Can I swim faster with TI?

This is a question I asked myself recently, after some discussion on the TI technique with others. It is certainly not new to TI, since its inception over 20 years ago, but one that requires an answer. And, frankly, was a key question from myself, when I first began private lessons with C.O.O. of Total Immersion Swimming, Kevin Sutton. Everybody wants to swim faster, especially those well past their prime, like me!

The answer is most definitely, yes, anyone can swim faster w/ TI. Why? Well, a couple of reasons. First, TI is focused on the process of effective technique, step by step. After good balance is gained through body position in the water, further steps to reduce drag can be implemented. Thus, any time you can reduce drag improves speed. Further, faster stroke and kick turnover will not necessarily give speed, if poor technique is used. And, it will certainly negatively affect a swimmer's energy level, as well as oxygenation.

The second reason to be assured speed can result from energy saving swimming w/ TI is, the fastest swimmers consistently use the fewest number of strokes per length (SPL). For example, if you Youtube some of the Olympic races, count the number of SPL for the medalists. Specifically, the legendary gold medal victory for the US Men's 4x100 meter Freestyle Relay, was won through this principle. Jason Lezak, a self-coached Olympian, swam 8 fewer SPL than his counterpart, who was leading by more than a bodylength at the start of the anchor leg. Jason swam brilliantly, and efficiently, to touch out the world record holder in his best event.

Will TI increase my speed? Yes, but not overnight. Nothing is easy. It takes time and discipline to swim smarter using the TI method, or any method that improves your technique, for that matter. Yet, the rewards are tremendous. Not only can any competitor swim faster using TI, but will come out of the water feeling better than they ever had in the past. Word.