Don’t Set Limits
A big shout out and congratulations to Simon of London, UK. Simon came to Fit&Abel in June this year. At 52 years young he was scared of deep water, not a confident swimmer but most importantly he was uncertain as to whether or not he could ever learn to get comfortable in deep water , let alone open water. This was part of his first e-mail to us: “At 52, I have never mastered swimming and nervous to go near deep water. I would be really grateful if I could organise some 1 to 1 coaching to at least teach me the basics...
To Paddle or not to Paddle?
The Swimmer’s Ultimate Guide to Swim Paddles (This article was originally published in http://www.yourswimlog.com/ultimate-guide-swim-paddles/ and is published with the kind permission of Olivier, olivier@yourswimbook.com) Swim paddles are a staple in just about every swimmer’s training. Here is everything you need to know about making the most of this piece of equipment. “Fins and paddles!” coach called out. A chorus of smiles and cheers swiftly followed. Some things are totally universal in our sport, and one of them is the pleasure in getting to Mach-1 while wearing equipment that throws our swimming into hyper-drive. Paddles are one of those pieces of equipment that are found in just about every swim bag across the world,...
The Performance Triangle
It is really important to remember in open water swimming that your performance is based on three core ‘foundations’. Athletes regularly fall into the trap of focussing purely on Fitness when there are most often equal or sometimes easier gains to be made in Technique and Open Water Skills. For any program we recommend you make sure that each side of the Performance Triangle ; Fitness, Open Water Skills, Technique are given specific and equal attention to ensure you achieve the best possible gains in your open water swimming....
The Purple Duck
How regularly do I need to practice swim technique? Read on ...
Swimming into 2013
Here are the most common swim coaching inquires to Fit&Abel over December and January: - I want to swim faster and more efficiently - I have trouble with my breathing - I am training for an open water swim or triathlon and need help - I have had shoulder trouble/injury If you have any one or multiple of these questions on the tip of your tongue you can see you are not alone. Here are some swim tips to help you on your way: Both swimming fitness and swimming technique will help you swim more efficiently and faster. Don’t neglect one for the other. Get some help; did you...
Swim Cords
Swim cords; I believe they are one of the biggest assets to your swimming training and development . I use them, I rave about them. Why? Read on…...
Fit&Abel On The Move
Christchurch born swim coach Dan Abel has returned to his home city in New Zealand for the Southern Hemisphere summer of 2011/2012 with his swim coaching company Fit&Abel Ltd. Dan is normally based in London and has a unique swim coaching specialisation of ensuring swimmers are comfortable and competent for open water swimming. ...
Efficient Swimming
Last weekend I spent some time on YouTube doing some swimming research. The internet is a terrific medium for looking at ideas, research and training methods on a global level. The only problem is anyone can publish on the internet. After searching ‘efficient swimming’ and looking at all the different YouTube submissions even I was getting a little confused, it is difficult to ascertain who is the ‘expert’ and correct, let alone who is explaining Efficient Swimming best. I thought it best to retire to my back garden and study my fish in the pond for a time to see if by studying their swim action...
Open Water Swimming Technique
The best place to learn text book freestyle or crawl technique is in the pool. Open water swimming is much more than just simply following a line on the bottom which is why it is so exciting, whether you are just swimming for fitness or training for a triathlon or ironman the following tips may help you out in the open water. ...
Basic Swimming Technique
People often say to me ‘you make swimming look so easy’, the other typical comment I hear is ‘I am doing all this training but my speed is not increasing’. In answer to the first comment I make it look easy because I have put in the practice and I was lucky enough to have coaches over the years who knew that technique training is just as important as fitness training. In answer to the second I would say cut down on the fitness focus for a while and focus on technique; improve technique and the speed will come naturally. The basic principles of swimming technique...
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