Whether you're aiming to conquer a fear of water, refine your freestyle technique, or train conveniently for a swimming event, a swim spa offers a versatile solution to incorporate swimming into your regular regimen. However, swimming in a swim spa, which serves as the perfect alternative to a backyard pool, can present some surprises.
Swimming in a swim spa engages different muscle groups and demands heightened body awareness in the water. While it may feel challenging initially, there are steps you can take to enhance your sessions in the spa and improve your overall fitness. Recently, HydroSpring Spas hosted a Facebook live event featuring insights from IRONMAN coach Ben Gilliam, who shared invaluable tips and techniques for maximizing your swim spa experience.
Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just starting out, Gilliam's drills and advice can benefit anyone looking to enhance their swimming skills.
What sets swimming in a swim spa apart from a traditional pool experience?
Feeling fatigued or facing challenges during initial swim spa sessions is completely normal. Unlike swimming in a pool, where the water is still, a swim spa utilizes a current system that simulates the experience of swimming against a flowing body of water, akin to a lake or ocean. Swimmers must adjust their body position and engage their core to maintain balance in the water.
The primary distinction between a pool and a swim spa lies in the current of water. Similar to a treadmill for runners, the current in a swim spa allows swimmers to maintain forward movement without interruption. Unlike traditional pool environments with crowded lanes and flip turns, swim spa users enjoy a solo continuous swimming experience. Certain HydroSpring Spa models offer preprogrammed workouts that automatically adjust the current's intensity, providing swimmers with varying levels of challenge or opportunities for recovery.
Do I need a tether?
No! When selecting a swim spa for swimming workouts, it's advisable to choose a model that doesn't require a tether. Tethers are only necessary when the spa's current isn't sufficiently strong for swimming against.
How can I enhance my swimming by incorporating a swim spa?
Professional athletes like IRONMAN triathlete Ben Hoffman and 23-time Gold Medalist Michael Phelps value the feedback provided by swim spas. Whether utilizing underwater cameras or working with a coach, receiving feedback on your form is crucial for refining your technique and becoming a better swimmer.
What strategies can make swimming in a swim spa more manageable?
Utilizing swim tools and drills is an effective way to improve your technique and acclimate to swimming in a swim spa. Here are three essential tools to consider:
1. Pull buoy: Enhances buoyancy in the lower body, allowing you to focus on arm movements while conserving leg energy. Place the buoy between your upper thighs and perform three sets of 1-minute swims, with intervals of rest between each set.
2. Center snorkel: Improves body position and technique, particularly useful in swim spa training to prevent water from entering the tube. Position the snorkel with the buoy in place and swim for three sets of 1 minute each, ensuring rest between intervals.
3. Nose plug: Ensures you breathe comfortably without inhaling water, reducing the challenge of breathing during swimming. When using the nose plug along with the buoy and snorkel, focus entirely on refining your stroke during longer swim sets, such as three sets of 3 minutes each or 15 minutes continuously.
With a swim spa from HydroSpring Spas, you have the flexibility to set your pace and achieve your fitness goals without any obstacles standing in your way.
