December 3rd, 2011 — Clothes and Gear, Swim Bike Run, Swimming
There is more to swim gear than just a pair of swim trunks. The gear you purchase will help you to train as well as during competitions. You do not have to spend a lot on the stuff you will use. The important thing is more just to have the equipment which will help you to get the most out of your swimming. You can invest in items which will help to strengthen the muscles you will use during competition, equipment to reduce drag and items which will make it possible for you to swim more comfortably.
Training Gear
There are many different kinds of swim gear you can use to train with. Of the most recognizable is the kick board. This helps to improve the strength of your legs. You can either use the board with or without flippers. The way the board helps you is by allowing your torso to stay out of water and creating drag. Your legs alone will be responsible for forward momentum.
For those looking to build upper body strength, the swim gear you can purchase is a little different. You can purchase push boards which strap on to your hands. These are little more than pieces of plastic in a square. How they help you is by giving you a good idea about whether you are completing a proper stroke or not. All power from your stroke will be translated instantly into movement. You can also purchase floaters which are clenched between your thighs. This creates more drag and forces your legs to stay together. This helps to build upper body strength while training you to keep your legs together as you swim.
Drag Reducing Equipment
The kind of swim gear you wear should help you to swim faster by reducing drag. This starts with the right suit. This includes making sure the suit is as close to your body as possible. One thing to look out for here are seams which do not bulge out from the suit as it meets your body. Another important piece of equipment to reduce drag is the swim cap. This is little more than a piece of latex which will be stretched over your hair and head. The cap should contain all of your hair as well as your ears. This will reduce as much drag as possible from your head without having to shave off all of your hair.
Comfort for the Swimmer
Not all swim gear has to be uncomfortable when you wear it. In fact, some pieces of equipment will actually improve your comfort as you are swimming. One of the most important pieces of equipment which will make your swimming more comfortable is the right swim goggles. While the square frame goggles are very popular, it is possible to buy goggles which are more like bubbles. These will reduce drag while allowing you to see in every direction. This way whether you are in competition or in training, you will not have to compromise anything.
Photo Credits: kenoncjones
Originally posted 2010-04-02 03:22:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 24th, 2011 — Swim Bike Run, Swimming
Swim training can be a challenge when you do not have the right swimming facilities to train in. The good news is there are facilities available to you no matter where you live. Some will be more convenient to use than others. Finding the right place to train is important whether you are looking to train for a swim meet or for a triathlon. This is important so that you can get the training you need in the environment which you need it. This is the only way you will get the preparation you will need to compete at the right level.
Outdoor Swimming for Triathlon Training
It is not recommended you train for a triathlon by always swimming in indoor swimming facilities. This is because when you are swimming for your triathlon you will not be doing and flip turns. You need to train in an environment which will be similar to the environment you will be swimming in for your race. This is so you can get your cadence down. You should try to train at least once a week in an open area for a free swim. This can be a lake or in the ocean depending on where your event will be held.
Swimming Pools in Gyms
A very popular option for people looking for the right swimming facilities is to join a gym with a pool. This is because you will get the benefit of swimming in a 25 yard length pool. This allows you the ability to know how long you are doing specific exercises like kick board training, paddle board training and floater training. You will also have access to a large clock on the wall in which you can time your training and log your success in interval training or other styles of training.
Swimming Pools in Swim Clubs
For those looking for another level of swimming facilities to train in, there are swim clubs you can join. These have facilities which are nothing more than a pool which is warehoused in a natatorium. You will get the benefit of being able to train all year long. You will also get the advantage of great coaching advice from those who run the facility and the club. Remember, these types of clubs are usually used by those training for the Olympics and professionally.
Training at Home
If you have the money and cannot find the right swimming facilities for you, it is possible to build your own. A popular option which many people have been investing in is a swimming simulator. This is a pool of water which is no bigger than a hot tub. It has a water propulsion chamber which will create a flow of water at the speed you prefer. This will allow you to swim as long as you want to without having to build a full sized pool. You can even get units which are heated. This will allow you to train all year long right in your back yard.
Photo Credits: havenholidays
Originally posted 2010-03-21 03:01:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 20th, 2011 — Swim Bike Run, Swimming
Swimming is a sport which takes a lot of preparation. You need to have the right training to have good form and a good time. This is true whether you are swimming on your own or in a relay. Your performance in a swim meet can only be affected by the time and effort you put into practice. This means doing more than just swimming laps in the pool. You need to train the muscles you will be using to perform to the best of their ability.
Know Your Pool
The first thing you should know is whether your swimming meet will be in a meter or a yard pool. The standard pool is in a yard pool. The normal length is a 25 yard length for the swim lane. The 25 meter length will be much longer. This means if you are training in a yard pool, the meter pool will seem torturous by comparison. By training in the right kind of pool, you will have an accurate training environment for what you are facing on the day of the meet.
Train Your Arms
A good training exercise to strengthen your arms for a swimming meet is to use paddle boards. These are plastic square boards which strap on to your hands. You use them to isolate the muscles in your arms and strengthen them by creating more pull. When using these, allow your legs to drag behind you without kicking. You will also notice when you are turning your hand. This is important as you will not catch the water correctly if your hand is slashing through the water at an angle. You will learn to keep your hand at the optimal angle to create more push.
Train Your Legs
The kick board is another great piece of training equipment for a swimming meet. This is a Styrofoam board which you rest your torso on. You will then kick your way from one side of the pool to the other. The board will stop you from using your hands as well as creating drag. This will help develop the muscles in your legs. You will find when you strengthen your legs that you will swim faster and stronger while you are in the meet.
Alternate Training Methods
To get the most out of your training for the swimming meet, you need to vary the exercises you are doing every day. This is because you do not want to wear yourself out. It is a good idea to split up between lower and upper body exercise for isolation purposes. You should also make sure you are taking the right amount of breaks. A good rule of thumb would be to swim for five days and take one to two mornings off in between. If you want to swim on the two days between the five, make it a light workout. This will allow your muscles the chance to recuperate and strengthen.
Photo Credits: Greg Livaudais
Originally posted 2010-03-22 10:08:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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