Not comfortable swimming?

You're not alone.

I find that most adults are insecure and embarrassed about their inability to truly swim.

Most can keep their head above water and get from point A to point B.  But to truly swim?  That's another story.

When you're determined to learn to swim,  and are willing to tackle it head on, you can learn to swim well in just a few days.

My suggestion is that you hire a swim coach for at least two sessions.  The professional swim coach will not only be able to show you how to perform a technically correct stroke, but will more importantly be able to identify what you're doing wrong!

If you're in Lakeland, Florida,  I recommend contacting Kelly Recreational Facility and asking for a Private Swim Instructor.  They will have a staff member who specializes in teaching adults to swim.

If you live outside of our area, google Adult Swim Instruction and your town.  Invest a few dollars and a few hours and you will find yourself swimming smoothly in just a few days! 

If you already know how to swim, and just want to get better...and faster...then the following simple tips are for you!

So, you already know how to swim, and just want to get better and faster? 

Try some of these tips on for size:

1. Swim!
   I know that sounds condescending, but most people TALK about wanting to swim better, but never get in the water and just swim!  It will take 2-3 swim sessions a week to see marked improvement.  Research has shown that swimming more often brings quicker improvement than doing longer workouts.  
2. Perfect Practice makes Perfect.
   Performing a swim stroke wrong time after time will only create a deeper groove in your muscle memory!  If you're unsure of what good swim technique is, then get a video or take a lesson.  Once you know the proper form, use it at all times!!  Practice doesn't make perfect...perfect practice makes perfect.  Youtube has many selections that will help you visualize proper form.  i.e.  Efficient Swimming.  Search for specifics you have questions on.  There is a plethora of information for you to glean from. 
   
3. Create a Strategic Plan
   Start looking at your swimming as training, not just exercise.  This slight shift in focus will change your exercise life.  No longer will you wonder what you're going to do that day at the pool.  You'll know.  The plan will have been laid out days, if not weeks ahead, and you will find yourself progressing quickly.  I'd recommend a website like Trinewbies that will walk you through the steps of training for your first event.  Even if you have no interest in participating in an event, this will give you a goal date to work towards. Get a plan.
   
4. Get Intense
   At least once a week add an intensity factor to your swim workout.  Here's how:    It's my favorite drill for increasing my endurance and speed.
5. Enjoy the Process
   If you're not enjoying swimming (and you're not taking on water), you're probably working too hard!  Not every session needs to be a tough one.  Have fun!  If you don't enjoy yourself, you won't continue. 
6. Leave the Bikini and Boxer Shorts at home.
   Get a suit designed for competitive swimming.   Tight is right.  Look the part and you'll love packing that swim bag.
7. Diversify.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cross training is important for all athletes, no matter what their main sport.  Do some cardio, yoga, stretching, resistance training and anything else that peaks your interest.  Your dry land training will condition, stretch and strengthen muscles that are used in swimming and build your overall fitness.  Besides, it's fun and keeps you from getting bored.  
8. Eat a nutrient rich diet (all the time).                                                                                                                                                                                                               Your body needs optimal nutrition at every meal, not just the night before an event.  In order to reach optimal performance levels, your body must be supplied with nourishment in a consistent fashion.  Give your body what it needs so that it can give you what you expect.  You can't out train a bad diet.
   
9. Get some toys
   Toys make everything more fun!  Use flippers to help you achieve a better position in the water and work those quads!  Try a pull buoy to isolate your arms.  That kick board will help you isolate proper kicking technique!  A lap counter is a great tool to take the guess work out of your distance.  Ever seen a tempo timer?  How about a waterproof Ipod shuffle case that clips to your goggles?  They're worth looking into.  Besides, it gives your family and friends fantastic ideas for gift giving on holidays and your birthday!