Do You Spend Your Training Doing A Swimming Exercise or ..Just Swim?

Feel the need to do a swimming exercise? Sports specific training is currently very popular. You may have seen movements that claim to be a swimming exercise. But if it is not an exercise you do in the water, beware! You may be wasting your time. Bicep curls, bench presses and reverse fly's may appear to work the muscles you use for swimming, but not in the same way you will use them in the water.

Even some movements in the water may not be helping your sport. Muscles developed for performing one activity, such as the bench press, will not necessarily perform any better when in the water. This is the phenomenon know as state-dependent learning which dictates that in which the retrieval of newly acquired information is possible only if the subject is in the same environment and physical state as during the learning phase. See sports specific training for more information.



By far the most effective way to improve you swimming is to ..swim! Attention to how well and efficiently you move in the water is more beneficial than spending time doing a swimming exercise. You need to work on your swimming fitness and this is best done in the water. Your muscles and coordination will develop and condition themselves during the act of swimming without the need for a separate swimming exercise - see swimming technique

However, it is important that your action is efficient. This means applying minimal effort for maximum return with your muscles firing at the most appopriate time - coordination. Time spent on a swimming exercise program with weights may build up strength but it won't help with you swimming coordination or develop the concept of minimal effort.

Swimming is an excellent activity for keeping in shape and can also provide a great opporttunity for self-development for a competitive swimmer. But it is important that the act of swimming does not lead to the development of habits that may cause injury or frustration with the sport. Here we believe you will get the most from sport if you can learn to get into The Zone, a state where peak performances are effortless and immensely enjoyable.

Can we train to get into The Zone more often?

We believe it is possible to train in skills that will take you beyond your current accepted performance level. If that's not enough, training in The Zone also adds a whole new dimension to your training by expanding your self-awareness and body knowledge.

Can swimming exercise be enjoyable?
How many do you know who just go through the motions in the pool to get fit? How can you making swimming more enjoyable?

Take a look at our unique fitness programs
We don't ask you to perform repetitive movements that have nothing to do with efficient natural movement. Our programs will develop your self-awareness and focus to take you into The Zone.

What is so special about The Zone?
To perform in The Zone represents a pinnacle in sport achievement. But what is this mystical state and why does it remain elusive for so many?

What is Total Fitness?
We hear the term total fitness, but how do we define it? Is it the same for everyone? Total fitness is an ideal - can we make it a reality? Will a swimming exercise help achieve it?

The Alexander Technique and sport
Few people have heard of this remarkable movement re-education system, yet it can help you to develop vital skills for your sport.

Worth A Look

The Art of Swimming
by Steven Shaw
How to swim without putting unnecessary stress on your body. This book looks at how to use your body efficiently with the water and adds a new dimension to your training.