Improve Your Swimming with Stretch Cords!
Written by Jason Luzinski, Head Swim Coach at Grit Endurance. Learn more about Jason’s background here!
Swimming is a great full-body activity, but good technique is essential. Many swimmers find it challenging to understand how to "pull water" effectively, particularly if they didn't swim much as children. Stretch cords can address this by helping you train the correct muscles for swimming outside the water, and they can provide a better sense of the pull phase of your stroke. Consider it like practicing your stroke on land before you hop in the pool!
Here are 4 primary ways stretch cords can help your swimming:
Understanding the Pull: Learning to move water efficiently is tricky when already in the water. Stretch cords offer a stable way to practice arm movements and focus on muscle engagement. Feel the resistance and adjust your technique.
Checking Your Pull: You have clear visibility of arm movements with stretch cords. This allows you to easily check your elbow position, hand entry, and how you generate power during the pull. This feedback helps you refine your technique.
Building Swim Strength: Resistance from stretch cords builds the strength and endurance needed for swimming. They work the same muscles you use in the water.
Pre-Swim Activation: Using stretch cords before swimming can be beneficial. They activate the correct muscles for a productive swim workout.
Excited to try out some cords? Check out this video for a demo and here is our recommended brand for stretch cords!