The Wetronome: The Best £40/US$70 You Ever Spent on Your Swimming?
On pages 1 and 2 you heard why timing and stroke-rate are so important, now let's introduce how to take full control of it - the Wetronome stroke rate tool.
The Wetronome is simply a sealed waterproof 'beeper' than you can set to different stroke rates. When you swim, you simply stroke to the beep. The Wetronome is so effective and easy to use, it can help almost anyone swim quicker, even swimmers who have been on a plateau for years.
On this page you'll find real-life video examples of the Wetronome improving a swimmer's timing but first, why not watch our introductory video:
So how does the Wetronome help you exactly? There are three ways:
1. Examine your current or “natural” rhythm and timing
Swimming with the Wetronome at your current stroke rate is always revealing because:
- It beeps a perfectly regular rhythm, which shows up a lopsided stroke straight away and lets you focus on correcting it.
- Losing time when you take a breath highlights that your 'catch' is poor when you breathe – a very common problem which you need to work on.
- Pacing problems show up straight away. Most swimmers start their first 50-100m too fast and then slow down. Because they do this every time they swim, it feels perfectly normal. But this is a sure fire way to swim slower overall! Many new Wetronome owners have achieved PBs straight away just by improving their pacing.
- Just focusing on your timing alone can clear your mind of swimming-clutter. All the small things you've been concentrating on with your stroke can clutter your mind, the result being you lose your sense of rhythm and timing. Use the Wetronome to get your timing back.
2. Slow down your stroke
If you are struggling to develop a longer, smoother stroke then use the Wetronome to slow your stroke rate by 2 to 5 strokes per minute (SPM). This gives you time to develop your body roll, extension and catch in an unhurried manner. The beeps are a constant reminder to break the habit of rushing and fighting the water. If you've struggled to become more efficient, this is just what you need to help you. Watch Ian do it:
3. Speed up your stroke
If you have been working on your swim stroke you have probably found some good improvements from lengthening your stroke – well done! But many swimmers hit a plateau after making those improvements. This is simply due to the introduction of deadspots or pauses in your timing and rhythm. The Wetronome helps you to eliminate these deadspots by gradually and precisely increasing your stroke rate. This simply gives you less time to introduce the pauses and they disappear! See Simon doing just this:
Note how a swimmer's stroke doesn’t fall apart as the rate is taken up - the good aspects of your stroke will stick when you speed it up in a controlled manner.
There’s more information about finding the right stroke rate for you on page 2. |
Other Uses for Triathletes
If you are a Triathlete or open water swimmer you can use the Wetronome to experiment with higher stroke rates in open water (5 to 20 strokes per minute higher). If your times are slower in open water than in the pool this is very important for you to appreciate. A higher stroke rate will help you overcome waves and chop much better in open water conditions.
You can also use the Wetronome to improve your cycling and running too:
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I'm sure you can tell that I love this product. I’m so convinced it’s of great value to every swimmer we offer a money back guarantee on every Wetronome. If you are not entirely satisfied with your Wetronome, simply return it within 30 days and we’ll refund you. Simple as that. |
Paul Newsome, Head Coach, Swim Smooth
(By the way, I use a Wetronome all the time with my swimming) :
> Page 4. Wetronome Swimming Sessions
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