Swim Set Questions

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2009-03-31 11:56 PM

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Subject: Swim Set Questions
I'm following some of the swim workouts on BT. I'm not from a swimming background, so I don't know the basics of swim workouts. My big question; for a set of say 4 x 100, is there a specific rest period between each 100? Do you completely recover? Or some secrect swim rule you only rest X seconds between 100's?

Any suggestions appreciated. Or if there are links on BT that give guidlines / definitions of swim workouts that would be great.

2009-04-01 12:08 AM
in reply to: #2053325

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Subject: RE: Swim Set Questions

Usually it will tell you how long your rest interval is going to be, but after looking at your program for the week to come it doesn't really give you any idea.  I'll let a better swimmer help you out on that.

Once again, i've been absolutely no help.  Just doing my job.

2009-04-01 12:11 AM
in reply to: #2053325

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Subject: RE: Swim Set Questions
If my plan doesn't give me a RI then I usually rest as long as it takes to be able to swim the next 100 as fast as the previous or faster depending on the purpose of the workout. This will take some time in the pool to learn but the more you swim the better you'll get and the less recovery time you'll need. I'm no expert swimmer but it's kind of the logic that I've followed.
2009-04-01 4:44 AM
in reply to: #2053356

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Subject: RE: Swim Set Questions
Longer rest periods are to build speed, shorter rest periods are to build endurance.  I would say rest :15 to :20 for endurance, :30 to :45 if your goal that day is to increase your speed.  I have swim sets that have 5 second rest and some have a minute rest.  If you are just starting out and are gasping for breath, probably take a little longer with the goal to shorten those rest periods down the line.  I've even seen sets where the rest period decreases until you barely have time to glance at the clock before you are off again!
2009-04-01 7:21 AM
in reply to: #2053426

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Subject: RE: Swim Set Questions

hildekq - 2009-04-01 4:44 AM Longer rest periods are to build speed, shorter rest periods are to build endurance.  I would say rest :15 to :20 for endurance, :30 to :45 if your goal that day is to increase your speed.  I have swim sets that have 5 second rest and some have a minute rest.  If you are just starting out and are gasping for breath, probably take a little longer with the goal to shorten those rest periods down the line.  I've even seen sets where the rest period decreases until you barely have time to glance at the clock before you are off again!

I come from a swimming background, and I 2nd this. I usually rest around 15-30 seconds between sets unless I am really going hard on a short set of sprints, then it's less.  Just try to make sure you keep your form as good a possible. If you're really struggling, take more time. The endurance will come, just keep swimming!!

2009-04-01 7:45 AM
in reply to: #2053426

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Subject: RE: Swim Set Questions

hildekq - 2009-04-01 5:44 AM Longer rest periods are to build speed, shorter rest periods are to build endurance.  I would say rest :15 to :20 for endurance, :30 to :45 if your goal that day is to increase your speed.  I have swim sets that have 5 second rest and some have a minute rest.  If you are just starting out and are gasping for breath, probably take a little longer with the goal to shorten those rest periods down the line.  I've even seen sets where the rest period decreases until you barely have time to glance at the clock before you are off again!

That's good to know.

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