HUGE swim breakthrough!

[GLC1968]

Becky - I don't own paddles (though I did use them briefly in my first swim class) and I only recently got fins. I've only used them once, and mostly just to better feel my streamline position in the water. I haven't tried them since I've been actively trying to change my stroke though.

In my limited experience, I think these things are not necessary. At least, not until you've mastered the basics. I *thought* I was doing pretty well with the basic stroek and that I was ready to start using some tools to tweak things, but it turns out that I was still missing some major points to my stroke.

The exception to this (again, in my limited experience) is a pull-buoy because it can really help with understanding proper body position. My husband uses his periodically throughout his workout to 'remind' his body of how it feels to swim more balanced. He also used it quite extensively in the very beginning as he was learning to breathe properly because it gave him the confidence he needed. Now he tries to limit his use so as not to get dependent on it!

[Becky]

I tried the "kicking the top leg" thing last night. Wow! That is such a powerful drill for feeling the timing of a 2-beat kick. I did more 2-beat kicking last night than I've ever done! I'm still not doing it consistently, but this was a major improvement. Thanks for sharing this drill!

I also worked on rotating more from my hips than from my shoulders, and it became apparent that I'm not engaging my core enough to properly and fully rotate. It also identified that my lower body position stinks. I guess it's time to learn to use a pull buoy until I can internalize that position.

Baby steps, right?

[GLC1968]

Excellent to hear! Yes, baby steps, definitely. Great job!

I'm kind of kicking myself that I spent the winter just swimming without really working on anything and wasted all that time...but eh. At least I'm making progress now.