weak and great when I am mentally bored. Usually those days will be paired with an extra boring set. Toys are good for the ADHD swimmer.
I have Catalina on my horizen too, but i am doing Tampa Bay Marathon this spring because it is in my backyard and therefore more in my price range.
**I also want to disclaimer that although pool toys are awesome and great for strength training, I see them as not a substitute for cranking out cool hard mileage....if they substitute anything, they substitute dryland/weight training. And they keep my interested on a Thursday when I am not as excited about going to the pool!**
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
I wear a drag suit over a Lycra brief not because I'm looking for a training age, but because I feel buck naked without one.
Chris
...anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
I know a very good young swimmer, a future Olympian. He uses a large sponge tied to his waste by a nylon cord. Works amazingly well! Just an idea for those who want to make their own.