Monofins and exercise benefits?

[OceanWhisper]

Hey everyone :) Just wondering, as I've never used a monofin before, (just two normal fins) would using a monofin regularly do anything good for muscles? I guess it would, but as in would it help me exercise abdominal muscles etc? :p thanks :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Before I started mermaid swimming, I had a fat wobbly belly. After 3 months or so, wobbly belly has been replaced by stiff, solid belly. No six pack yet, but I'm sure the abs are just biding their time!

And I feel stronger in health and body. I used to have a low immunity to colds, flu etc, but now that I've started swimming exercises, I don't get sick much anymore.

[Echidna]

Using a monofin will build up core strength, and leg and abdominal muscle.
Starting out with a smaller monofin (or using bifins with dolphinstyle) will help the transition if you still lack muscle for monofinning.

[OceanWhisper]

Awesome :D thanks girls :) So it sounds like mermaiding is good for many aspects :P I can't wait to start swimming with my monofin once it arrives :D

[Mermaid Jaffa]

It really is a good workout. I always sleep early in the evening after my swim.

[OceanWhisper]

haha cool :) it's probably going to tire me out when i first start, but i don't care! :D

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I do mermaid stretches at the side of the pool before I swim. It helps so I don't pull muscles or get leg cramps.

I sit on the side of the pool wall, and pretend to touch toes, in the case my fluke. Then swish fluke back and forth, and use feet to wave fin back and forth in the water. I know now, you don't use the legs to kick, but I stretch the muscles in legs also. Swish tail up above the water's surface as high as I can lift it, then slap it back down all the way to the pool wall. The water resistance provides a good workout too! Then arm stretches high up into the air like you're reaching for apples on a tree...

I also slow my breathing down by relaxing and not thinking too much, so I don't be all panicky cos I "lost" my legs.

[OceanWhisper]

I'll have to remember these. I do stretches for dancing, so I'll be able to do some of those and include yours in too :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

The best thing is, when people see me do that, they'll just think the mermaid is playing by herself!

[OceanWhisper]

tehehe ^.^ "secret mermaid business"