I've started a series of sessions with a Total Immersion coach.
I know nothing about TI. I chose the Coach b ecause I know her from another environment and trust her. The triathletes I do some swimming with all recommend her.
I'm 57, I haven't had any swimming lessons since 8th grade, and I swim S-L-O-W-W-W (40 minute miles). I imagine these sessions will do me good, regardless either way of the virtues of TI.
I'm curious about strengths and weakness of TI.
Apologies if this has been overdiscussed here in the past.
Parents
Former Member
I'm curious about strengths and weakness of TI.
I started as a TI student 5 years ago in my mid-40's after not having taken a freestyle stroke since grade school. Overall, my experience has been positive, with many bumps and wrong turns along the way.
TI circa 2005 was much different than it is today. Many of the "black pearls" in the 2005 TI program that I learned (and have subsequently unlearned) have been replaced with better drills and methods.
2010 TI training is likely to improve an adult swimmer's technique, with less chance of learning bad techniques. The drills are generally useful and well-conceived. The emphasis on "focal points" (now renamed "stroke thoughts) is valuable for learning how to analyze details of your technique and continuously improve. You are lucky to be learning from a well-regarded instructor -- less chance of going in the wrong direction than learning on your own.
TI is best for improving streamline, balance, and energy savings. TI does not focus much on improving propulsion. For that, I have turned to Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen's clinics and Glenn Mills' website and videos.
But, be cautious if someone tells you to "spear your entering arm steep and deep" -- that advice may still be given. If offered, try it, but don't keep it unless it really helps. And remember, TI is not a religion or a pathway to spiritual enlightenment, it's a proprietary swimming method.
With that in mind, have fun!
RadSwim
I'm curious about strengths and weakness of TI.
I started as a TI student 5 years ago in my mid-40's after not having taken a freestyle stroke since grade school. Overall, my experience has been positive, with many bumps and wrong turns along the way.
TI circa 2005 was much different than it is today. Many of the "black pearls" in the 2005 TI program that I learned (and have subsequently unlearned) have been replaced with better drills and methods.
2010 TI training is likely to improve an adult swimmer's technique, with less chance of learning bad techniques. The drills are generally useful and well-conceived. The emphasis on "focal points" (now renamed "stroke thoughts) is valuable for learning how to analyze details of your technique and continuously improve. You are lucky to be learning from a well-regarded instructor -- less chance of going in the wrong direction than learning on your own.
TI is best for improving streamline, balance, and energy savings. TI does not focus much on improving propulsion. For that, I have turned to Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen's clinics and Glenn Mills' website and videos.
But, be cautious if someone tells you to "spear your entering arm steep and deep" -- that advice may still be given. If offered, try it, but don't keep it unless it really helps. And remember, TI is not a religion or a pathway to spiritual enlightenment, it's a proprietary swimming method.
With that in mind, have fun!
RadSwim
