80 Swimming for Fitness
These are useful to develop the feel of sculling during freestyle pulling.Zoomers
A unique and expensive short fin, the Zoomer is helpful but not essential. This
special fin is designed to allow the swimmer to use flip turns during pool training sessions
with minimal interference with technique. Other short fins may be substituted, notably the
short, surf fins.Nose Clips
Many individuals develop low grade nasal reaction to pool water. Use of a nose clip
will allow a swimmer to complete some of the backstroke drills presented in this chapter
much more comfortably.Pool Training: Building Strength and Endurance
The major reason to use a pool is the quality of training. Swim sessions may be
closely monitored and are safe. Controlled interval workouts used in pool training sessions
provide good feedback; the pace clock doesn’t lie. Pool sessions allow you to design
workouts that vary in intensity and emphasis, which is not possible in open water. Pool
training and acquisition of improved stroke skills are elective elements of a SEAL's training
program. Pool training will increase your comfort level in open water, thus enabling you to
significantly improve your operational capabilities.Swimming is not an intuitive
activity like running.
Warming Up
Warming-up should consist of at least 400 meters of swimming, along with some
kicking and pulling drills. Warming-up is essential for swimming to avoid developing
problems of the shoulder joint and upper back.