Swimming Strokes For Tri Folks

[Jon]

Hello All,

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with Total Immersion - its a swim program with books, and also a DVD if you want.  Has anyone used this?  I'm just looking to see what's out there to improve my swim for triathlon. If anyone knows any good resources or has had any luck with anything in particular I wouldn't mind hearing about it.

Thanks,

Jon

[Sandy]

Hey Jon,

Total Immersion is an excellent program to follow.  I went through the book without aid of the DVD and found even just the balancing drills improved my swim time.  I have often thought about taking one of their weekend clinics when they are in Toronto but haven't made it yet.  I know a few others who have used the book with good results.  Short of that you could get someone who is a good swimmer to watch your stroke and make suggestions.

Overall having done both, I liked the TI program better.

Hope this helps.

Sandy

[Jon]

Thanks Sandy,

Did you just order your book on-line or is there a local distributer?  Will it work even if you're a sinker???? Seriously....I try floating (balancing) and it just doesn't happen - my legs sink so easily and it doesn't seem to matter if I'm face up or down. 

Jon

[Sandy]

Actually I borrowed it from a friend but they had them at Chapters for a while so they may be able to get it for you cheaper.

The whole point of TI is to learn to balance yourself in the water and change from being a sinker to a floater.  The first drill he has you work on is pressing your buoy.  Essentially pushing your chest down to counter balance your legs (which are 50% of your body weight.)  Get in the water with your hands by your sides, looking at the pool bottom and while you kick press your chest down.  You will feel your heels pop out of the water, it is truly the coolest sensation.  When you need to breath, come up for air.  The book continues on with many drills including balancing on your side, the optimum place to be, and stroke counting.  Personally I found the buoy pressing drill was the biggest help and took about 45 minutes off my Ironman swim alone.  Jeff works on the stroke count.  I never got the side balancing but that why I'm a slower swimmer!

Good luck.