I approach stroke development for adults in a step-by-step fashion. I teach all four competitive strokes, techniques for open water swimming, treading water, and flip turns.
When I first evaluate adult swimmers, I look at technique, their relationship to water on a physical and emotional level, and the energetics of their bodies. Also, I inquire about their understanding of how the human body works in water. Once I know their goals and my assessment is complete, I determine my first step. Often I have to start with inhaling and exhaling. To be able to breathe rhythmically, with ease, for a sustained number of laps is typically the greatest challenge facing most adult swimmers. It is one of my favorite areas to work on.
Beth –
You played a huge role in fundamentally changing the way I look at life.
Swimming is really the only thing I have forcibly taught myself as an adult. It has been a long process. I have enjoyed the journey, but do feel as if I started from scratch! I now realize that anyone can really learn to do anything. As adults I think we often get caught up in our routine, our limitations, and our prejudices. I “couldn’t” swim… therefore I wasn’t a swimmer. But in what seems like a very short period of time, I have come to realize that I am a swimmer, not only because I can now link many strokes together, but because I truly love swimming. I hope to always look at life through learning. I don’t want to ever think something is out of reach. I also will always try to be an encouraging voice to others who are in the learning phase (of whatever it is they want to do)… boy, does it help when those folks come into your days and cheer you through the ugly portions of whatever you are learning.
Today I swam 1000 meters open water. It was easy. It was relaxing. It was so enjoyable.
It hit me like a ton of bricks about 2 o’clock — I sat at my desk and realized just how far I’d come! After being rather amazed, I realized I needed to stop and reflect. With that came my sincere gratitude for you coming into my life!
Thank you for giving me the tools to discover swimming.
I hope to see you soon.
Cheers to learning,
Jess