Author: John Taylor

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.

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 water,…

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,…

Introduction Seeing someone struggling in the water is a situation most people hope they never face, but it can happen at a neighborhood pool, a beach, a lake, or even during a family vacation. In those first few seconds, many people freeze because they do not know how to help someone in distress in the water. Questions quickly come to mind: Should I jump in? Should I call 911 first? What if I make the situation worse? These fears are completely understandable, especially for parents, guardians, new pool owners, teachers, and anyone responsible for keeping others safe around water. From…

Introduction Have you ever been enjoying a swim when a painful cramp suddenly forces you to stop? It can happen in your foot, calf, or hamstring without warning. Besides the pain, it can make you lose confidence, especially if you are swimming in deep water or training for longer distances. If you are searching for how to avoid cramps while swimming, you are not alone. Many beginners and experienced swimmers deal with this problem, but the good news is that most swimming cramps can be prevented with the right habits. From my experience working with swimmers and studying swimming techniques,…

Introduction Have you noticed that your shoulders feel tight, your hips are stiff, or simple movements are not as easy as they used to be? Whether you spend hours sitting at a desk or want to swim more comfortably, poor flexibility can affect your daily life and performance in the pool. If you are wondering how swimming helps with flexibility, you are in the right place. Swimming is a gentle, full body exercise that can improve your range of motion while putting very little stress on your joints. From my experience working with swimmers, I have learned that flexibility is…

Introduction Have you been spending hours in the pool but still not swimming faster or feeling stronger? Many swimmers struggle with weak starts, slow turns, tired shoulders, or a lack of power because swimming alone is not always enough. Strength training for swimmers helps build the power, stability, and endurance needed to improve performance while supporting better technique and reducing the risk of common injuries. From my experience studying swim training and proven coaching methods, many swimmers either skip strength training or follow bodybuilding workouts that do not improve their swimming. The best results come from exercises that match the…

Introduction Swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans can be an exciting way to enjoy the water. Unlike a swimming pool, open water offers changing scenery and new challenges. However, it also comes with risks such as currents, cold water, waves, poor visibility, and sudden weather changes. That is why learning safety protocols for open water swimming is essential before you plan your next swim. From my experience, the safest swimmers are not always the fastest. They are the ones who prepare well, understand the conditions, and know when to stay out of the water. Whether you are training for fitness,…

Looking for the best swim race tips before your next competition? Many swimmers train hard for weeks but still leave the pool feeling disappointed. The problem is often not speed or fitness. It is simple race day mistakes like skipping a proper warm up, starting too fast, forgetting important gear, or letting nerves take over. If you have ever felt that you could have swum better, you are not alone. From what I have seen around swim training and competitions, swimmers usually perform their best when they keep things simple. They arrive prepared, trust their training, and focus on their…