How to make the most of your swimming training sessions
Rest from swimming
It may seem strange to start this list with rest, but if you don’t get this element of your swim training right then you will not make any progress. Whilst you don’t want the whole of your programme to consist of rest, it’s essential to listen to your body and take time off regularly.
Train according to how you feel
If you’re having a bad day and feel that another swim would be detrimental then don’t go. Training when you’re feeling unwell or having a stressful time at work, for example, is counterproductive. This is not to be confused with that ‘I can’t be bothered, because I feel tired’ feeling!
Have a swim training plan
Swimming without a plan can be demoralising. If you have a target in mind, like a charity swim or a triathlon, then you need to follow a plan or you could find you are literally going around in circles. A plan will give you short, medium and long term targets that you can tick off as you achieve them.
Stick to your swimming plan
Once you have devised your swimming plan, or have decided to follow one of ours, then stick to it. Don’t be tempted to deviate from it just because you’re having a particularly good day. The plan will have been put together with all of the principles of training in mind, such as the need for progression.
Build up your swimming slowly
Don’t be tempted to do too much too soon. Even though you might feel that you just want to get into your swimming in a big way from day one, make sure that you stick to your plan and start slowly. If you don’t then you are very likely to get injured.
Get into a swimming routine
By this we mean get used to going swimming regularly. Build it into your way of life, just like you go to work and have dinner when you get back. What we don’t mean is do the same distance swim all the time. If you do that then you won’t make any progress.
Go swimming your own way
Training with a partner suits some people more than others. There are advantages but there are plenty of disadvantages. You may well find it better to do your own thing, especially in the early days. One of the problems of training with others is that you lose heart if you can’t keep up or don’t make as much progress as they do.
Don’t waver from swimming plans
Believe in yourself and don’t give up. There will be plenty of times when you doubt your ability to follow your plan and achieve your goals. Don’t lose sight of your goal and keep at it. We all have bad days but don’t let them affect your overall programme.
Is anything letting your swimming down?
If you are aware there is something letting you down, then work on it. Don’t let a weakness bring down your training. Deal with it as soon as you identify it. Maybe your breathing isn’t right in your front crawl. Get advice or even swim lessons and sort it out!
You may feel that training for a specific swim event may be exactly what you need, so why not consider taking part in a charity swim event or even a charity triathlon event and see if that gives your training the motivation you need.
