The Effortless Swimming Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Baumann to explore swim stroke synchronization and body connection for a more efficient swim. We discuss six key synchronization points, the importance of feeling the water, and the role of joint mechanics in creating a powerful stroke. Tracy shares her coaching evolution toward focusing on technique and sensory cues, emphasizing the benefits of short-interval training. Tune in now! 00:08 Introduction 01:12 Upcoming Swimming Camps 01:34 Meet Tracey Baumann 2:23 Starting with Stroke Synchronization 3:17 Building the Stroke from the Inside Out 6:45 Avoiding Dead Spots in the Stroke 10:12 Six Key Synchronization Points 17:37 Transferring Pressure and Connecting with the Water 22:52 Softening the Hands for Better Connection 27:00 Effective Coaching Language 29:40 Grounding and Body Awareness 36:00 Short Interval Training 38:40 The Impact of Bones and Joint Mechanics 42:37 Get in touch with Tracey!

Kiah Melverton, an Olympian, former world record holder, and World Championship silver medalist, joins us in this episode. Kiah offers advice on improving freestyle technique, highlighting key areas swimmers should focus on to achieve a faster, more efficient stroke. Tune in now! 00:30 Meet Kia Malverton 00:5 Head and Body Position 01:26 Kicking 04:01 Recovery and Catch 05:24 Breathing Techniques and Rhythm 07:17 Racing Cues and Technique Focus 09:15 Reflecting on Career Highlights 10:12 Advice and Training Insights 11:56 Challenging and Favorite Sets

I've spent 25 years helping adults become better swimmers, from beginners to pro triathletes. In this podcast, I'll share what really works to go from feeling slow and frustrated to swimming fast, efficiently, and effortlessly. 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Balancing Tension and Relaxation 01:34 Reality vs Perception 02:24 Finding Your Unique Swimming Style 03:34 The Importance of Technique Over Effort 04:48 Kick Supports NOT Propels 05:57 Overthinking vs Feeling the Water 07:35 Swim Softer to go FASTER 08:42 Consistency is KING 11:14 Don't train like a runner! 13:26 Using Swimming Aids 15:09 Developing Your Stroke Step-by-Step 16:37 Long-Term vs Short-Term Goals 18:34 Strength and Mobility 20:08 Slow to Fast 21:14 Stroke Length vs Stroke Rate 23:26 Training for Specific Events 24:39 Open Water Swimming Tips 25:45 Turn off distraction!

Today, we're joined by Craig Lewin, founder of Endurance Swimming, who discovered his passion in the open water. Though he started as an average swimmer in the pool, Craig found his stride in marathon swimming, where endurance and mindset matter more than speed. In this episode, he shares his journey and insights on tackling challenging open water swims. Tune in now! 01:24 Journey into Marathon Swimming 06:01 Building a Support Network and Mentors 13:05 Training and Recovery Strategies 15:25 Patience in Progress: The Long-Term Training Mindset 18:15 Embracing the Flow: Letting Go of Pace in Long Swims 20:45 Tempo vs. Stroke Length 22:30 Mental Preparation and Long Swims 27:35 Building Confidence Through Repetition 28:36 Finding the Right Coach for Long Swims 31:05 Get in touch with Craig!

In this episode, we sit down with Ash Delaney, coach of Olympic Gold Medalist and 100m freestyle world-record holder Kyle Chalmers. Ash shares his approach to coaching freestyle and offers valuable insights into how swimmers can improve their speed and technique in the water. 00:13 Introduction 00:37 Body Position and Kick Mechanics 01:58 Coaching Kyle Chalmers 03:01 Recovery and Entry 04:41 The Importance of Video Feedback 04:47 Setting Up Your Catch 5:46 Favorite Drills 7:56 Breathing Techniques 10:05 Coaching Philosophy and Common Mistakes 12:25 Challenging Training Sets 13:50 Memorable Races: Best and Worst 15:27 The Best Advice

Jaimie Fuller, founder of EO and creator of the SwimBetter device, shares insights on enhancing swimming performance through technology. He discusses how elite athletes like Pan Zhang Lee and Kyle Chalmers utilize these devices to refine their technique. Key topics include measuring hand movements, the significance of data-driven analysis for stroke improvement, and the role of remote coaching. Fuller also emphasizes how small adjustments in technique can make a big difference, impacting both professional swimmers and triathletes alike.

Sharon van Rouwendaal, a Dutch Olympic gold medalist and champion in open-water swimming, shares her strategic insights on the thrilling 10km race at the Paris Olympics. Joining her is Moesha Johnson, an emerging Australian talent who claimed silver. They discuss their pre-race tactics, the surprising dynamics of leading the pack, and the importance of mental strength. Both athletes reflect on overcoming personal challenges, the exhilarating finish, and their life in the spotlight post-race.

Join former 6x Ironman Distance Champion and high-performance triathlon coach, Bek Keat, as she shares her insights on adapting your swimming stroke from the pool to the open water. Discover the changes triathletes must make to swim effectively in challenging conditions such as chops, waves, and crowded environments. Beck also reflects on her journey as a professional triathlete, discussing the lessons she learned and the transition into coaching. Tune in now! 00:00 Introduction 02:43 The Differences Between Open Water and Pool Swimming 05:48 The Importance of an Open Arm Recovery 11:40 Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Breathing 17:52 The Impact of Changing Stroke Techniques 25:21 Bilateral Breathing and Breathing Patterns 29:58 Mobility, Flexibility, and Triathlon Training 35:09 The Pitfalls of Following Fitfluencers 39:21 The Accuracy of Metrics and Electronic Devices 41:51 Using Perceived Effort and Tuning into the Body 44:59 Getting Out of a Rut in Swimming: Ditch the Tech and Just Swim 49:07 Wetsuits and Buoyancy Shorts 51:30 Getting in Touch with Bek!

Dr. Sandra Harrell, a former 5-time NCAA All-American swimmer and seasoned physical therapist, dives into the essentials of injury prevention and strength training. She emphasizes the critical role of consistent strength workouts and proper nutrition for athletes of all ages. Learn about common pitfalls in nutrition and how to craft personalized training regimens. Sandra shares inspiring success stories of athletes overcoming injuries and underscores how strength training can extend athletic longevity and enhance performance.

We're thrilled to have Chipper and Chris, the powerhouse duo behind the Löw Tide Böyz, join us. Based in Northern California, this dynamic SwimRun team is on a mission to grow the sport of SwimRun and bring it to the forefront of endurance athletics. In this episode, we'll explore why many endurance athletes are making the transition to this sport. We discuss the reasons behind its rapid growth and provide valuable insights for those interested in getting started with SwimRun. Tune in now! 00:54 Introduction to Chipper and Chris, the Löw Tide Böyz 06:27 What is SwimRun? The Basics and Origins 08:29 The Evolution of Equipment and Gear in SwimRun 13:55 Training and Strength Requirements for SwimRun 16:55 The aha moment: falling in love with SwimRun 20:36 Unexpected Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles in SwimRun 26:35 The Success of the Löw Tide Böyz Podcast: Building a Global Community 29:41 The Future of SwimRun: Innovations and Changes 35:04 Your Guide to Starting SwimRun: Resources and Tips 36:38 Get in touch with the Löw Tide Böyz!