sore arms

[ewa.swimmer]

Over the last few weeks I've noticed that my forearms are getting really tired when I do fly. That tells me I'm doing something wrong and using the small muscles in my arms instead of the big ones in my chest and back.

I can't seem to find what to change. Any suggestions?

[daveblt]

It could be the position of your hands as they come over the surface .TI butterfly recovery is now palms down facing the surface rather than the back of the hand facing forward which causes less strain on the arm . Also if you feel as if you have to muscle your way to the surface for a breath by using your arms instead of body rhythm that can put an extra load on the arms .Your undulations should send your hands out of the water and then your arms should be relaxed on the recovery .


Dave

[dwdvagamundo]

Try using less arms and more body; use the least possible force on your arms that permits you to get them out and back into the water. For me, that means feeling like I'm swimming slower although I'm really not.

[Adam]

I think it's also related to where you invest your effort.
Assuming you're still trying to just hold on with your arms as your undulations propel you forward, investing your effort when your arms are in front of the shoulders, should use your back and chest muscles. Trying to use strength when the arms are already behind your shoulders will use less chest and back muscles and more arm muscles. What you should really be doing at that point is sliding the arms toward recovery.

I find that imaging you're throwing your shoulders at a forward circular motion and at the same time simply letting go helps with this.