Total Immersion: Are the workshops worth it?

Elaine, I just PM'd Denise on the same topic! Two like minds! :D

Great suggestion, ElaineK. Though I don't really like to be flaunt myself in a swimsuit lol.

Two like minds! :D:)

Sad to see that the dialogue on this thread has suddenly become decidedly impolite and undiplomatic. I offered an experienced opinion on three quality programs in the US, TI, Leslie's and Paul's/Laura's teams. Because you didn't make my cut does not mean your program is any less reputable. I have a general bias against internet coaching as I have rarely seen much benefit from it. I will also state my coaching has been far harder this year not being able to steal from Leslie's and PWB's USMS workouts.

Great suggestion, ElaineK. Though I don't really like to be flaunt myself in a swimsuit lol. Masters Swimmers come in all sizes and shapes.Post a video and the people who count will be watching your stroke.Anyone else,its their problem.

Masters Swimmers come in all sizes and shapes.Post a video and the people who count will be watching your stroke.Anyone else,its their problem. :applaud::applaud::applaud: You tell 'em, King Frog! Ribbit! :cheerleader:

So going back to the original poster's question and from what I'm getting out of the debate here, a TI workshop is worth it. But it's not magic and will not make you the fastest competitor on your team. It will build stamina and endurance and make you a better swimmer if you keep up with the drills and are patient. I have to agree with aquageek and others here that online coaching programs can only do so much. Terry Laughlin has implemented an online coaching program that requires a membership, so perhaps there are people who learn that way. He offers free online videos, but probably they won't do much for experienced swimmers. What it seems to come down to, IMHO, is that no one program/coaching technique works for everyone. TI helped me get back in the water, and it also gave me some clear idea of basics like body position. I've only done a couple of masters swims, but the coaches tell me I am a good swimmer, just need to get more relaxed and confident, so TI did help me to some degree.

He was pointing out his reasons for not liking online coaching and the reasons why. He wasn't stirring anything up, just pointing out why to be cautious of paying for someone that may never have seen you swim. If you would like to see Geek be impolite to someone, you should see how he talks to me. :-) As I mentioned earlier, I post on this forum based on my experience as a USMS swimmer and coach. In this thread, I never mentioned my program nor did I attempt to invalidate or call into question other programs. Despite this, it appears that others have chosen to call my program out by name and question its legitimacy. The customized workouts were specifically mentioned in the previous post. Unfortunately, the poster obviously did not do enough research or s/he would have discovered that Swimspire does not write random workouts; rather I request that clients submit videos of their swimming if I am unable to meet with them in person. I analyze their technique, and provide workouts that are specifically geared towards correcting their technique and increasing their strength and speed. I also provide instructional videos that subscribers can watch, and I offer the possibility of an online stroke analysis. I also offer on-deck coaching, locally. I think Denise made great points in her previous post, and we would do well to return to the spirit of the original poster's question.

Sad to see that the dialogue on this thread has suddenly become decidedly impolite and undiplomatic. Leave it to Geek... :shakeshead: He was pointing out his reasons for not liking online coaching and the reasons why. He wasn't stirring anything up, just pointing out why to be cautious of paying for someone that may never have seen you swim. If you would like to see Geek be impolite to someone, you should see how he talks to me. :-)

I have read a couple o the TI books and have one of their videos. There is a lot of good, sound material and advice. I have also relied on other swimming technique books and videos. To be honest, there are many more similarities than differences across the various swim programs, books, and videos. I recognize many of the drills in TI from those used by the coaches of the two masters program I have belonged to. There may be a slightly different emphasis as well as different names for drills but, at the end of the day, most are not that different. More than anything else, it is important to find an approach that works for you. I have been in a few races with Terry Laughlin, the creator of TI, and he clearly applies what he teaches. He is a very strong swimmer. There is a lot that can be learned from him and his programs. To be honest, I do find some of they hyperbole in his materials to be a bit off putting. Then again, he is only trying to promote his product (as all business people do) and clearly many find it to be helpful. I have learned from his books and videos. I agree with the other posters, a clinic can be helpful only if the lessons learned are applied consistently over time. Frankly, I get more benefit from working week in and week out with our masters' coach (we are fortunate to have an excellent coach who is also an excellent teacher). I have done a couple of different clinics, although not a TI clinic. I did watch a TI clinic offered at our local Y and it seemed solid. At the end of the day, my suggestion is to find a clinic program that is consistent with your needs, philosophy, and where you are with your own swimming. TI is certainly a solid program with much to offer. That being said, there numerous other programs that offer similar benefits.