Tips: An elastic tether and webbed belt can be used to anchor you to the side for more stability and to develop greater speed without fighting against buoyancy. A simple tube can be looped through a belt.
Step 3. Stay Wet! Work/Recovery Practice Start slow using a power walk, jog or run. Check your posture. Then change speeds:
Work : hard with “bursting” high-intensity intervals by quickly speeding up (pump arms and legs). Find your pace to achieve desired intensity. (Check heart rate if using a monitor or check your perception of effort.)
Recover by slowing down, using easy walk, jog or run moves. (Check heart rate and perception of effort.)
Repeat the work/recovery cycles with your chosen move so you can maintain form and quickly change intensity.
Step 4. The Workout
Warm up : 5–10 minutes. Do easy walking and/or jogging, staying in place or moving forward, sideways and backward in shallow water. Move your legs quickly enough to warm up your body temperature for safety and comfort.
Intervals. : Choose the timed or arm stroke interval set (see Figures 3 and 4). Clip into a tether, work in one place, or travel the length/width of the pool.
Timed intervals (12.5 minutes): Check heart rate after each work set.
Arm stroke intervals : Count each time the right arm comes forward as one stroke.
Cool down : with stretches and easy walking in all directions. Remember to drink water!