Training Plans

Swimming occurs in a very viscous (fluid) environment and is what exercise scientists describe as an open kinetic chain discipline. An open kinetic chain is the opposite of a closed kinetic chain. Both running and cycling are closed kinetic chain movements, in that a force is applied to the ground or a pedal/crank to which this offers a particular direction of propulsion. In swimming there is no fixed direction to propel off, rather if you pull your arms, kick your legs, etc. in a particular direction the body will follow this movement. When swimming, HOW you get through the water is as important as the force generated, this does not apply to running and cycling to the same degree.

In swimming if technique is not sufficient one could be generating a great deal of force through the stroke/kick cycles and thus not propelling forward as fast as one could. So, learning how to propel oneself economically through the water is as important as fitness in the water.

Having the ability to instruct swimmers on technical aspects of swimming comes with experience and insight into what the primary metrics are for ‘technical training’. Some of these insights are velocity oscillation, stroke length and stroke rate. We have also measured the ‘power output’ of swimmers to gauge how fit they are in comparison to how technically proficient they are. Interestingly the power output of a swimmer does not correlate with speed as well as the stroke length does. These concepts can become familiar to you once we have taken you through some of our initial service offerings.

All training plans are tailored to the individual. The main difference between our two plans is the ability to adjust your program along the way. The Tailored plan gives you a lot of freedom to adapt for your training goals. The Standard plan required control and discipline by the individual.

Our Tailored training program is specifically designed for each individual swimmer. Swimmers will work closely with their specialist swimming coach to set training goals, receive prescribed training volumes and intensity, and constantly monitor development through to race day or your fitness goals. Your program will be monitored and adjusted each week via Training Peaks, an online training program platform, allowing you to follow your training plan, track your goals and upcoming qualifying events, and upload your completed training sessions manually or from your sports watch.

We recommend 3 programmed sessions per week if you are training for events 10 km or under. We recommend 5 programmed sessions per week if you are training for 10 km+ events.

Your training plan is your guidance and accountability. Having a training plan ensures you have specialist knowledge and brain power behind the training and hard work you do leading to your goals.

Our swimming coaching team have over 15 years experience coaching and a lifetime involvement in the swimming. Our coaches have worked with athletes who have competed at an international high performance level and a wide experience working with entry level athletes. This range of experience is your peace of mind your coach will ensure your training plan ifs tailored to your goals, but most importantly tailored to you.

Get in touch with our head swimming coach Daniel Rodgers direct, via email [email protected].