I swim at a local YMCA and this is the equipment that we use. There is a pull bouey, and that is a peanut shaped piece of styrofoam that floats. This is put in between a swimmer's legs so that they cannot kick. This improves upper body strength. There are also fins, which are flippers that we use to improve our kicking. Then there are paddles, which are pieces of plastic that are shaped to fit on a person's hand. Then you put the paddle on and your arms are faster. There is also a kick board, and that is a piece of material that you hold on to and kick. This improves your leg strength.