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)

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

Swimming with Parachute vs. DragSox (repost from AquaVolo)

Parachute was one of the things I thought about when I was developing DragSox.  I liked the drag that parachute created but there were two things that I really didn’t like about them.  One was that my foot was constantly hitting the strap, making it hard to get into the rhythm of the stroke.  This is a common complaint.  Second is that because the parachute is attached to the waist, it slightly pulls you down, changing your body position.  The change in body position is not huge but it is there.  I wanted  a device that would give benefits of the drag with out the drawbacks I listed.  I wanted something that I could move freely in and keep my natural body position.  DragSox gives all of these.

A few months ago, I tried modifying a parachute to attach to the ankles.  Read more

Our Sunday Swim Workout | Stations

WU + drills = 30 min

This is a slightly modified version of Dave Marsh‘s set* (we used DragSox instead of Power Tower and adjusted some intervals).

Repeat each station twice.

1) 4 x 25 swim with DragSox DPS @1:00 + 4 x 25 all out swim no equipment @ 0:20

2) 4x stretch cord kicks (kick till you stop moving and then kick for another 5 seconds) + 4x 25 kick @ 0:30; descend 1-4 to all out.

3) 5 x pullouts with DragSox + 25 sprint swim with DragSox; 0:20 rest + 25 sprint swim with fins; 0:40 rest + 25 sprint swim no equipment.

4) 4x stretch cord kicks + 10 seconds, 4×25 kick with vertical board (VB) 12.5 then easy for 12.5 @0:50.

5) 3x quadruple cord kick outs, 3x quadruple cord kick outs plus two strokes, 4x double cord kick outs without breath in between.

Cool down

more workouts here.

* (you can find other excellent Dave Marsh’s workouts on Joel Elber’s blog)

Request a DragSox Demo Workout

Any swim team in the Bay Area can now request a DragSox Demo workout on site:

AquaVolo DragSox Demos are workouts designed by our team and pre-approved by your coach. DragSox will be provided for up to 25 team members for one session that will be led by our team and your coach. The Demo workout is the most effective method to learn the different ways to train with DragSox.  More here…