Since swimming is primarily a racing sport, it’s no surprise that many want to become faster swimmers. Even professionals add interesting practices to their regimen— like shaving from head to toe in order to increase their speed by milliseconds. For all those interested in become professional swimmers one day, here are some tips to follow.
1. Have a swim partner
Days of hard work can be draining, not to mention a real test of determination.
As with many activities, it’s easier to stay on track when there’s someone to help push your forward. Have a swim partner— someone with similar goals— to keep you accountable throughout training. They’ll be a great source of motivation when you want to give up, and you’ll surely be the same for them. It will be easier to stay focused, and when you reach your goals, the celebration will be a lot more enjoyable as well!
2. Listen to feedback
More often than not, improving your speed isn’t about kicking and moving your arms faster. Rather, it’s about improving your technique. Technique goes a lot further than some people realize. The way you kick, move your arms, position your head and knees— all these things affect your speed. We all have areas for improvement when it comes to technique. The key to strengthening it lies in getting proper feedback. So make sure to seek feedback from an instructor or coach and listen to them!
3. Stretch and work on flexibility
Strength and endurance training is commonly understood to improve your overall speed, but some people may be surprised to learn that flexibility training does as well. Not only does it protect your muscles from injuries, but it also helps them recover so you can work at maximum capacity come your next training. So make sure to stretch before and after your training! You can also add in a few stretches before you sleep and when you wake up.
4. Eat and sleep properly
Similarly to stretching, giving your body the proper nourishment and rest can help it recover and bounce back faster and stronger. This is most especially true for times wherein training sessions are less than 24 hours apart. Try eating an energizing pre-workout meal an hour or so before hitting the water, and eating a post workout meal within 30 minutes of getting out. When it comes to sleeping, aim for at least 7 hours of good quality sleep every night. Having a pre-bedtime ritual can help ensure good quality sleep.
Give these tips a try and let us know how it goes!
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