Swimmers use hand paddles for targeted training and strengthening of the arm, shoulder, chest and upper back muscles. At the latest, when no further steps in terms of strength and endurance are achieved in swimming training without aids, not only professional athletes and competition swimmers will also be able to do hand paddling. Before you, however swimming paddlesFor the own training envisages, are in the apron a few points to consider, so that the paddleachieve the desired effect.

For whom are hand paddles suitable?

In principle, you can hand paddles be used by every swimmer. However, there is one strict exception. For children are hand paddles not suitable. The entire muscles used in swimming with hand paddling is not pronounced enough in children and generally too weak. One possible consequence, in addition to overuse, is muscle injury to children. As water toys are the hand paddles In children, however, very popular and safe to use. A prerequisite that a swimmer should bring with him for the use of hand paddling is the proper and safe control of the movements of the swimming style, in which the hand paddles should be used. Errors that have not yet been corrected in the movement sequence can be further developed by training with swimming paddles.

Which training effects can be achieved with hand paddling?

By using hand paddles, two related goals can be achieved. On the one hand, the increased water resistance of the large-area hand paddle specifically trains the musculature in the arms, in the shoulder area as well as the chest muscles and part of the back muscles. Experienced swimmers and in particular competitive swimmers, the use of hand paddles allows an improvement in swimming technique and an optimization of the swimming style for an overall higher performance. Again, the high water resistance plays a role that allows a simple check of the hand and arm hand position with respect to the lowest possible resistance in the non-propulsion phase of the swimming movement.

The arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle promote a natural hand posture during training due to the arched, ergonomic shape. The attachment of the hand paddle takes place with infinitely adjustable, soft and elastic silicone straps. A circumferential rubber padding reduces the risk of injury to the wearer and other swimmers using the paddles in well-frequented swimming pools and pools.

What size and shape of the handpaddle is optimal?

For a start small hand paddles with a broken surface are recommended. Slots or holes in the hand paddles facilitate proper guidance of the paddles during swimming movements. Increasing the palm by 20 to 30 percent requires a considerable increase in the amount of force that must be expended on swimming movements. If the desired training effect develops over time, the size of the hand paddle can be increased accordingly. If the hand paddles are only occasionally used, flat hand paddles are perfectly adequate. For an intensive and regular workout ergonomically shaped hand paddles with a curved shape are recommended. The curvature of the hand paddle ensures that the paddles are better in the hand and the hand position corresponds to the naturally arched shape. As a result, the wearing comfort of these paddles is significantly higher.

You should also take a look at the straps of the handpaddle. Eleatic and soft silicone bands, which can be adjusted continuously, are preferable to other types of attachment. An interesting alternative to the large-scale hand paddles are the so-called finger paddles, which are worn only in the area of ​​the fingers and can be used especially for training the correct Armzugtechnik.

As with any exercise, swimming with hand paddles should be done to gradually increase the intensity of your workout. The significant difference to swimming without a paddle otherwise leads quickly to frustration or overloading of the muscles. However, hand paddling in a size appropriate to your own training level can make significant progress over time. The stressed muscles are significantly strengthened and the endurance increases. If used correctly, the swimming style will improve significantly and the speed in the water will increase even without a hand paddle.