Have You Been Told These Lies About Swimming?

Have you heard these lies before?

“I’m not supposed to kick as a triathlete.”
“I need to save my legs for the bike and run.”


These lies are simply not true!

Your kick is an essential part of your freestyle swim that you cannot and must not leave out.

The secret is that you need to develop your kick 🦵 and make it efficient, so you don’t waste so much energy doing it!

Most triathletes have terrible balance in the water. 
Are you one of them?

This means you are swimming with your head up and your legs dragging. 

No wonder you are tired!

But it’s NOT from kicking; it’s from a lack of balance in the water and an inefficient kick. 

A good kick improves your balance, so you are not dragging your legs thru the water.

Three things to look and feel for in your freestyle kick.

1) Are you bending your knees too much instead of kicking from your hips?

Most triathletes often run and bike, so they are strong with their knees bent. However, to flutter kick well, you need to kick from your hips, keeping your knees mostly straight, with a whip-like motion from the hips. Ankles need to be supple and flexible too!

2) Are your heels breaking the surface of the water?

If not, then you are dragging your legs…

I use the analogy of a motor boat with the engine on but without enough power to get it up on a plane so it has less resistance and can glide through the water.

When flutter kicking correctly, your heels and ankles should lightly break the water’s surface- like a gentle boil. There should not be big huge splashes or your whole foot kicking the air. Instead, you need to keep your feet in the water kicking the water.

3) Are your ankles flexible and floppy so your foot can provide up-and-down propulsion in the water?

Getting a swim video analysis is the best way to witness your kick inefficiencies and learn to correct them.

Come learn how to kick correctly at my upcoming Swim Essentials Clinic for video analysis and 12 hours of coached swim training in the pool, open water, and online.

I am hosting a Swim Essentials Clinic February 17-18th…
WILL YOU BE JOINING US?

If you are ready to start swimming the right way, now is the time to take charge of your swimming and learn my step-by-step process of learning how to swim the right way.

  • Swim-specific strength and mobility
  • The exact things you need to do with your head, hands, arms, legs
  • Stop swallowing a mouth full of water with every head turn to breathe.
  • No more anxiety and panic while you swim
  • How to conserve your energy

With my step-by-step program, you can guarantee improved swim performance and reach your desired swim goals. Assessing your current skills and setting clear performance goals will provide a roadmap for your training.

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our coaches and get hands-on instruction to power up your swim!

REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK!

If you know Swim Essentials is for you, Send me an email at info@fullcirclecoaching.com to get on the waitlist!


Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16-week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

Beat the Heat! How to train and race when it’s HOT outside!

Beat the Heat! How to train and race when it’s HOT outside!

It is HOT! The hottest it’s ever been in the history of the world, according to the news!

Please be careful when training in the heat.

Training in the heat can cause excess dehydration, high heart rates, heat stroke, and death! But you can do lots of things to help your body handle the heat and still be able to train and race.

  • Practice training in the heat gradually. Start with 15-30 minutes and increase based on your race distance. This can help your body acclimate to higher temperatures. It’s a good idea to plan some of your training at the exact time of day you will be racing so your body gets used to the heat both mentally and physically.
  • Sauna- sitting in a sauna post-workout for 15 minutes, building up to 20-30 minutes, can help you get used to the heat as well. If possible, do not drink water while in the sauna, but please hydrate per a post sauna.
  • Hydrate and fuel a little extra than you think you should. Your body uses more calories and energy to keep core body temperatures down. I suggest sips of cool hydration every 10 minutes minimum in general while training, but especially if the heat is on.
  • Add extra sea salt to your food and in your water bottles. Remember to add a good-quality electrolyte mix. My favorite is the watermelon electrolyte supplement from Body Health. Organic coconut water is also helpful for added electrolytes.
  • Cooler drinks can help while training in the heat, but be careful with cramping in the stomach if the drink is too cold; one tip is to hold the ice water in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing and take smaller sips.
  • Cool towels and sponges are sometimes offered on the race course. Using this in training works great too! Apply them to your forearms, forehead, back of your neck, and crotch area- be careful not to get your socks wet in your shoes which can cause blisters. Cool forearm sleeves can also be helpful.
  • Pre-Cooling- being in air conditioning or under a fan before training or racing can help you handle the heat longer.
  • Keep your face shaded with a visor instead of a closed-off baseball cap, and stay away from black helmets and race and training kits; black increases heat!
  • Never skip an aid station on the race course; reduce your pace to keep moving forward as needed.

I used every single one of these tips while riding across the desert during RAAM last year. They make a big difference for me and my athletes racing warmer races.

Happy heat training and racing!

Join my private Facebook group, Triathlon Obsessed, for tons of tips and triathlon support!

If you’re curious about what’s possible with your training, schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session and let’s do it! Click here: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU 

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16 week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Are you breathing the right way when you swim?

Are you breathing the right way?

WATCH!

Breathing…
Seems like we, as land mammals, should know how to do this instinctually, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

So many factors affect our breathing on land, let alone doing it well while swimming.

This single skill can affect everything you do in the water.

If we’re breathing effectively while we swim, we can perform the necessary movements to swim effectively.

It’s important to breathe while swimming as similar as you do on land.

There should be no breath-holding.

When your face goes underwater, aim to blow bubbles out of your nose for 3 seconds, calmly.

Inhaling through your mouth and exhaling through your nose, most of the time, is key to a calm, efficient breathing pattern and swimming success.

Getting a swim video analysis is the best way to witness your kick inefficiencies and learn to correct them.

Come learn how to kick correctly at my upcoming Swim Essentials Clinic for video analysis and 12 hours of coached swim training in the pool, open water, and online.

ARE YOU JOINING US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS on Saturday, March 25th –
Want to learn more of my best swim tips…

If you are ready to start swimming the right way, now is the time to take charge of your swimming and learn my step-by-step process of learning how to swim the right way.

  • Swim-specific strength and mobility
  • The exact things you need to do with your head, hands, arms, legs
  • Stop swallowing a mouth full of water with every head turn to breathe.
  • No more anxiety and panic while you swim
  • How to conserve your energy

With my step-by-step program, you can guarantee improved swim performance and reach your desired swim goals. Assessing your current skills and setting clear performance goals will provide a roadmap for your training.

Click for complete details & registration!

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our coaches and get hands-on instruction to power up your swim!

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16-week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

Have you been told this lie about your swimming?

Have you been told this lie about your swimming?

Have you heard these lies before?

“I’m not supposed to kick as a triathlete.”
“I need to save my legs for the bike and run.”

These lies are simply not true!

Your kick is an essential part of your freestyle swim that you cannot and must not leave out.

The secret is that you need to develop your kick 🦵 and make it efficient, so you don’t waste so much energy doing it!

Most triathletes have terrible balance in the water. 
Are you one of them?

This means you are swimming with your head up and your legs dragging. 

No wonder you are tired!

But it’s NOT from kicking; it’s from a lack of balance in the water and an inefficient kick. 

A good kick improves your balance, so you are not dragging your legs thru the water.

Three things to look and feel for in your freestyle kick.

1) Are you bending your knees too much instead of kicking from your hips?

Most triathletes often run and bike, so they are strong with their knees bent. However, to flutter kick well, you need to kick from your hips, keeping your knees mostly straight, with a whip-like motion from the hips. Ankles need to be supple and flexible too!

2) Are your heels breaking the surface of the water?
If not, then you are dragging your legs…

I use the analogy of a motor boat with the engine on but without enough power to get it up on a plane so it has less resistance and can glide through the water.

When flutter kicking correctly, your heels and ankles should lightly break the water’s surface- like a gentle boil. There should not be big huge splashes or your whole foot kicking the air. Instead, you need to keep your feet in the water kicking the water.

3) Are your ankles flexible and floppy so your foot can provide up-and-down propulsion in the water?

Getting a swim video analysis is the best way to witness your kick inefficiencies and learn to correct them.

Come learn how to kick correctly at my upcoming Swim Essentials Clinic for video analysis and 12 hours of coached swim training in the pool, open water, and online.

ARE YOU JOINING US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS?
Want to learn more of my best swim tips…

If you are ready to start swimming the right way, now is the time to take charge of your swimming and learn my step-by-step process of learning how to swim the right way.

  • Swim-specific strength and mobility
  • The exact things you need to do with your head, hands, arms, legs
  • Stop swallowing a mouth full of water with every head turn to breathe.
  • No more anxiety and panic while you swim
  • How to conserve your energy

With my step-by-step program, you can guarantee improved swim performance and reach your desired swim goals. Assessing your current skills and setting clear performance goals will provide a roadmap for your training.

Click for complete details & registration!

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our coaches and get hands-on instruction to power up your swim!

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16-week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

Are You Swimming with Scissors?

Are you swimming with scissors?

Many swimmers and triathletes I work with don’t realize they are slowing themselves down while swimming due to using a scissor-style kick instead of a flutter kick.

Here are my top three corrective tips to cure your scissor kick.

A scissor kick is when your feet drift apart wider than the width of your shoulders while you swim freestyle which creates a ton of drag every time you kick,  impeding your forward movement.

The best flutter kick originates from the hips and stays within shoulder width in a vertical format.

Top 3 Tips to improve your kick.
swimming fins to improve speed

1- Fins, use fins for kick sets to help strengthen the ankles and hips. This is my favorite brand and model (Finis Z2 Gold Zoomers)

The flutter kick should be originating from the hips through an almost straight leg and down to a floppy ankle with a slightly pointed foot.

If you are scissor kicking, it indicates tight and weak ankles and hips.  Using fins for the following kick drills can help get rid of your scissor kick.

Sample Workout: Kick 100 yards with fins. – the first 25 kicks on your belly, the second 25 kicks on your side, the third 25 kicks on your back, and the last 25 kicks on the other side.  Watch my video here

Bonus practice; Repeat another 100 yards, all using a Dolphin Kick.

2- Vertical kicking must have a deep pool.
Start with fins and build up to 1 minute of vertical kicking time,
adding rotation
1/4, 1/2, and whole turns to the right and the left while staying in one place is key.
Then, start practicing without fins and get to 1 minute of vertical kick time.
Watch my video here

3- Dryland flutter kicking – great for increasing hip and core strength
Lay on your back – palms down, tucked under your thighs
Chin to chest, head and shoulders off the ground
Lift straight legs off the ground and flutter kick with strong quads, straight knees, and pointed toes for 1 minute. Vary the speed of kicking to mix it up and challenge yourself.
Watch my video here

Our Swim Essentials Program starts March 25th; come join us!

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our expert coaches getting hands-on instruction to power up your swim!

Ready to sign up… please link HERE for all the details.


Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session: WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

How’s your head?

How’s your head?

Proper head position while swimming freestyle is probably the most common thing that needs correction when I work with swimmers.

99% of swimmers look forward instead of straight down in a neutral head and neck position.

Can you imagine walking around looking up all day? Your neck would hurt, and you would miss out on a lot right in front of you!

When you look forward in the water, your forehead breaks the surface of the water (creating drag), and then your hips and legs drop low, also creating drag.

Then when you turn your head to breathe, your mouth is underwater, so you lift your head even higher to get air, and guess what? More drag, more resistance as you swim through the water! NOT FUN!

This is one of the reasons head-up swimmers are slower in the water- too much resistance slowing them down.

But there is a good explanation: swimming with your head up is where most new swimmers start.

We are land mammals and need air to live, and being in water can cause stress in our brains, we could die if we don’t know what we are doing, so the fear is real!

In addition, your fight-or-flight hormones can get triggered simply by being in the water unless you have adequately trained and built your confidence so you feel safe in the water.

The brain will tell the body, “the air is up, so you must lift your head to breathe.” But, as mentioned above, this causes drag and makes slipping through the water in your streamline difficult.

We must reprogram the brain, so it feels safe to face down in the water. Teach yourself to roll on your side rather than lift your head to breathe (look for my other swim technique videos on how to breathe properly while swimming in the water).

The Paddle Lead Drill in this video will help you gain awareness of the perfect place for your head while swimming. With this drill, you can perfect your head position for less drag and still get all the air you need.

-Start by kicking with fins on, arms by your side, and placing the paddle on the top of your head. 

-Your forward movement will keep the paddle in place. Next, start face down, blow your bubbles, and flip onto your back to breathe, keeping the paddle in place.

-The next progression is to kick on your side with the paddle on your head. Start by looking straight down and blowing bubbles out of your nose, then turn your head to the side to breathe without lifting the head and losing the paddle.

-Turn the head so that one goggle and your mouth are clear of the water to breathe in, then look back down to the bottom of the pool and repeat the process. Be sure to practice both sides.

When you have mastered the above, add your arm movement and swim freestyle, still keeping the paddle in place, breathing, and stroking.

When the paddle stays in place the whole time, and you are not swallowing water, you know your head is in the correct position!

Finally, remove the fins and start the whole process over again.

Happy Swimming.

Want to learn all the most critical skills for swimming? My Swim Essentials Program starts March 25th.

Click HERE for complete details & registration!

Do you have other questions? Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and much more.

Drills, Drills, Drills…

Drills, Drills, Drills…


Why do you need to do your drills?

I promise it’s not to annoy you, although many athletes think so…

It is actually to program a new neuro pathway from your brain to your body to help you swim, pedal your bike or run with better form and efficiency.

What does that mean?

Your brain sends messages to your body to perform the movements of swimming biking and running. If you are doing it incorrectly over many days, months and years the pathway gets reinforced over time, even if it is inefficient.

I’ll use swimming as an example.

If you were never taught HOW to swim with proper form and technique, you find a way to move in the water that is most likely incorrect. The more you swim with incorrect form the more reinforced that neuro pathway is.

When you decide you want to get a video analysis from an experienced coach- they should point out what you are doing well and also what you need to do differently to improve performance.

The patterns you learned by winging it, now need to be unlearned. And new patterns created doing it the correct way.

But just telling or showing you what you are doing incorrectly is only the first in a multi step process to correct your inefficiency.

There are so many moving parts that go into swimming well.

So that is where drills can greatly speed up the process of reprogramming those movement patterns.

There is a catch.
You must do the drills correctly if you want them to help you perform better.

So many of my athletes skip over the drills when they get to a certain level of confidence and that is a HUGE mistake.

Drills performed correctly as a part of every single training session can greatly improve the speed at which you become more efficient and get faster.

Drills are created by taking a small section of each phase of the SWIM, BIKE OR RUN. For example, with the freestyle swim stroke (which has so many moving parts) the drills allow you to isolate them so you learn how to do it correctly without getting overwhelmed.

Drills need to be performed over and over and over to perfect them so that you can then know and feel where that move falls into place within the freestyle swim stroke.

It takes a trained eye and years of experience for coaches to be able to:

-Assess a swimmer correctly
-Isolate what they are doing well and what needs work
-And then teach them the drills to practice to correct their form and
-Finally put it all together!

I can say for 100 % certainty I have that skill and can help you identify your limiters and give you the drills to correct them, but YOU have to do the work, repeat the drill over and over and over to create the new neuro pathway in the brain and the body so the correct form is the default move!!!

So, if you want to improve your swimming, biking or running or any sport, you must do the drills and do them correctly over and over and over again.

Even the best athletes in the world are doing their drills on a daily basis to reinforce good technique!!

Happy drills training!

Want to see how we can improve your technique?
Reach out to learn more about our a 1-on-1 video analysis.

Save $50 off your next video analysis in person or virtually Space is limited.

CLICK HERE to secure your spot for a Swim Video Analysis now!

OR, Contact me now to schedule a call and I’ll save you a spot for a session!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

How do you know?

How do you know?

So many of my swimmers join my program and say
“Wow, I did not know, I didn’t know how to swim!”

So how do I evaluate if you can swim or not from a coach perspective ?

I assess you!
First with a swim test (if you have the endurance and fitness to do so).

Here’s the test:
After a short 10 min warm up in the water,
Swim a 400 (16 laps in a 25 meter or yard pool) for time
Rest 10 minutes
Swim a 200 for time

These numbers tell me what the focus of your swim training should be. Even if I don’t see you swim!

If your 400 is over 6 minutes or over 3 minutes for the 200
I know that technique work should be your focus.

I actually don’t recommend longer swims for swimmers in this situation, as I want them to focus on correcting bad form techniques, rather than reinforcing bad technique with longer swims!

How do I correct form?
2nd with a Video analysis.

The camera never lies!
And as humans our body awareness in the water is skewed because it’s not our natural habitat!

I like to see video of you swimming from each side for a full length of the pool, from the front and back, moving to and from the camera and underwater from the front and sides.

From there I can create a program of step by step exercises, drills and corrections to improve your swim!

Then it’s up to you to get in the water and do your homework!

It’s not a miracle solution; nothing will change unless you do the work. It’s not hard work;- it’s just time in the pool and on land!  Doing swim specific strength and stretch is essential to becoming a better swimmer
But the key is also going slow, being intentional with your movements in the water with the drills I prescribe.

Does it work? Hell yes!!
Every single one of my athletes just retested their 400 and 200 from earlier in the year and many are under that 6 and 3 min goal.
Others are getting closer!!

Want to learn more about your swimming…
Check out my open water swim clinic on June 4th / REGISTER HERE

It’s 3 hours of coached training in the open water with our coaches!
Plus, access to our online platform and video analysis.

Swim Essentials Open Water is for you if you want to:

Swim faster than you are now.

Conserve energy as you learn how to swim with less effort.

Understand exactly what you need to do with your head, hands, eyes, arms, body, legs and feet to be able to swim better.

Invest in quality time with coaches in and out of the water for 3 fun-filled hours of swim training.

End your struggle with swimming and learn to LOVE swimming in the water.

Eliminate anxiety and breathing problems in the water.

Learn how to train properly during and after this class is over.

Discounts on future swim coaching to guarantee and ensure success.

Become the swimmer you have always dreamed of.

Get all the magic…
The exact swim mechanics you need for your best swim ever!

And get access to all my pool training when you join!

See you in the water!! REGISTER HERE!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

I’m shocked at how I feel in the water: Swim Testimonial, Frantz Dunel

I’m shocked at how I feel in the water: Swim Testimonial, Frantz Dunel

Coach’s Notes:
Frantz has come a very long way in the swim. Already a very strong runner, we started training for a sprint triathlon.

The swim was definitely his limiter. Being so strong, it can sometimes be difficult to learn that in the swim its all about being SMOOTH, and not pushing hard. After joining my Swim Essentials program and learning the step by step progression of learning how to swim freestyle for triathlon, Frantz has learned how to glide and relax more in the water so he can save energy to then be able to bike and run strong.

Congratulations Frantz, you are officially a SWIMMER!

Why did you want to learn to swim?
1) Well I never knew that I didn’t know how to swim SWIM until FC asked me to swim a few laps in the pool. Jumping off a boat and waddling around for a few minutes or a few strokes to the edge of the pool is not real swimming is what I realized. I wanted to learn the proper technique to further challenge myself, be able to compete in triathlons and to continue being as well rounded as possible for my kids. We live in Miami, we are always traveling to beach destinations or in a pool. Swimming is critical.

What was the hardest part in the process?
2) The hardest part was overcoming the mindset that it was impossible for me to become a swimmer because I had not been doing it for 10+ years like the rest of the group or swimmers at the pool. Swimming I have found to be one of the most challenging sports because it is extremely technical. I found and still find it difficult to put all the pieces together in order to swim “effortlessly”…balance, proper pull, full rotation on the side for breathing, long reach, straight legs and kicking from the hips etc etc.

How does it feel different in the water vs 6 months ago?
3) I am proud and somewhat shocked at how I feel in the water today vs 6 months ago. Aside from the exhausting swim workouts, I genuinely look forward to getting in the water as I feel much more comfortable and confident. As I swim my laps I can hear Coach Erinne in my head and I use that to correct my form, slow down and try and glide vs a frantic gasping for my next breath.

I look forward to moving up to the Olympic distance in May!

SWIM ESSENTIALS CLINIC Starts May 21 in the pool and June 4th, in open water
8 hours, over two focused days of coached swim training in the pool and open water.

WHY DON’T YOU JOIN US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS!
Day one
: May 21st. Meet us at Miami Dade College South Campus pool (830a to 130p).

Day two: The open water session is on June 4th, on Key Biscayne (830a-1230p).

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our expert coaches getting hands on instruction to power up your swim!

READY TO SIGN UP… PLEASE LINK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS.

NON-Members: Use promo code to SAVE $100 if you register by May 15th!!
code: SWIMESS100

*Members, check our group chat for your special promo code savings!!


Or, click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session to see if this program is for you!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16 week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Get Back to Swim Training The Right Way

3 Tips to Get Back to Swim Training the Right Way

I’m pretty sure almost every pool in the world has been closed for a few weeks or months and we have all been missing our regular swims.

With more pools opening every day, it’s important to remember a few things before dialing up the volume your first few weeks back.

You might be super excited to swim that 3000+ yard/meter workout your forth day back but, that’s a great way to get an injury right from the start.

Be smart with your training; Frequent, shorter swims are the way to go for the first few weeks.

Here are 3 tips to ensure a successful re-entry into swim fitness
1- strength and mobility

This is even more important if you have taken some time off from the pool or open water. If you jump back in with a 3000 meter set without much fitness, you may end up with an over use injury right from the get go.

Don’t let this be you!
Start doing or keep up with your dry land basics before adding on too much volume to your swim sets. Strength training makes you faster in the water and prevents injury so don’t skip it! Also, I recommend a minimum of two days/week of strength training as a part of any swim training program.

Check out my swim video that covers a handful of the basic strength moves to include in your routine.

2- Start back with more frequent shorter training. If you want to swim 2-3 days/week, keep the first 2 weeks at 1200-1500 meters and stack on 15 min of strength after your session; you will get back to swim form faster with less soreness and fatigue.

3- Form Form Form. The better your swim form is the faster you swim. Nothing replaces this. Be sure to include mostly drills in the 1200-1500 meter swim session I mentioned above after taking a few weeks or more out of the water. You will definitely feel less fluid In the water after taking time off. That is to be expected. The drills will help you get back the feel for the water sooner!

Here are 3 workouts to try your first week back:

Dry land Dynamic Stretch Warm Up  before each workout. Remember to rest as needed between all sets.

1- 200 mixed strokes warm up
4×50 kick with alignment kick board
200 pull with buoy no paddles
4×100 as 50 drill 50 free
Drills- 1 arm, catch up, fist free and fingertip drag
3×100 as 50 free 50 alternate stroke
200 long easy free style low stroke count
1500 total

2 -Dry land Dynamic Stretch Warm Up
Strength Swim combo
150 mixed strokes warm up
150 swim pull buoy no paddles
150 kick with boardThen alternate 75 meters swim or drill with a dry land strength moveSwim 75 free
15 squats
Swim 75 mixed strokes
20 rows
Swim 75 kick with board
20 back lunges (10 each leg)
Swim 75 free
15 Overhead press
Swim Pull 75 with buoy only
Straight Arm Front planks
Swim 75 free
20 pop ups
Swim
Swim 75 free
15 dips
Swim 75 catch up drill
1 min dry land Flutter Kick
Swim 75 free
Straight arm Side plank 30 seconds each side
Swim 75 mixed strokes
Straight arm reverse plank 30 seconds
Swim 75 fingertip drag drill
150 choice swim drill cool down

3 – Dry land dynamic warm up – see video link above
3×100 as 50 low stroke count freestyle / 50 regular free
2×100 as 50 freestyle kick / 50 regular freestyle
2×100 as 50 breast stroke kick / 50 regular breast stroke
2×100 as 50 kick on back / 5o regular backstroke
2×100 as 50 butterfly kick / 50 regular butterfly
Swim 100 free
4×25 pull buoy with or without paddles
Swim 200 free
1500 total

Please comment below if you want more training tips like these or need more guidance for your swim? I have an amazing library of swim videos on my YouTube channel so, SUBSCRIBE to get notified when new ones are added!

Swim Essentials Clinic Starts May 21st, come join us!

SWIM ESSENTIALS CLINIC:
8 hours, over two focused days of coached swim training in the pool and open water.

JOINING US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS!
Day one: May 21st. Meet us at Miami Dade College South Campus pool (830a to 130p).

Day two: The open water session is on June 4th.

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our expert coaches getting hands on instruction to power up your swim!

Ready to sign up… please link HERE for all the details.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Full Circle Coaching, call/text us at 786-586-6057 today or better yet, click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session. This is a complimentary 30 minute session to ask me anything about triathlon, health and wellness or holistic lifestyle/ nutrition.

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom and much much more.