Posts about swim training and workouts
You can run several miles. You ride your bike regularly. You work out three or four times a week. Then you get in the pool, swim 50 yards of freestyle, and find yourself hanging on the wall trying to catch your breath. You might be asking yourself: “Why do I…
Most swimmers try to improve by focusing on isolated pieces: “Kick more.” “Pull harder.” “High-elbow recovery.” The problem? None of those fixes work if the foundation isn’t there. Our Balance-Streamline-Propel Framework is the key to understanding what you need to focus on to become a better swimmer. A Better Way…
You’re swimming but not getting better. You’re certainly showing up to the pool. Two, maybe three times a week. You’re putting in the effort. You’re swimming laps. So why does it feel like nothing is changing? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations we see from…
For many adult swimmers, one of the first decisions is whether to do solo swim training or join a large group Masters or Triathlon Club swim training class. On first glance, joining a Masters team or triathlon swim class feels like the obvious next step. Structured workouts. A coach on…
At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we are repeatedly asked the question, “How long does it take to learn to swim as an adult?” It’s important to think of learning to swim as a journey rather than a task. The good news is the journey is faster, smoother, and more predictable than…
Most swimmers think pacing comes from a pace clock or a watch.But the best swimmers pace from the inside out. That’s where RPE — Rate of Perceived Exertion — in swimming comes in. RPE in swimming will act as your internal speedometer, teaching you to feel effort instead of guessing…
Turn your pool time into a total-body fitness plan that builds stamina, confidence, and calm control. Swimming for fitness can be a great addition to your workout program if you know how to do it right. Why Swimming Builds the Best Kind of Endurance Swimming isn’t just another cardio workout…
What if you could swim faster, feel calmer in the water, and use less energy — in just three months? That’s exactly what many adults experience when they commit to a focused 3 months of stroke refinement lessons. Contrary to popular belief, improving your swimming isn’t about grinding out more…
If your freestyle feels like a fight instead of a flow, it’s probably not your fitness — it’s your foundation. In swimming, the basics aren’t “beginner” work; they’re the blueprint for every efficient, powerful stroke you’ll ever swim. Freestyle 1 is where adult swimmers at Chicago Blue Dolphins learn to…
Not all triathletes start from the same place. Some are lifelong swimmers; others are still figuring out how to stay relaxed in the water. That’s why a one-size-fits-all swim plan rarely works. Instead, a good training program should have a triathlon swim training level appropriate to where you are today…
