The word “legs” often gives nightmares to both competitive swimmers and Masters athletes. In this article we will be testing out three drills that might make it less frustrating to work out your legs.
We all know that almost nobody likes working out their legs, because it can be boring, definitely tiring and calls for real focus. Indeed, to train your legs effectively you must mainly concentrate on the flexibility of your ankles and your body position to generate an optimum leg kick.
Our first tip is to wear fins for three simple reasons:
1. they allow you to engage a larger surface area of water;
2. they help you focus better on your ankles and legs in general;
3. they help you move faster.
Now let’s test out the three drills we’re suggesting.
Drill with vertical legs
This drill is particularly popular with swimmers. It is seen as a fun exercise, because it is often performed together as a group and not in the usual swim lanes. In actual fact it is an extremely tough drill, even though it is easy to perform, and also an excellent exercise for strengthening your legs. Take up a vertical position in the water. Keep your head above the water, so that you can breathe and your fingertips at the surface. Now begin to make vertical leg kicks. You can do this with either a…
