Totally Immersed in Total Immersion Swimming

I have only watched a couple of the videos and started reading Terry Laughlin's book Total Immersion Swimming, but already it makes so much sense to me and I can see the things I am doing in my own swimming that are not efficient.

Today at the pool I focussed on lengthening my body and feeling the harmonic undulation. I know that sounds kooky. But I could feel my swimming becoming smoother and more rhythmic and the concrete results were that it took me fewer strokes to cross the pool. That's pretty immediate results!

The techniques for Total Immersion Swimming are based on the principles of hydrodynamics. So the techniques and drills are designed to help you maximize the hydrodynamic efficiency of your body in the water.

The other thing I love about the Total Immersion Swimming philosophy is the emphasis on visualization. Visualizing yourself as a sleek, streamlined vessel propelling yourself effortlessly through the water. Visualizing yourself being pulled through the water by a string attached to the top of your head.

I used to think the only way to get faster in the water was through grueling workouts. But you can increase your speed and efficiency by working smarter not harder. Seeing yourself swimming more smoothly and efficiently will help you do so.

I'm already convinced that if you even try only a few of these techniques you will improve your sense of comfort in the water and you'll improve your swimming technique and probably your speed too.

Total Immersion Swimming

I've been swimming for years and I always thought of myself as a pretty good swimmer, until I came across Total Immersion Swimming. I'm not fast, I don't swim competitively, but I have good form and a pretty efficient stroke.

What I like best about swimming is the feeling of moving through the water, the glide. It feels like the essence of swimming, the essence of being in the water. When swimming is effortless like this it is a transcendent experience. When you use the techniques of Total Immersion Swimming you maximize this feeling of gliding through the water.

Of course it is good exercise too, one of the best things you can do. It works all of the major muscle groups in the body without putting any undue strain on joints or feet, like running does.