In training why do swimmers use flippers?

Question

so I joined the YMCA to do some swimming. There are several people who use the equipment (the kick board, the pull bouys, the hand paddles). But I can't understand why they use the flippers. If they wanted to work their legs wouldn't using the flippers be cheating?

Answer 1

Have you ever used flippers before?  The increased surface size increases drag in the water, so when you keep it causes alot more resistance than bare feet, so it helps to strengthen the leg muscles that kicking your feet use.

Answer 2

Like hand paddles, flippers increase surface area, so it actually works your legs more than going without. Also, flippers help increase ankle flexibility, and help teach a more efficient leg motion.

Answer 3

they help strengthen your legs and can even fix your kick if it is messed up