Mandy, yours is the second video I have seen that actually talks about this, and one other video that kind of mentioned it. It is one of those 'secrets' that many swimmers know, but it isn't taught or explained. For those of us who don't have good ankle flexion, going pigeon toed actually gives you another 10 to 20 degrees of toe point. Also, by going pigeon toed, you end up using the entire side of your feet for propulsion, rather than just your toes. For me, going pigeon toed dropped my time for 25 yards from almost a minute using a gymnastic type toe point, down to 35 seconds. Yes, my kick is pretty weak. I do this with a snorkel, and no kick board, and only push off hard enough to get up to kick speed. The boards promote bad posture. I also use standard body rotation when doing my kicking laps. This does seem to take a couple of kicks off per length of the pool. For unknown reasons, my back stroke kicks are a bit faster, and also it takes maybe 6 to 10 kicks fewer per length when swimming back stroke flutter kicks. The angle of pigeon toedness, or what ever you can call it, seems to be no more than about 45 degrees. Part of that may be because many can't go farther than that. No problem for me, but I can't turn my feet out enough to swim the whip kick.... I am kind of surprised that you haven't done any swim accessories/equipment videos on extra gear that you can use. The fins do stretch your ankles. I won't use the standard frog feet styles. We do not have flat feet like frogs. Our feet are far more 3D. Only ones I have found that promote the pigeon toed style are the Positive Drive fins from Finis. They have about an inch of fin on the big toe side, and 2 to 3 inches on the little toe side. Saw an identical version, but different colors and they were called 'surf rescue fins'. No clue who made them. The Finis ones actually float. I use fins and paddles every work out. Tried the pull buoys, but didn't like them. I have been using a snorkel a lot because I pretty much changed my arm pull totally for freestyle, and swim about 1000 yards of catch up style to focus on the changes I made till I don't have to think about them....
Your arms show a good example of front quadrant swimming. The arm recovery has the band high over the water, good for sea swimming in the waves but for pool the forearm and hand should be relaxed and closer to the surface.
Swimming after a heavy meal is generally not recommended, as it can cause discomfort, cramps, and even increase the risk of drowning. Engaging in physical activity on an empty stomach can also lead to an unpleasant experience, such as feeling sick and sluggish, especially if you push yourself too hard. To prevent these issues, it's important to focus on what you eat before exercising. As a general rule, you should aim to have a meal or snack containing complex carbohydrates, protein, and minimal fat about an hour before your workout. Complex carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy, while protein helps maintain your blood sugar levels and provides the necessary nutrients to your lean body mass. However, after a heavy meal, it's best to wait at least two to three hours before swimming to avoid digestive problems and muscle cramps. If you must swim after a heavy meal, make sure to take it slow and avoid any strenuous activity. Additionally, you can consider eating a light snack with easily digestible carbohydrates and protein before swimming, such as a banana or a granola bar, to provide your body with some energy without feeling too full. Remember to always listen to your body and adjust your exercise routine accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Best, Coach Mandy
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Mandy, yours is the second video I have seen that actually talks about this, and one other video that kind of mentioned it. It is one of those 'secrets' that many swimmers know, but it isn't taught or explained. For those of us who don't have good ankle flexion, going pigeon toed actually gives you another 10 to 20 degrees of toe point. Also, by going pigeon toed, you end up using the entire side of your feet for propulsion, rather than just your toes. For me, going pigeon toed dropped my time for 25 yards from almost a minute using a gymnastic type toe point, down to 35 seconds. Yes, my kick is pretty weak. I do this with a snorkel, and no kick board, and only push off hard enough to get up to kick speed. The boards promote bad posture. I also use standard body rotation when doing my kicking laps. This does seem to take a couple of kicks off per length of the pool. For unknown reasons, my back stroke kicks are a bit faster, and also it takes maybe 6 to 10 kicks fewer per length when swimming back stroke flutter kicks. The angle of pigeon toedness, or what ever you can call it, seems to be no more than about 45 degrees. Part of that may be because many can't go farther than that. No problem for me, but I can't turn my feet out enough to swim the whip kick....
I am kind of surprised that you haven't done any swim accessories/equipment videos on extra gear that you can use. The fins do stretch your ankles. I won't use the standard frog feet styles. We do not have flat feet like frogs. Our feet are far more 3D. Only ones I have found that promote the pigeon toed style are the Positive Drive fins from Finis. They have about an inch of fin on the big toe side, and 2 to 3 inches on the little toe side. Saw an identical version, but different colors and they were called 'surf rescue fins'. No clue who made them. The Finis ones actually float. I use fins and paddles every work out. Tried the pull buoys, but didn't like them. I have been using a snorkel a lot because I pretty much changed my arm pull totally for freestyle, and swim about 1000 yards of catch up style to focus on the changes I made till I don't have to think about them....
GM CM, after learning these simple skills swimming has become much easier and enjoyable! Thanks for all the great tips SWIMVICE 🏊🏽♂️🙏👊🏽😎👏🏽
Excellent Russell! So glad you are enjoying swimming. I look forward to your continued progress! 🙌🏼😎💪🏼
One of my earlier YMCA swimming instructor encouraged me to use a bicycle kick
Thanks for your sharing
Best advice❤
Your arms show a good example of front quadrant swimming. The arm recovery has the band high over the water, good for sea swimming in the waves but for pool the forearm and hand should be relaxed and closer to the surface.
Great tip!
Glad it was helpful! 🙏😎 -Coach Mandy
What are your views on swimming after a heavy meal?
Swimming after a heavy meal is generally not recommended, as it can cause discomfort, cramps, and even increase the risk of drowning. Engaging in physical activity on an empty stomach can also lead to an unpleasant experience, such as feeling sick and sluggish, especially if you push yourself too hard. To prevent these issues, it's important to focus on what you eat before exercising.
As a general rule, you should aim to have a meal or snack containing complex carbohydrates, protein, and minimal fat about an hour before your workout. Complex carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy, while protein helps maintain your blood sugar levels and provides the necessary nutrients to your lean body mass. However, after a heavy meal, it's best to wait at least two to three hours before swimming to avoid digestive problems and muscle cramps.
If you must swim after a heavy meal, make sure to take it slow and avoid any strenuous activity. Additionally, you can consider eating a light snack with easily digestible carbohydrates and protein before swimming, such as a banana or a granola bar, to provide your body with some energy without feeling too full. Remember to always listen to your body and adjust your exercise routine accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Best, Coach Mandy
@@SWIMVICE I appreciate the detailed response. Thank you.