Learn Swimming Techniques

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• Freestyle Made Easy DVD NEW!
  Highly recommended. The visual instruction is really great. What do they say - a picture is worth a thousand words? Created by Swim Authority Terry Laughlin of the popular book below "Total Immersion". See also: Open Water Swimming Techniques & Racing Tips

• Learn Swim Strokes on DVD NEW!
  Get technique tips on all four strokes from Olympic Gold Medalists Kaitlin Sandeno and Erik Vendt. Work different muscle groups, add more variety to your workouts. For more easy video training, including swimming drills, triathlon training and dryland techniques, check out these discount swimming DVDs from Swim Instruction Professionals at Go Swim.

If you are new to swimming and want to swim on a regular basis for fitness, or maybe challenge yourself at the competition level, I recommend joining your local masters swim team. You can get some coaching and direction, and you can give as much or as little commitment to the team as you like.

Although swimming is a pretty independent sport, there seems to be a lot of camaraderie on a swim team. There are actually a lot of masters swimming members who are just learning the sport. It's a great non-intimidating environment for beginners. You may even find a whole new appreciation for swimming.

You'll also find that besides simply swimming laps, you can participate in open water swims, triathlons, relay races and other competitive swimming events that are a lot of fun.

Swimming Tips:
The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster & Easier
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Did you know that being a strong swimmer is a result of technique - not necessarily athletic ability?

Top-ranked Masters swimmer Terry Laughlin can help you improve your swimming form and stroke - with a workout that requires less effort. His step-by-step instruction is perfect for beginners. Want to burn fat? Terry will tell you how to swim to burn off the most fat.

Why is this a top pick? See what you'll learn >>

• How to swim faster without having to get stronger & burning off the most fat
• How dry land exercises can improve your swimming
• Training aids - what works and what doesn't work
• Click here >> Swim Better Now 100% Guaranteed

Swimming is a super great way to get in shape and stay in shape, but after laps over and over again, some people have been know to get bored.

If you want work fun and challenge in your workout - while improving your speed, muscle tone and flexibility, check out these awesome tips from masters swimmer and coach Marianne Brems. Click here >> Workouts for Fitness Swimming | Boost Your Workouts: Try Healthy Energy Drink Free!

Triathlon Training in Just 4 Hours a Week
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Think you can't do a triathlon? Think again! If you've never done a triathlon before and don't know where to get started, Triathlete Eric Harr can help you. He went from having no exercise routine to training for a triathlon - and enjoying it.

He shares secrets he learned - including ways to save time and money that are especially helpful for someone who already leads a busy lifestyle.

Why is this a top pick? See what you'll achieve >>

• How to stretch and strengthen your body & the best fuel to help your body perform better
• How to get the right gear without blowing your budget & advice for avoiding injuries
• Putting together your training program: become faster while making training easier
• Click here >> How to Swim Easier, Cycle Stronger and Run Faster 100% Guaranteed

• Men's Swimsuits | Women's Swimsuits | Long-Lasting Swimsuits with PBT
  If you plan to swim on a regular basis, you want to get a sturdy swimsuit that will hold up the longest in chlorine. When I started swimming, I purchased a competition swimsuit made of nylon fabric, and it was not a cheap suit But after washing it carefully after each workout, it only lasted about 30 swims before it started really wearing out on the back side. A better recommendation for a longer-lasting suit would be a swimsuit (1) made from a polyester blend material or PBT, which is a texturized polyester or (2) double-lined in the front and back sides. You can see a comparison here >> Swimsuit Fabric Information Chart
• Swim Goggles
  Look for anti-fog goggles, if you don't get them, you'll wish you had. Also, some goggles also offer UV protection. Before you replace your old pair of foggy goggles, try Anti-Fog Drops for Goggles to clear them right up!

   

  

   

• Swim Caps
  Caps are mainly made from either silicone or latex. A silicone cap will cost you more, but will way outlast latex, while pulling less at your hair. Since a silicone cap is thicker than latex, I've been told that it keeps your head warmer as well - something to think about if you're doing open water swims.
• Wetsuits & Triathlon Swimming Gear
  In my experience with open water swimming, if the water is 70 degrees or warmer, you're better off without a wetsuit. Make sure you don't do what I did on my first open water swim: use a short-sleeved "shorty" wetsuit a size too big. That will really give you some extra drag you don't need. The sleeveless style will give your arms greater flexibility, and a lower neckline will help you avoid friction rashes from neck rotation. Ouch! (You can use a lubricant like Body Glide to stop chafing, blisters and rashes from wetsuits and other gear.)
• Swim Fins
  You may be surprised to see how many choices of fins you have. I've been told that the best type of fin to use comes down to personal preference. They both help you build leg strength. I see an equal amount of people using short fins and long fins.
• Swim Pull Buoys
  Buoys help you develop upper body strength and proper body alignment. When you improve your body alignment while swimming, you can actually swim faster without exerting more effort.
• Swim Paddles
  These provide extra resistance and help at developing upper body strength while using a pull buoy. I like the TYR Mentor Paddle because it teaches proper stroke technique while building strength and reducing shoulder stress. The paddles come in 4 different sizes and include over 8 swim drills you can do to improve your speed. I've tried several paddles, and I like these best.
• Swim Stretch Cords
  If you only have access to a small pool, you can use these resistance training belts to make your workout more effective. Some cords attach to your waist, and some to your feet.
• Kickboards
  Kickboards are a great training aid for, you guessed it, kicking. Besides strengthening your leg muscles, I've found it to be an easy way to add variety to your workouts.
• Stopwatch Ring Cool!
  Do you time your own workouts or sprint sets? This new stopwatch fits conveniently on your finger just like a ring. Big, easy-to-read numbers. You can stop, start and reset. It also tells the time of day. Or check out the Stopwatch & Lap Counter Ring which counts your laps and gives you your time on each individual lap plus total lap time. A great way to improve your speed!

Swimming News & Tips

• Exercises for Swimming
  Strength training exercises for swimming. Swimming involves all major muscle groups, so any weakness will affect your performance. Use these exercises to help you improve - whether for fitness or competitive swimming.
• Swimming World Magazine
  If you want to stay up to date on swimming technique tips, workout advice, swimming news and swim meet results, get this.
• Open Water Swimming Techniques
  Open water swimming is much different that swimming in a pool. Learn open water-specific skills and techniques that will help you in your triathlons and swim races.
• How to Increase Your Speed, Strength and Agility
  Strength training can do more for your stroke than you may think. And you don't even have to have access to weights to do effective strength training for swimming. Follow the easy tips on this website. Great visual demonstrations.
• Training for Cold Water Swimming
  I would have never thought I'd like cold water swimming until I tried it. If you are swimming an open water swim (especially if without a wetsuit), it's important to acclimatize your body to the cold conditions. (TIP: Wearing 2 swim caps can help your body retain heat.) If you have a cold body of water nearby, you may be able to find a swimming or triathlon group that you can join on their cold water swimming excursions. It's important not to swim alone in cold conditions. Also, wear a bright-colored cap so people can see you. Here are some more cold water swimming tips.

• Places to Swim
  Listings for hundreds (maybe thousands) of masters swimming programs across the USA. Includes location, contact information and workout times for each. Some listings have individual websites where you can get more information. Masters swimming rocks!
• Find People to Swim With
  Find people in your area who are interested in swimming, and make new friends who enjoy spending time in the water as much as you do.

• The 4 Swimmming Strokes
• Swimming Strength Training Tips
• Swimming and Sports Related Exercises
• The Best Cardio Exercises
• How to Train for Swimming in an Ironman Triathlon
• Open Water Swimming Tips
• Swimming & Bilateral Breathing
• Swimming & Freestyle Breathing
• Interval Training for Distance Swimming
• How to Get Into Shape for Swimming
• The Benefits of a Swimming Wetsuit vs a Surfing Wetsuit