Can anyone advise me on this? I am used to swiming 30-40 lengths front crawl twice-ish a week for years and years and years. It tires me, and keeps me fit. I kick my legs as hard as I can.
Am training for the swim part (approx 30 lengths) of a tri-athlon (two friends doing the other parts). Recently had a session in the pool with a friend who trains triathlon swimmers who advised I kick hardly at all, change my breathing, and adjust my stroke. Result is that I swim just as fast, with alot less effort and can maintain my speed over a longer distance and am much less puffed.
Which is great for times on my swim. But am I going to maintain my fitness levels, and burn as many calories/stay as toned on my legs if I am not kicking as much??
It just seems weird that I come out of a pool now having swum 60 lengths feeling refreshed and like I could carry on doing more, compared to doing 40 lengths and feeling more tired. Should I revert to the way I used to swim after my triathlon if my priority is fat burn and fitness over distance?
Not life threatening I know, just interested.
Thanks,
Bloss