Speedo is a swimwear and aquatic equipment company based in Australia. Aquatic exercisers, from Olympic athletes to seniors in water aerobics classes, use Speedo products. The Speedo equipment line has many pieces that enhance a workout in the pool. Each of these pieces can enhance speed or power for the athlete or give anyone a challenging water workout.
Hand Paddles
Strapping on hand paddles will increase the resistance you feel in the water with each stroke. Working out with added resistance helps increase speed and power, cutting down lap times. Hand paddles are used on any stroke and are designed with holes to reduce pressure on the shoulder. Incorporate hand paddles into your swim after you have warmed up.
Pull Buoy
Swimming with a pull buoy enhances upper body strength and development by preventing the legs from kicking. Squeezing the buoy in between your thighs keeps your legs afloat and forces the muscles of your chest, shoulders and upper back to propel your entire body through the water. For an even greater challenge, use an ankle lock to velcro your ankles together. This instability will activate your core. Add extra laps to the end of your swim with these tools to increase the strength and power of your upper body.
Kickboard
The kickboard is the opposite of pull buoy; it takes your upper body out of the equation, forcing your lower body to do all of the work. Wrap your arms around the board, keeping your neck and spine neutral. Take strong kicks to push yourself through the water. Kicking this way will strengthen your legs and core, which will add power to your stroke. Work the kickboard into the early part of your routine, while your legs are fresh.
Aquatic Belt
Deep water exercises are performed using an aquatic belt to keep your head above water while your feet cannot touch the bottom. These exercises go beyond swim training, providing an impact-free workout using the water for its resistive properties. According to the "Cincinnati Enquirer," deep water aerobics classes incorporate traditional aerobic activities, such as marching and kickboxing, with the advantage of water adding three times the resistance that doing the same exercises on land would provide.
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