The importance of swim fins when training
Sporting equipment has evolved over the years, however, one training tool remains a constant for swimmers – swim fins. Billed as one of the most important ‘dry-land’ swimming training tools, swim fins help to improve leg strength and enhance kicking technique, ultimately allowing swimmers to become faster swimmers. While there are several types of swim fins available, picking the best for training can be quite difficult, especially for beginners.
Short vs. long swim fins
There are two primary types of swim fins that are popular with both beginners and seasoned swimmers – short and long fins. Short fins are ideal for swim-focused workouts such as leg exercises, flip-turn techniques, and pool laps. However, short fins are less versatile and less suited for general swimming with strokes like freestyle or breaststroke. Long swim fins, on the other hand, help build muscle in the legs and core, build cardiovascular stamina, and are suitable for swimming with various strokes – this makes them more versatile overall.
Top recommended swim fins for training
The swim fin market is vast, which may make selecting the best swim fins for training quite challenging. However, some swim fins stand out for their effectiveness at improving a swimmer’s performance. The Speedo Powerfin PRO is one such swim fin, favored by professional swimmers and beginners alike. Another popular swim fin for training is the TYR Sport Tracer, known for its bionic design and available in short and long versions to suit a swimmer’s needs.
Customizing swim fins for training
No two swimmers have the same swimming style, so it only makes sense that swimmers should customize swim fins to fit their individual needs. For example, if one’s primary focus is to build leg strength, he/she may benefit from a longer swim fin that offers more resistance. Conversely, if one is looking to improve stroke and kicking technique, choosing a shorter and more flexible swim fin may be helpful.
Bottom Line
The right pair of swim fins can have a significant impact on a swimmer’s training regimen. When choosing swim fins for training, swimmers should consider their swimming style, whether they prefer short or long fins and select the best swim fin that aligns with their goals. Customizing swim fins can also make a difference in shaping tailored training sessions. Ultimately, the objective of using swim fins for training is to make swimmers better and stronger – picking the right fins will go a long way in achieving this objective.
