Author: John Taylor

Have you ever finished a swim and felt like your legs were not ready for the bike or run? That awkward first few minutes can be frustrating, especially for swimmers starting triathlon training. A brick workout for swimmers gives you a chance to practice that change between sports before race day, so the transition feels more natural. As a swimming coach, I have found that bricks work best when they have a clear purpose. You do not need a long or exhausting session. In this guide, I’ll show you simple swim to bike, swim to run, and swim bike run…

Living with arthritis can make exercise feel like a difficult decision. Your joints may hurt, feel stiff, or become sore after everyday activities. You may want to stay active but worry that swimming for arthritis could make your pain worse. That is why many people look for exercise that puts less stress on painful joints. As a swimming coach, I know that movement in water can feel very different from movement on land. Water supports the body and provides gentle resistance. But swimming is not right for everyone in the same way. The best choice depends on your type of…

Introduction If you are wondering why do swimmers shave their body, the short answer is simple: competitive swimmers shave body hair because it may slightly reduce drag, improve their feel for the water, and become part of their preparation for an important race. However, shaving does not replace good technique, training, fitness, or a strong streamline. The possible benefit is usually small and varies from swimmer to swimmer. Research has found changes in swimming efficiency after body hair removal, but the available studies are small. This guide explains what the research says, why elite swimmers shave, whether recreational swimmers need…

Introduction Have you ever watched swimmers race and wondered why freestyle looks so much faster than breaststroke or backstroke? You may even have experienced the opposite in your own swimming. Freestyle is supposed to be fast, yet your body may feel slow, your legs may sink, or every breath may break your rhythm. So, why is freestyle the fastest swimming stroke if it can still feel slow when your technique is off? The answer is more than simply moving your arms faster. In my coaching experience, I have seen swimmers try to increase their freestyle speed by kicking harder or…

Introduction Have you ever started swimming and felt out of breath after only a few strokes? Maybe you hold your breath underwater, lift your head to get air, or swallow water when you try to breathe. These problems are common among beginner swimmers. You may know how to move through the water but still struggle to match your breathing with your stroke. If you are asking how to breathe properly while swimming, you do not need a complicated technique. You need good timing, a relaxed body position, and regular practice. As a swimming coach, I have seen how much easier…

Introduction Many swimmers reach a point where more pool time does not fix every problem. You may still struggle with strength, endurance, mobility, or race performance. Repeating the same training can also leave you tired. In my experience as a swimming coach, the right cross training for swimmers can help address these gaps without simply adding more swim sessions. The key is choosing training that supports your goal without creating extra fatigue. Cross training can include strength training, cycling, rowing, running, yoga, Pilates, and other sports. The best option depends on your swimming goals, training schedule, fitness level, and recovery.…

Choosing a swimming time can be harder than it sounds. You may have only a short window before work, during lunch, or after a long day. You may wonder if morning swimming is better for fitness, if afternoon swimming can help performance, or if swimming at night can affect sleep. If you have ever changed your schedule because you thought there was one perfect time, you are not alone. What is the best time of day to swim? The answer depends on your goal, schedule, energy level, sleep, and swimming conditions. As a swimming coach, I have seen swimmers respond…

Yes, some Olympic swimmers do wear tampons when they are on their period. From what I have seen, swimming during a period is normal and does not stop a swimmer from training or competing. Many athletes choose whatever feels most comfortable for them. Some use tampons, some use menstrual cups, and some use other period products. The main things are comfort, hygiene, and confidence in the water. Every swimmer is different, so each one finds what works best for their body and routine. In simple words, having a period should not be seen as a problem for swimmers.

Introduction Swimming in deep water can feel scary even when you know the basics. You may swim comfortably in the shallow end, but once your feet cannot touch the bottom, you may worry about sinking, getting tired, or not reaching the wall. I have seen many beginners face this problem. Often, their swimming ability is not the main issue. They simply do not trust themselves when standing is no longer an option. Learning how to swim in deep water starts with building skills you can depend on. From my coaching experience, swimmers gain confidence when they learn to float, tread…

Yes, I’ve found that you can absolutely get fit just by swimming. In my own routine, swimming has become my go-to full-body workout. It boosts my heart health, builds my strength and stamina, and keeps me flexible. I feel the burn in my core, glutes, back, arms, and legs, thanks to the water’s natural resistance, about 12 times more than air. That’s why it works so well for both cardio and strength. The only downside is that swimming is low-impact, so it doesn’t challenge my bones like running or lifting weights would. If I wanted stronger bones or sport-specific gains,…