Power words are words that, if thought about while taking an action, can dramatically enhance that action. For example, imagine a golfer lining up to sink a 6-yard putt on the 18th hole. You need to sink this shot to win. The pressure on him to act is enormous.
Now pause for a moment. What do you think a professional golfer would be saying to himself? “HARD AND FAST … HARD AND FAST” or “FIXED … FIXED …”.
The latter, of course.
In swimming it is no different. There are two power words that, if thought and repeated while swimming, your swimming will improve immediately. Not just in the way it feels, but in speed, ease, and smoothness.
These two words are “LONG” and “RELAXED”.
Repeat them when you are swimming.
“LONG” and “RELAXED”.
When I use this technique with new or inexperienced swimmers, the results are spectacular. It’s common for swimmers to tell me they ‘finally get it’ once they experience swimming for a long time and are relaxed.
What do I mean by ‘long’?
Swimming ‘long’ means being as torpedo-like as possible. You should imagine yourself reaching for the wall with each stroke and pulling back past your hips. The longer you can lengthen your body, the less resistance you will create and the faster you will go.
What do I mean by “relaxed”?
To go faster in swimming, you need to relax your body. Contrary to what is natural when trying to accelerate, you must relax your arms, shoulders and legs to increase your speed. Instead of swimming ‘tense’, relax your muscles and allow yourself to go through the water without struggling. This is the absolute key to swimming fast.
During your next workout, imagine yourself swimming ‘long’ and ‘relaxed’ and instantly see the benefits.