Tips on becoming a stronger monofin swimmer

[teeth4u]

I have a finis wave and I love it but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or exercises on how to become better at using it. By that I mean being able to maximize propulsion, be able to maneuver comfortably, stay under longer, and do cool tricks and all that. I want to go to a local pool to practice but I would feel better about going if I had some specific things to practice rather than just goofing off and swimming around.

[PearlieMae]

IMHO...Distance...I've been swimming with my fin for more than five years and now I can do miles around my lake. There's no quick fix, it's like running...you can't start off running marathons. Do tons of laps and you will build the muscles you need to do all the other stuff!

[Aziara]

What about those of us that can't go swimming very often? Any ideas on some land exercises that would build the muscles used in mermaid swimming?

[MerEmma]

Crunches! =D ;\

[PearlieMae]

There is a crunch I find particularly helpful...on the edge of a chair or low ledge (be careful because this is a question of balance as well as strength), sit on the edge with your legs extended in front of you, lean back so you are stretched out at a 45˚ angle. Slowly pull your knees to your chest, crunching your abs, then slowly extend your legs and straightening your back. Do ten reps before relaxing and putting your feet back on the ground. Keep good form and do them SLOWLY.

Build up to a lot of them!

[Aziara]

Oof! That does work my midsection pretty good. It's kinda sneaky though, it seemed so easy on my first rep or two, then it started to burn. I wonder if planks would help me (face down on floor, lift self up on forearms and toes), as I mostly feel sore in my low back after mermaiding. I think I need to research some core exercises and make my own 'mermaid workout' lol.

[PearlieMae]

I imagine Pilates are really good, as well as yoga, but generally, I just wait until swimming season and swim my butt off and laze around the rest of the year! (I see by your profile you are old enough, so here's my REAL secret: LOTS OF SEX!) Hahaha!

[Aziara]

Whaa-ha-ha! Sure my husband won't argue with that! :D

[teeth4u]

I love how the majority of active users here are people of age! I love not feeling like I'm too old to be a mermaid. Thanks for the tips! I'm going to try to get to the pool as much as possible but I'll have to do some other work outs as well.

[PearlieMae]

Never too old to be Mer.