As a swimmer, you are likely always searching for a way to get an advantage over your competition. While this is true, if you are fairly new to the sport, you may wonder what to do and how to train to make this happen.
From going to your bank to finance swimming pools to training at home to engage in the right type of activities, there are several things you can do.
Keep reading to learn more about effective strategies to improve your training sessions.
Use the Buddy System
Consider partnering up with someone who is on your team. By doing this, you can hold one another accountable during the season.
You can choose a teammate or someone you regularly compete against. This is going to help ensure that you are motivated to do your best at every match.
Be sure to encourage one another to keep it up during longer training cycles, when it is easier to skip a workout or make a mistake. When you help someone else achieve their goals, it will help you stay on top of yours, as well.
Seize the Day
Chances are, you have goals. Now is the time to start chasing them down.
You should never wait to act on your goals. Instead, make today, this very moment, the one that you will be the swimmer you know you can be.
There’s no point in ignoring your goals or putting them off for another day. Now is the perfect time to start and once you start, stick to it.
Feed Your Muscles
You should get into the habit of eating a snack before and after your workout or training session. This will help you kickstart the process of recovery just a few minutes after you get out of the water.
Doing this will result in your muscles being able to bounce back faster. Try to eat some carbs and protein within 30 minutes of the end of your training session.
Even if this doesn’t seem like it makes much of a difference at first, you must refuel right away when training. This is the only way your body is going to be able to continue your set training regimen.
Take Steps to Avoid an Injury
It is only natural to try to wait for a problem before you try to solve it. This is often the case when it comes to some type of chronic injury.
You may do what you have to do when it comes to rehabilitation at first, but then slack off and regret it when the injury returns – often with a vengeance.
Be sure that you stay focused on minimizing the likelihood of an injury. After all, this is going to result in you missing time in the water.
Take time every day to take steps to prevent injuries. While it may be annoying at first, eventually, it will become second nature and only require a few minutes of your time each day.
Improve Flexibility
Take time to work on flexibility in your hips, ankles, hamstrings, shoulders, lats, and pecs. Just doing five minutes of flexibility exercises a few times a week will make a huge difference. Try to combine static stretching and using a foam roller for the best effect.
It’s also recommended that you engage in these flexibility exercises before going to bed. You can do them when you wake up and after a punishing workout, too. Be sure that mobility and flexibility are essential elements of your swimming routine.
Improving Your Performance in the Water
If your goal is to improve your swimming performance, keep the tips and information here in mind. Doing so will help you optimize your workouts and ensure you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Remember, there are no shortcuts when it comes to getting better at something like swimming. You have to put in the time, effort, and work.
