Body Alignment

My pull buoy arrived yesterday so I gave it a test run today. First thing I noticed is that my body pulls to the right (my dominant side). It felt like my legs were swinging to the right, particularly when I took a breath. I was also not keeping a straight line as I swam down the lane. Keep in mind that I have NOT mastered bilateral breathing, so I breathe on my right side. The good news is that I breathe every 4 strokes.

My body alignment has always been a bit messed up due to a slight case of scoliosis and a broken clavicle. I'm definitely stronger on my right side. I was very mindful of trying to align myself in the water, to no avail. I was physically tired today after a week plus of longer swims, so that might have played a factor.

Have to admit that the buoy was freaking me out a little because my lower end was so much higher in the water. Any tips on using the buoy --- placement--closer to knees or bum; which end goes on top (the wider part of the figure eight or the thinner part); any general tips? I tried slowing my stroke but I felt a little out of control. I was hauling azz without trying. lol.

If anyone has tips on improving in water alignment, I'd appreciate them (dry land exercises included!!).

I like the wider part to be on the top. I hold the buoy just above my knees. Work on that bilateral breathing - I've been a unilateral breather for 25 years and it's led to some noticeable muscle imbalance, especially since I breathe every stroke.

Veronica

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Originally Posted by Veronica

I like the wider part to be on the top. I hold the buoy just above my knees. Work on that bilateral breathing - I've been a unilateral breather for 25 years and it's led to some noticeable muscle imbalance, especially since I breathe every stroke.

Veronica

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Thanks, V, I'll try your suggestions tomorrow. I had the buoy up by my bum (I read somewhere that it's best to place it higher).

I've developed the bad habit of breathing on my strong side and it's not going to be easy to break it. I'm just going to have to be brave and remind myself that I won't drown, particularly since "my" lane abuts the pool wall!

Let me know how that goes for you. I need to learn to breath bilaterally to. I tried it Saturday and thought I was going to drown.

Hi,
I also like the wider part on top and keep the buoy just above me knees - that's actually was I was taught the first time I used it (only a few months ago).

Try a kickboard between your thighs, like a shark fin. It should flap evenly back and forth to each side at about the same time. You'll know if you're off one way or the other.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

Let me know how that goes for you. I need to learn to breath bilaterally to. I tried it Saturday and thought I was going to drown.

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I had the same experience! I'm going to give it another shot, once the "New Year's Resolution" crowd drifts away.