Here is some dryland training to try. Also getting the quads and hip flexors stretched out to allow that inverted U shape helps. You can pull or lever your legs up if your core and back is activated. http://www.fitsugar.com/Superman-Back-Exercise-21698158
It is also true that keeping the arms and shoulders high lowers the front and lifts the legs.
The suggestion of a streamline kick only is a good one. I use a Finis snorkel and kick for laps in streamline (400-800M) keeping my arms high and working to maintain a solid, stretched out and low drag position.
Working on the kick has really helped the whole core situation.
PS: I am 170 6’1" with long legs and was a sinker!
Wish I could help you but I’m the same way. I sink like a rock. But I’ve been told anyone can float so I’m interested in what others say.
I’m a runner with pretty low body fat. At some point doesn’t physics just take over? If a person is more dense than water, won’t they just sink no matter what they do?
Yup you are exactly right. That’s why all world class swimmers are pure fat… /pink
We were talking about floating, not swimming. Yes I realize world class swimmers are muscular. They are moving forward in the water while staying on top, not the same as floating. I would bet that most people who can float well are not built like world class swimmers.
We were talking about floating, not swimming. Yes I realize world class swimmers are muscular. They are moving forward in the water while staying on top, not the same as floating. I would bet that most people who can float well are not built like world class swimmers.
Even world class swimmers can float if they inhale and hold their breath.
You will too, I guarantee it. Take a deep breath, flatten yourself out in the water, and you’ll maybe require the faintest of a kick to keep yourself on top of the water.
I used to feel the same way as you (ex-pure runner and weighlifter, high BMI with very low body fat) but indeed, I too can float perfectly well for freeestyle swimming no doubt about it. I’ll sink like a rock if I exhale, yes, but with swimming, there’s enough air and propulsion to keep you going.
It’s also not a matter of swimming fast. Yes, swimming fast helps you stay on top of the water, but you can float even with near-zero (or zero) propulsion. There’s a good youtube video of a guy wearing lots of ridiculous goofy hats but doing an excellent (and very difficult) swim float demonstration where he doesn’t even move any body part and gets himself totally flat. He’s also not a fatty.