Triathlon and mulit-sport coach Al Lyman explains that while stretch cords can be used for a limited set of prehab, rehab, and stroke exercises, the Vasa Swim Ergometer offers athletes far more options and benefits.
The Vasa Swim Ergometer allows for precise control of resistance, exact measurement of power and stroke rate, the ability to replicate swim workouts, and the ability to measure progress.
First, you can get objective data with the Swim Ergometer. In fact, there is no other way you can truly learn what your swim power is when you are swimming. It can’t be measured in the water, and it certainly can’t be measured with tubing. With the monitor and the ability to measure watts or right and left arm force production, you can truly see how strong and powerful you are. Second, there is variable resistance – 7 different door settings – air resistance that feels a lot like water. Third, you can do very similar workouts to what you can do in a pool… 500-600 meters or up to 3000-4000 or more if you are training for long course racing in triathlon or if you are an open water swimmer. So the options are endless with the different ways you can train with the Vasa Erg.
Stretch cords allow just a few swim-specific exercises. In fact, in the 5 years I’ve had my Ergometer, I continue to learn new ways that it can enhance training time, training effectiveness and training efficiency. So unequivocally, the Vasa Swim Ergometer is so much more valuable and it offers benefits far beyond what can be gained from tubing or stretch cords.