Swim Lessons : totally worth it

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2011-02-07 11:04 AM

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Subject: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
Had my 2nd swim lesson this past friday, got into the pool today, and I must say, money well spent. I don't come from any swim background, for me, swimming had been purely survival swimming, never athletic swimming. Taking TI lessons, and after my second lesson, just started to get into full stroke swimming. after just 2 lessons, i've already knocked my 100m time down from 2:30 to 2:00, and it really does feel much more effortless. By no means am I a swimmer at this point, but I actually feel as if i'm on my way. Just the few key pieces really do make a huge difference
1) keep the head down
2) breathing: rotate the whole body on an axis (a la pig on a spit roaster)
3) stroke: dont lead with the hand, sweep the elbow forward with the arm relaxed and just hanging along for the ride
4) practice and RELAX

2011-02-07 11:29 AM
in reply to: #3343015

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
Congrats on the swimming accomplishment! 

If you keep up #4, then #1-3 will fall into place.  
2011-02-07 11:35 AM
in reply to: #3343078

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
#1 & #2 go together, but #1 is what will get you faster.  When your head goes up your legs go down and cause drag.  Glad it's starting to click for you.
2011-02-07 5:14 PM
in reply to: #3343015

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
That's great! My first lesson is tonight.
2011-02-07 5:21 PM
in reply to: #3343015

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
Awesome!  As I posted in another thread, I had my first lesson yesterday and while it was extremely humbling (I expected that part) it was a great experience.  I am just like you, swimming has always just been something I would do to not drown.  I knew it wasn't something you just picked up but was surprised at how many elements really make up proper form/technique.  Toward the end of lesson one it was starting to click, or at least I could start to FEEl that something actually was working and it was great.  Can't wait until it all falls into place, my brain quits trying to overthink everything and it just becomes natural.

Funny little thing my coach told me... "You come from a running background, like most people I see, which means you try and swim like you run.  Since I come from a swimming background I try to run like I swim and you should see that!" 

Edited by thebigb 2011-02-07 5:23 PM
2011-02-07 8:56 PM
in reply to: #3343015

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it

I have been swimming my share of years, but I have reset my sights on some longer swims. i realized I can't just power my way through them so i need to get more efficient. So once a month I pay my Masters coach to give me a lesson (he basically takes anywhere from 3 to 4 swimmers and works one on one with each of us during the hour. Best money I've spent in years.

2011-02-07 9:47 PM
in reply to: #3343015

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Subject: RE: Swim Lessons : totally worth it
It sounds like you're getting strong fundamentals in a short time. Congratulations!
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