I am working on a masters swimming story for Men's Health, and my editor wants a basic introductory workout that guys who basically know how to swim but aren't swimmers to give the sport a try on their own.
Since there is such a huge variance in skill levels, etc., I didn't want to give times for sets, etc. but maybe come up with some basic rest intervals.
Anyhow, I am desperate for ideas here. If you have coached neophyte masters, or have been a neophyte master yourself and can recall an early practice that inspired you, please let me know as soon as possible what this is.
I was thinking of the following basic approach:
warm up
possible drill set
main set (probably 50s with 10-15 seconds rest)
kick set
cool down
The whole thing designed to last maybe a half hour or so. The idea is to let these guys try it on their own, in a way that they might actually like, then urge them to look into finding a team.
Thanks for your help!
Parents
Former Member
Mens Health or not some gadgets are not suitable for neophytes. I think paddles is a bad idea. A new swimmer might like the power they feel and overuse them, leading to an injury. No snorkels either. Too finicky for many and a bit geeky.
I'd suggest a Timex Ironman watch for use in pools without a pace clock.
I think a main set that includes interval swimming is important. 50s are good, or even 25s. I'd suggest 10 secs rest for 25s, and 15-20 secs for 50s - but guide them to the effort they should use. I would say they should aim for a level of effort where the last few 50s take some real effort. Maybe comparable to the effort required to cycle up a hill or run a fast mile. 10 x 50s @ 1:30 will take 15 minutes to swim.
Mixed swimming and kicking is OK but I would not do something like 75 swim and 25 kick because they need kickboards at each end of the pool.
Mens Health or not some gadgets are not suitable for neophytes. I think paddles is a bad idea. A new swimmer might like the power they feel and overuse them, leading to an injury. No snorkels either. Too finicky for many and a bit geeky.
I'd suggest a Timex Ironman watch for use in pools without a pace clock.
I think a main set that includes interval swimming is important. 50s are good, or even 25s. I'd suggest 10 secs rest for 25s, and 15-20 secs for 50s - but guide them to the effort they should use. I would say they should aim for a level of effort where the last few 50s take some real effort. Maybe comparable to the effort required to cycle up a hill or run a fast mile. 10 x 50s @ 1:30 will take 15 minutes to swim.
Mixed swimming and kicking is OK but I would not do something like 75 swim and 25 kick because they need kickboards at each end of the pool.
