slapping

[Limerick]

not a question about violence!
At some reacent galas Ive noticed swimmers slapping their muscles prior to doing their race (some of them quite violently!).
I guess its part of their warm up routine and I dont know if its supposed to have any actual physical benefits, or are they just psyching themselves up?
I guess that teh act of slapping a muscle is actually drawing blood to the skin, which would brind your blood to the skin and away from the muscles?
Any ideas about if slapping has any benefit before doing a race?

[MadHighroller]

I doubt it is physically beneficial... ?

Probably just waking them selves up or psyching themselves up as you said....

[Tewson Veste]

Gets you alert and gets the mind working on what is to come. Well it does for me.

[Bold Dave]

Its Mental - literally ......if my boy dosen't give the thighs a good belt I know he is not up for it and might as well go back to the book. All part of the "dance" as they say of getting in the zone. Maybe an element of intimidation as well the bigger swimmers seem to enjoy the Gorilla like displays the most which is fine as long as they back it up in the pool.
Does it work? I'll tell you in July after the Age Groups!!

[Limerick]

Im often tempted at galas to offer my help with giving them some proper slaps!

[manic porpoise]

Originally Posted by Limerick

Im often tempted at galas to offer my help with giving them some proper slaps!

Let me know if they accept!

I prefer peace and quiet before my swims. It's best if I can get at least half way through before I wake up.

[Laugh Out Loud]

Originally Posted by Bold Dave

Its Mental - literally ......if my boy dosen't give the thighs a good belt I know he is not up for it and might as well go back to the book. All part of the "dance" as they say of getting in the zone. Maybe an element of intimidation as well the bigger swimmers seem to enjoy the Gorilla like displays the most which is fine as long as they back it up in the pool.
Does it work? I'll tell you in July after the Age Groups!!

I think a lot of swimmers try and annoy the other swimmers and delay the start of the race good on the refs who blow long whistle while some are still doing it!!

[MadHighroller]

Originally Posted by manic porpoise

Let me know if they accept!

I prefer peace and quiet before my swims. It's best if I can get at least half way through before I wake up.

Well it's working !