The following question was put forth and I thought I'd pass it along for your collective comments and remarks.
" I am mediocre female Masters swimmer in my mid 50’s. I had no experience in coached or competitive swimming before I was 40.
There are many things I can work on in my attempt to improve my swimming—technique (including clinics and videotaping), strength, flexibility, cross training, and aerobics. There is not enough time to work on them all. Is there some way to find out where my time would be best spent? Or is there some general pattern of weaknesses for swimmers such as myself?"
The swimmer has been training for approximately 10 years and does regularly compete. Due to time constraints, she wants to get the largest return on her investment so we come to you all.
Jim
Parents
Former Member
My two cents:
1. Technique
2. Technique
3. Technique
4. Technique
5. Strength training
Seriously, most late starters seem to lack technique more than anything else. Flexibility (stretching) can be added easily before or after swimming. I've never read anything very convincing regarding the benefits of crosstraining. On the other hand, strength training, emphasizing the core and the specific muscle groups/movements used in swimming, would be very beneficial for her.
My two cents:
1. Technique
2. Technique
3. Technique
4. Technique
5. Strength training
Seriously, most late starters seem to lack technique more than anything else. Flexibility (stretching) can be added easily before or after swimming. I've never read anything very convincing regarding the benefits of crosstraining. On the other hand, strength training, emphasizing the core and the specific muscle groups/movements used in swimming, would be very beneficial for her.
