Keep the arms at your sides, or extend them in a super-streamlined position. When you need a breath, take a breaststroke pull and surface. Don't hold your breath past the point of discomfort. Kick with fins. This is not cheating.
Weak swimmers can achieve better body position and advanced skills more quickly.
And all swimmers will gain leg power and speed and an improved sense of what fast, efficient swimming feels like. Light, medium-blade fins are best because they allow a tight, quick, steady kick that matches your natural stroke rhythm. My favorite type of fin is the Slim Fin, a bladed fin designed to match the natural stroke rhythm of nearly every swimmer. Inc. All rights reserved.