Written by Hilary JM Topper, MPA
Ever have to go out of town on business in the middle of your training? You get to the hotel, only to find that the pool is smaller than your bathtub!
We talked with Bill Brenner, Educational Director of the US Masters Swimming, for some helpful advice. He told us to:
“Get a resistance tube and attach it to something stationary like a pole or something around the pool,” said Brenner. “By using a resistance tube, you will get your heart rate up quickly, it may alter your stroke a little, but you will definitely get a workout. The best part is, it’s easy to fold up and store in a suitcase!”
Plan to use resistance tube for approximately 15-20 minutes. In addition, you can do a couple of the following drills:
- Sculling Drill (also called a breaststroke drill) – This is where you keep both your arms in the water and you actually look like you are a window wiper on a car. Some people also call this the windshield wiper drill. The drill is specifically for triathletes to learn how to feel the water. Brenner says this is perfect for a small pool because “you can’t go fast with this drill.” To see the sculling drill in action, here is a YouTube video with a demonstration.
- Vertical Kicking – In this drill, go to the deep end of the pool. You can use a kickboard or something to hold you up if need be. Kick while standing still.
- Eggbeater Kick – Also in the deep end, if there is one, tread water. Then go into a breaststroke kick using both legs. When ready, use one leg at a time. Keep thighs parallel to the water and kick out to the side. This almost looks like an eggbeater. Here’s a YouTube video that demonstrates this drill.
For the kicking drills, figure between 15 – 20 minutes, for a total workout of 30 – 40 minutes, every other day that you are out of town.
Looking for more swimming tools to help boost your swim performance? Read Tri Swim Coach’s article to improve your swim today.
Brenner also suggest checking out the USMS.org website. “On the home page, you can search via zip code for Masters Swim classes across the country. If you’re traveling and you want to catch a class, you can email the organizer and for a nominal fee, you can swim with folks from all over.”
Brenner says that if you don’t swim for four to five days, “it’s like starting over. The first day can be challenging, as opposed to an opportunity if you have been training while you’re away.”
So when you go away and you see a tiny pool, don’t despair! You can get these drills done and still stay fit and ready to get back to serious training when you get home, without taking a step back.
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