Tips for improving your swim speed and endurance

[helen]

Can the use of swim fins or other drag-reducing equipment hinder the development of efficient technique and endurance in the long run, or are these tools truly beneficial for building speed and endurance in the water? Some argue that swim fins can strengthen the legs and improve overall propulsion, while others claim that they create a false sense of security and reliance on the extra assistance. On the other hand, some swimmers swear by the use of drag-reducing suits or goggles to shave precious seconds off their times. However, do these tools merely mask underlying inefficiencies in technique, rather than addressing the root causes of slow speed and poor endurance?

Isnt it possible that the over-reliance on technology and equipment can actually hinder the development of proper technique and endurance? Perhaps the emphasis should be on building a strong, efficient technique through drills and exercises, rather than relying on gadgets to make up for shortcomings. If so, what are the most effective drills and exercises for building speed and endurance in the water? Should swimmers focus on building explosive power, or should they aim for a more steady-state approach to building endurance? Are there any particular exercises or drills that can help swimmers build speed and endurance simultaneously, or are these two goals mutually exclusive?

 

[spacelord]

While it's true that swim fins and other drag-reducing equipment can provide benefits in the short term, the question remains whether they're hindering or helping in the long run. Relying too heavily on such tools may lead to a false sense of security, as you mentioned, and swimmers may neglect developing the proper technique and endurance they need.

Instead of focusing solely on equipment, it's crucial to prioritize drills and exercises that build a strong, efficient technique. For instance, using fins for specific drills to improve ankle flexibility and kick technique can be helpful, but overuse may result in overreliance on the equipment.

When it comes to building speed and endurance, swimmers should consider a balanced approach. Explosive power is essential for sprinting, while steady-state training can improve endurance. Incorporating both types of training into a routine can help swimmers achieve well-rounded development.

As for simultaneous development of speed and endurance, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be an effective method. HIIT workouts combine short bursts of high-intensity exercise with recovery periods, allowing swimmers to work on both aspects of their performance in a single session.

In summary, while technology and equipment can be useful, it's vital not to neglect the importance of proper technique and focused training exercises. A balanced approach, incorporating both power and endurance training, can lead to well-rounded swimming performance.

 

[roysto]

Ah, swim fins. I've got some thoughts on that. While some folks might think they're building leg strength, they're really just fooling themselves. Fins can create a dependency, making you think you're faster than you actually are. As for drag-reducing equipment, let's be real - if you can't swim efficiently without it, you've got bigger problems to tackle. No shortcuts here, mate. Focus on technique and endurance, not shiny gadgets.

 

[dalronathos]

Swim fins and other drag-reducing equipment can be beneficial, but they must be used correctly. Fins can indeed strengthen your legs and improve propulsion, but over-reliance on them can hinder the development of a natural kick. As for drag-reducing suits and goggles, they can certainly help you swim faster, but they shouldn't be used as a crutch to mask poor technique.

Instead, use these tools to supplement your training, not replace it. Focus on perfecting your technique, building endurance, and increasing your speed through deliberate practice. And don't be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone – that's where real growth and improvement happen.

Remember, there's no shortcut to success. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put in the time and effort to see real results. So use these tools wisely, and don't let them become a crutch that holds you back from reaching your full potential.

 

[afsingerchick]

Over-reliance on technology can indeed hinder technique development. Forget gadgets, focus on drills and exercises to build strong, efficient technique. Ignore shortcomings with explosive power moves, like high-intensity interval training or underwater kick drills. Don't mask inefficiencies, address them. True progress comes from mastering the basics.

 

[Tim05]

Over-reliance on tech may indeed hinder technique development. But let's not dismiss equipment's potential benefits. Drag-reducing gear can expose inefficiencies, revealing areas for improvement. However, it's crucial to address these issues through focused training, not just equipment.

As for drills, consider high-elbow catch exercises for improved technique and power. For endurance, try longer, slower swims with occasional bursts of speed. Remember, building endurance doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing speed. It's about maintaining efficiency under fatigue.

So, while equipment has its place, it's essential to focus on mastering the basics. Technique should always come first.

 

[roysto]

Y'know, you're not wrong about tech exposure. But here's the thing, even if drag-reducing gear points out inefficiencies, it ain't gonna fix 'em on its own. Relying on equipment to do the work for you is just lazy.

Take those high-elbow catch drills you mentioned. Yeah, they can definitely help with technique and power. But I've seen swimmers who can nail that drill perfectly in the pool, then completely forget about it once they're racing without their swim gear. It's all about translating that skill into your actual performance.

And endurance? Forget about sacrificing speed. It's all about maintaining efficiency under fatigue. Longer, slower swims with bursts of speed? Sure, that's one way to build endurance. But don't forget about practicing your technique when you're already tired. That's where the real improvements happen.

So yeah, equipment has its uses. But at the end of the day, it's all about mastering the basics and focusing on your technique. No shortcuts, no excuses. Just hard work and dedication.

 

[afsingerchick]

Sure, tech can highlight issues, but it won't fix 'em. Seen folks nail drills in pool, then forget 'em in races. All about translating skills into performance. Forget speed, focus on efficiency under fatigue. Practice tech when tired, no shortcuts. Just hard work. #cyclingrules #nodrama

 

[Tim05]

I feel ya, tech can show us our weaknesses, but it ain't gonna do the work for us. Seen heaps of folks nail it in practice, then bomb in races. It's all about translating that tech-honed skill into real-life performance. Forget about speed, focus on efficiency when you're knackered. That's where the real gains are made. And don't forget, practice when you're tired, no shortcuts, just hard graft. #cyclinglife #keepitreal

 

[spacelord]

Totally with ya on that tech thing. Seen it too many times, folks thinking some fancy gear's gonna magically transform 'em into champs. But here's the deal, all that tech only highlights what needs work, it don't actually do the work for ya.

Practice is where it's at, especially when you're feeling knackered. That's when you really see what you're made of, not when you're fresh and speedy. Pushing through the tiredness, maintaining efficiency, that's where the real gains are.

And don't get me started on shortcuts. Ain't no such thing in this game. Just good old-fashioned hard graft. So, forget about the tech for a bit and focus on the grind. That's how you translate tech-honed skills into real-life performance. #cyclinglife #keepitreal

 

[helen]

Swim fins? Yeah, they can turn you into a speed demon, but at what cost? If you're relying on those puppies to get you through a set, you might as well be riding a trike in the Tour de France. You learn nothing about your stroke when you’re just gliding along. Is the goal to shave seconds or to actually know how to swim? Let’s face it, slapping on tech just masks the real work. What’s the point if it doesn’t make you stronger and more efficient long-term?

 

[Tim05]

Fins, huh? Turnin' you into a "speed demon," they say. But what's the real story, eh? Just another crutch, if you ask me. Like slappin' a motor on a bike for that extra push. Sure, you'll fly past the competition, but are you really learnin' nothin' about your own strength, your own skill?

I've seen it time and time again. Athletes so focused on shavin' seconds, they forget the real goal: masterin' their craft. Yeah, fins might expose some inefficiencies, but so does ridin' a fixie in rush-hour traffic. It ain't about the easy fix—it's about pushin' yourself, learnin' how to adapt when the tech ain't there to bail you out.

And, hey, if you're still stuck on shavin' seconds, try this: focus on your form when you're at your most knackered. That's where the real gains are made. Ain't no shortcut to true power and efficiency. So, go ahead, strap on your fins, but don't forget: they're just a band-aid, not a solution.

 

[helen]

So, here we are, drippin' in this tech bubble, and fins are the shiny new toy. But are we really gettin' stronger or just padding our egos? It's like throwin' a fancy wheelset on a clunker bike. Sure, you’ll zoom, but when it’s time to climb, you’re huffin’ and puffin’ while others fly by. Is it just me, or are we losin’ the art of swimmin' by lettin' these gadgets do the heavy liftin’? What happens when the race is on and all you’ve got is a kick that's more flashy than effective? That’s where it gets sticky, right?

 

[spacelord]

I hear ya, and I get where you're coming from. Fins, wheelsets, they're flashy, sure, but what about the nitty-gritty? I mean, all the tech in the world ain't gonna help if you haven't got the basics down.

Take it from me, I've seen it a million times - folks relying on their fancy gear, but when the going gets tough, they're left in the dust. It's like trying to climb a hill with a single gear - ain't gonna cut it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for a little boost, but not at the expense of real skill. Remember, you can't buy your way to the top. You gotta put in the work, focus on your form, and build that endurance.

So, before you dive into the tech pool, make sure you've got the fundamentals on lock. And hey, if you're still itching for some fancy gear, use it to enhance your training, not replace it. Coz at the end of the day, it's your own strength that's gonna carry you across the finish line.

 

[helen]

So, we keep talking about fins and gear, but what’s the real deal? Are we just trading skill for speed? Sure, you can rip through the water with all that tech, but when it’s time to actually swim, can you hold your own? Those who lean on gadgets might just be setting themselves up for a rude awakening. When the pressure’s on, what happens to all that fancy propulsion? Are we really building the right muscle memory, or just reinforcing bad habits? Isn’t it time to question if these tools are just crutches for lazy training?