You can buy pull buoys online or from sporting goods stores. Some pools will have pull buoys that you can use or rent while you’re training. If the pull buoy has ropes, you can adjust their length until they’re comfortable.

If one side of your pull buoy is larger than the other, have the larger end facing the front. If your buoy has ropes connecting the foam pieces, hold the ropes in between your thighs so the foam is in front of and behind you.

You can buy ankle bands online or from a sporting goods store. If you don’t have an ankle band, you can also use a small inner tube.

The pull buoy will try to float once you’re in the water so make sure to keep it underneath you until you’re reading to start swimming.

Use hand paddles to give your upper body more of a workout.

It’s easier to practice bilateral breathing while using a pull buoy because your legs aren’t using up as much oxygen when you aren’t kicking. [6] X Research source

Don’t kick during any of the strokes since it could give you poor form.

Scale your workout over time so you’re swimming or pulling a further distance each time. For example, start by swimming 100 m (330 ft) with and without the pull buoy, and then increase the distance to 200 m (660 ft) for exercise.