» Avoid Common Swimming Mistakes

If you recently started swimming, you probably have noticed that there are quite a few variables involved. You have to locate a pool, find a time that lap swimming is available, acquire the proper equipment, and then there is the act of swimming itself. You have a lot to think about before, during, and after a swim workout, but when things line up just the right way, swimming is a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help the variables click into place and make some room for what’s most important, fun!

Do arrive to your swim workout with a plan.
Before you even walk into the locker room, have a plan for your swim workout. If your goal is to work on technique, know what drills and skills you will use in your workout. If your swim session involves a workout, don’t wait until you are warming-up to create your swim sets. Give your swim training some focus and direction. If it helps, write down the plan on a 3×5 index card and slip the card into a Ziploc baggie. Even if you are only working on drills, write those down as well and bring them along. I find I am more motivated and excited to start a workout if I can see the purpose of being at the pool. Secondly, the whole workout is more productive. I spend less time at the end of the lane hemming and hawing about what I should do next. Plus, there is less chance of me cheating myself. 10 x 100 remains 10 x 100, instead of dropping down to 6, or 5, or 4.

Do swim with a buddy.
Swimming with a buddy in the open water is a must, but you can safely complete a pool workout on your own. However, swimming with other athletes is more fun. Swim buddies will hold you accountable; for both getting to the pool in a timely manner and in completing the workout as prescribe. A swim buddy also gives you someone to commiserate with during a tough set and adds a little bit of competition to your workout. (We’re athletes; we’re always competitive even if we can’t admit it.) And, if your swim buddy happens to be just a little better than you, you might get a few swim tips and learn about your technique.

Do arrive with ALL of your equipment.
There is nothing worse than getting to the pool only to find that you left your suit at home or that your towel is still sitting on top of the dryer. Just as you would before a long run or ride, run through a checklist of items you need at the pool. Write it down if that will help. I have one bag that I use for the pool. In this bag I keep my cap, my goggles, a pair of swim paddles, and a padlock. Then before I leave for the pool, I do a check to make sure that I have my flip-flops, towel, and swimsuit. Whatever you need, add it to the list.

Do take care your swimsuit.
Pools are chlorinated, some more heavily than others. This chemical eats away at your swimsuit, and in less than a month you might find yourself already replacing the faded and stretched piece of lycra/poly-blend of fabric. Prolong the life of your suit and save yourself some money. First, make sure you rinse it out as soon as you get out of the pool. You don’t really need to put your suit in the washing machine, just a good rinse with water. Then, instead of twisting and mashing the fabric into your fists to wring it out, shake out the excess water with just a few squeezes. Being too aggressive with the wringing will stretch your suit making the fabric see-through. This usually happens in the backside region; an area that you aren’t necessarily that aware of but your fellow swimmers are. Lay out the damp suit to dry someplace out in the open. Don’t leave it balled up in your towel, in your bag, in your car, where it’s forgotten for a few days until it’s time to swim again. At which point you think to yourself, hey, where’s my suit?

Do swim within yourself.
Have you ever heard of “black line syndrome?” It’s quite common in swimmers and its main symptom is boredom. However, instead of producing a monotonous environment, swimming can provide a brief refuge. No phone call, messages, or emails. Swimming gives you time alone with your thoughts. Sometimes you just need time to zone out and think about whatever. You might lose count of laps, but your mental state when you get out of the water might greatly improve. But, I’ve had some of my best ideas in the middle of my swims. Be careful though, swimming is complex. If you get your mind going in too many directions, your thoughts may cause more harm than good for both your stroke and your mood. If you find swimming is more frustrating than relaxing, pick one thing that you need to focus on to improve your technique and make that your mantra for the workout. And enjoy yourself.