The Vasa Swim Ergometer is a dryland swim training device for home or commercial use. It is the top-level unit sold by Vasa (http://www.vasatrainer.com/index.php), at the retail price of $1799. I purchased one in November of 2007 for the purpose of triathlon swim training.
The Ergometer is solidly built, easy to assemble, and able to withstand rigorous use. The user lies face down on the bench, and using swim paddles attached to cords, simulates the swim stroke. It employs air resistance, rather than stretch cords, to simulate water resistance. This gives a more uniform resistance throughout the pull, closer to that felt in water. The bench also moves forward on a rail, which simulates the body moving over the hands, as happens in actual swimming. Because of these two attributes, it feels very much like swimming in water.
Unlike swimming in water, the Ergometer offers real time feedback electronically with timing, distance, velocity and wattage information. The electronics are reliable and easy to use, but I would like to see some additional features added. For example, it offers the ability to retain and report interval time, distance and speed, but not wattage (as far as I can tell). I suspect that the Vasa people will continue to add features to the electronics over time.
I was initially concerned about the lack of body rotation and potential shoulder impingement during the recovery phase of the stroke due to lack of rotation. The catch phase of the stroke is normally done in a fairly flat position, and the pull phase is not affected by lying flat. I notice that when I reach, extend and catch, I tend to push my hip into the bench as if preparing to rotate. The recovery phase is kept low, with the hand kept beneath the rail of the machine, so no shoulder impingement occurs.
My main reason for purchasing the Ergometer was a lack of improvement in my swim times, despite having tried different training plans and increased time swimming. I tried multiple methods to diagnose the flaws in my stroke and to correct them without success. With the Ergometer and expert instruction from my coach, Al Lyman, via the use of a Flip video camera, I was able to slow things down, remove a lot of the resistance of water, and focus on the mechanics of my stroke. Once I could isolate my technique flaws, I was able to correct them and slowly build the required strength and flexibility to execute an excellent stroke pattern. Then I slowly increased resistance to more closely approximate that of water, and then applied the new neuromuscular pattern, strength and flexibility to the water. I anticipate faster race times this year as a result of this process.
I also find that I am swim training far more frequently than when I had to get to the pool for every session. I am not boxed into training times by pool times or availability, and the time invested in my swim training is used much more efficiently. I swim more frequently, but it takes less overall time. I work quite hard when I use the Ergometer, this is not “something for nothing”, but I am spending time working on my swim instead of driving to and changing at the pool. I continue to go to the pool once weekly to apply what I am learning on the Ergometer.
Vasa’s customer service is responsive, friendly and helpful. I am confident in their product and in their service. They are true innovators, and I expect they will continue to develop and improve their products. I recommend the Vasa Ergometer without reservation.
As part of a cross promotion with XTRI.COM, Vasatrainer.com is giving away a new Vasa Ergometer swim bench on May 2, 2008! Athletes and coaches 18 years or older are eligible to enter the drawing. To enter, go to: www.vasatrainer.com/xtri.
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