The Fit Swimmer: 120 Workouts & Training Tips

Like many triathletes I had a bit of swimming in my background when I started racing, but certainly not enough to be competitive. I occasionally swam with organized groups but my consultant travel schedule made sure that was infrequent. I got a copy of The Fit Swimmer, read it cover to cover and made up about a dozen workouts from the suggested routines. The section on open water racing was particularly valuable. While training diligence was definitely part of it, this book was the #1 resource for me in competitively placing in events ranging from local races to National and Ironman distances. Ms. Brems meets 2 imperatives: she explains things simply and she gives you the tools you need to progress from a relative novice to a competitive swimmer. Like a craftsman and apprentice, she leaves it up to the reader to figure out how to best use the extensive toolset in the book. I found that creating about a dozen workouts on 3x5 cards from her suggested routines and rotating them did the trick (store them in a ziploc bag for use poolside). You can experiment with different routines to test how your body responds. I now coach people on an occasional basis, and strongly encourage each of them to read the book before we start.

Swimming is one of those curious beasts of the American athetic sports scene: vast multitudes participate (recreational, summer, competitive, etc.), but very few really know how to improve. As in other sports, many parents wind up coaching as their children get involved in swimming as there are too few coaches available. There is much to learn! Stroke technique, using the clock, training the aerobic and non-aerobic energy systems, how to author and conduct a productive and interesting workout, etc.To those who might feel intimidated by all this, this book brings help in the form of workout structure. The workouts range from basic beginner to advanced workouts for accomplished swimmers. I have used Marianne's book to keep my workouts (as an age-group coach and Master's swimmer) interesting and my swimmers are always eager to swim.I highly recommend this book for coaches and swimmers who are self-coached.

It is a fantastic book for start a real and serious fittness program on swiming.I started the program stated in the book 3 month ago being a fresh beginner , and now I can swim 1600 meters per day with no problem at all.I do each training tip during 3 days in a row ,and I am improving very fast. It is easy to read,simple with a very good glosary of vocabulary for swimming.I STRONGLY recommend for people who want to start a performing swimming program without having a coach.(THE BOOK ITSELF IS YOUR COACH)

An excellent book. Very well written and a super index of swimming terms The swimming terms are explained very well and also organzation is excellent I Love how Brems gives workouts for the beginner intermediate, and advanced swimmer. Super tips for everyone who loves swimming Also this book is great because it gives you workouts for about 1/3 of the year!! I would recommend this book to anyone who interested in doing swimming workouts without a coach!! This book is a must have for all swimmers!!

I came across this book as I was trying to incorporate new workouts into my coaching for a master's swim team. It is an outstanding book of diverse workouts which has made it simple to have a range of exciting sets for the swimmers without having to be so creative myself! A great book for every coach to have in their library.