The beauty of VoloBlades

[my repost from AquaVolo.com]

VoloBlades are unique. Unlike traditional paddles, VoloBlades shift the point of force down to the lower part of the palm which:

1. Encourages high elbow catch allowing for better anchoring,
2. Generates significantly more power during the pull phase by recruiting bigger muscle groups such as lats and core.
3. Reduces stress on the shoulders.

Sometimes it’s useful to use analogies when describing something innovative so let’s try this:

Imagine pulling yourself up onto the deck from the deep end of the pool. You do it by placing both hands on the deck and pushing down on the lower parts of the palm. It happens automatically. Without much thinking, you assume a position that will generate the most power in order to pull yourself up onto the deck. You use the bigger group muscles – lats. Now, imagine doing the same but this time shifting the point of force up towards your fingers and you will have a much harder time. It’s harder because this time you are using your shoulder muscles which are not as big and powerful as your lats. You know this without thinking and so you use your lats and push down on your lower palm. VoloBlades is similar in that they help you use your larger muscle groups for more power. Swimming with VoloBlades capitalizes on your body’s natural tendency for efficiency.

Another analogy is using an ab wheel during dryland training. In order for you to roll all the way out, you have to push down on the handle with the lower part of your palms. By pushing down with the lower palm, you are recruiting your lats and core muscles. You do this without thinking, but if you try pushing down with your middle or upper part of the palm, it will be virtually impossible to roll all the way out. The automatic, natural position is the most efficient, with the force being generated on the lower palm. Just as in the previous example, VoloBlades follow the body’s natural inclination for efficiency and strength by utilizing the lats and core muscles.

The beauty of VoloBlades is that they use the body’s natural tendencies and enhance them. Swimming with VoloBlades helps build strength in the lats and core while protecting the shoulders.

Brief History of Resistance Training Gear for Swimmers

From my post on Aquavolo.com:

From the early age of competitive swimming athletes have been using various devices to help them get stronger and faster.  Fins and paddles were probably among the first training devices to be used by swimmers.  Benjamin Franklin, who was an avid swimmer, invented both in the early 18th century (around 1717).

However, in this post I wanted to look at the training gear other than paddles and fins.  In particular, I wanted to see how resistance gear has changed in the last 100 years.  As the title states, this is not an in-depth review but rather a quick overview of the evolution of resistance equipment for swimmers.

In general all swimming resistance gear can be broken into 3 categories:

1. Devices that connect a swimmer to the stationary part of the pool.  For example, a band that connects a swimmer to the start block.

2. Devices that are connected to a swimmer and not connected to the a stationary part of the pool.  In such cases swimmers usually pull something behind them.  For example a parachute, a bucket, etc.

3. Devices that are worn by a swimmer and that allow free swimming.  For example, a drag suit.

The first device I looked at was a “Swimming Apparatus” from 1914.  It was invented by C. Homewood.

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All Strokes – Kick Overload

From GoSwim.tv.  (more about DragSox)

Skill Learning and Sleeping

My latest post on aquavolo.com:

Learning a new skill requires a lot of repeating of particular movements: the more you practice, the better you get. When you do a new swimming drill, you are learning a new skill (or skills).  I read recently about the association between these repetitions (or learning a new drill) and nighttime dreams.

According to Richard Restack (“Think Smart”), when you sleep the brain “replays the activity that occurred when something was learned during the previous day”.   The more you learn during the day the ”greater the amount of replay during the night”.   The greater the amount of replay at night, the better you will do that movement or drill the next day.

After the practice of a new skill or drill our brain needs a certain amount of time to  “consolidate” the

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Endurance Training and Coconut Water (and more)

For the long ride, I took 2 bottles, one with plain water and one with coconut water. A couple of years ago I discovered coconut water when I was looking for an alternative to the common sports drink. Coconut water is full of natural electrolytes and potassium that’s needed for proper fluid balance and muscle function. It’s also a natural cooling agent because the liquid form of potassium is quickly absorbed into your system and keeps all the great water in your cells to cool you down. That’s why people living in warm climates, like Thailand and Brazil, drink it. I also drink coconut water before going to bed when I’ve had a little too much red wine while out with friends – gets rid of that dry cotton mouth in the morning.

Read Full Article at AquaVolo.com

FAQ about DragSox

source: AquaVolo.com

What is DragSox™ ?
DragSox is a power training device that is used in the water.

What’s so cool about them?
The beauty of DragSox is in their simplicity and effectiveness.  They add significant amount of resistance while being completely noninvasive.  Its totally unique design allows the swimmer to maintain natural body position and balance with complete freedom of movement.  Also, they look cool.  When you are in the pool, everyone will want to talk to you.

How can DragSox  benefit me?
DragSox add a lot of resistance in the water.  To overcome that resistance, your muscles have to work harder.  The harder your muscles work, the stronger and more powerful they will become.  If you want to get stronger, more powerful and faster, DragSox are for you.

Who are DragSox for?
Anyone who wants to improve physically (get stronger, more powerful and faster) and doesn’t mind hard work.

Who are DragSox NOT for?
If you don’t want to work hard or have the patience to see improvements over time then DragSox are not for you.

Who uses DragSox?
A wide range of people use them: from elite swimmers to lap swimmers who only recently learned how to swim, from age group swimmers to people who could be their grand-parents,  swimmers, runners, triathletes and other athletes who do cross-training in the water.

What strokes can DragSox be used in?
DragSox can be used in all four strokes.

Can I use DragSox with fins?
Yes.  There is an opening at the bottom that was designed specifically for this purpose.

What else are DragSox good for?
It is an excellent training device for water running.  Check this video to see what it looks like:http://aquavolo.com/video/water-running-dragsox™.
You can use them for water aerobics (in the deep end).
Some people use them for rehabilitation after an injure (talk your physician first).
If you come up with some clever use for DragSox, let us know and we’ll add it here.

Are DragSox similar to parachute?
They are similar only in the way that both create resistance.  Swimming with parachute, however, is extremely annoying because you’re always kicking the strap.  This is a common complaint.   We, for once, have never met a swimmer who wouldn’t complain about parachute (and we know a lot of swimmers!).  In fact, this dislike of swimming with a parachute was one of the reasons why we invented DragSox.  (here is a related post: http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/01/swimming-parachute-vs-dragsox)

Are DragSox similar to fins?
No.  They are the opposite of fins.  Please read this post for more information:
http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/01/dragsox-are-opposite-fins

Are DragSox similar to Power tower?
Please read this post: http://aquavolo.com/journal/article/2011/03/dragsox™-vs-power-tower

What do you really think about DragSox?
DragSox is the best power training device on the market for swimmers!  Seriously, as swimmers, we have tried all kinds of power training gear and none of it is as effective and fun to use as DragSox.  We have been training with DragSox for a while now but still,  every time we do a workout with them, we get an unbelievable sense of satisfaction!

Where can I buy DragSox?
You can buy them from our online store: http://aquavolo.bigcartel.com/

 

Kick Hard Swim Fast!

Water Running with DragSox™

Water running with DragSox™ is great as cross training as well as for those who are injured and cannot bike and/or run.

Here is a short post describing it and a video: Water Running with DragSox™

Water Running with DragSox | AquaVolo

DragSox™ demo session at Marin Pirates (via AquaVolo)

Re-post from AquaVolo.com: DragSox demo session at Marin Pirates

We were invited to give a demo of DragSox with Coach Cokie Lepinski and the Marin Pirates this morning. I gave a brief introduction to DragSox mentioning that it is a power training tool and that it is not easy, especially when you first try them out and then we gave the sample sets. You can read more about the workout at the Marine Pirates Master’s team site.

Thank you Cokie for your invitation and for you great review!

Open water endurance workout with DragSox™ (part 2)

Here is a good workout for those who are training for open water season and/or a triathlon:

As I am building up my endurance for the upcoming open water season in May, I wanted to avoid doing long boring sets. This isn’t always easy to achieve…. until DragSox™ came along. Swimming short distances with DragSox mixed with medium distances without equipment is the perfect recipe for an awesome endurance workout. If swimming 10 x 400 doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’ll be thrilled with the workout below. The NE sets will feel easy and relaxing, while the DragSox sets will work your strength & power.

Go here to read the whole workout.

DragSox™ on GoSwim.tv!

Here is a quick review of DragSox by Glenn Mills from GoSwim.tv: Swimming Picture of the Week.

DragSox™ by AquaVolo