How to Swim in a Triathlon

Swimming is all about controlled breathing and movement. Triathlon training is rigorous. The swimming portion is no less rigorous. Swimming in a crowd in open water is an easy place to get panicky. Relaxation in the water is the key to triathlon training.

Things You'll Need

  • Olympic pool
  • Open water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Jump into the water, hold your breath and stay submersed as long as possible. The more comfortable you are in the water with your face wet the better you will be swimming in the triathlon.

    • 2

      Take Tai Chi classes. The movement of Tai Chi will strengthen muscles you didn't realize you had. In addition, the smoothness of the movements will increase the slice of your arms into the water.

    • 3

      Try to breathe meditatively as much as possible. The more controlled your breathing the more energy you will be able to utilize in swimming. Breathing and the energy expressed while swimming go hand and hand.

    • 4

      Push through the water as you swim. Don't try to get more air by reaching your hand out before you enter the water. It is more efficient to rotate from one side to the other and slice through the water with your hand at the same time.

    • 5

      Force your head to stay looking downward. Freestyle swimming is most effective when the swimmer looks straight down.

    • 6

      Learn how to minimize your kick while swimming. Minimizing your kick will help you maintain balance and conserve energy.

    • 7

      Work on the weakest part of your stroke for most of your practice sessions. The only way to transform a weakness into strength is to work on it as much as possible.