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.
Mick,
The fundamentals of TI are sound and useful for all types of swimmers. I worked with a TI coach starting in 2008 to get faster. So, I disagree with the comment about not helping with propulsion. Of course, your results will be dependent upon the quality of your coach and the mindfulness and effort you put into changing your stroke. Overcoming bad habits, particularly muscle memory, is hard and takes a lot of time and effort. I'm not sure I'd recommend going completely without swimming full stroke, but, unless you're training for some important race soon, I'd put as much of your workout into drills as possible.
I also can't overstate the value of having yourself videotaped above and below the water. That was an eye-opener for me.
YMMV
Mick,
The fundamentals of TI are sound and useful for all types of swimmers. I worked with a TI coach starting in 2008 to get faster. So, I disagree with the comment about not helping with propulsion. Of course, your results will be dependent upon the quality of your coach and the mindfulness and effort you put into changing your stroke. Overcoming bad habits, particularly muscle memory, is hard and takes a lot of time and effort. I'm not sure I'd recommend going completely without swimming full stroke, but, unless you're training for some important race soon, I'd put as much of your workout into drills as possible.
I also can't overstate the value of having yourself videotaped above and below the water. That was an eye-opener for me.
YMMV
