I have a long way to go with my swimming techniques, should I keep going with the program even though I'm not able to complete the swimming portion of the workouts?
Absolutely, if swimming is your weak area then you should definitely work on it more. My private facebook group for clients is a really great resource for help too. There is a lot of great swimming advice on there. You could read the book Total Immersion or even hire a swim coach. It's just important to try and get all the distances in. I would even recommend if the swimming is what you struggle with that you spend even more time in the pool and gaining that confidence, water is a crucial part of being a PJ.
I’m currently deployed, what can I do to offset the fact that I don't have a pool to train in?
There is not really anything that can actually replace the pool but I usually recommend that people use either the row, jacobs ladder, or versa-climber machines as a substitute since they are low impact and full body workouts.
I am having trouble staying at the bottom of the pool while putting the mask on. Is there a certain technique or trick I’m missing?
Do a couple of upstrokes to keep yourself down and it helps to do it faster. Make sure when you start your ascent you are on the bottom, so you may have to upstroke back to the bottom.
Are there any specific swim workouts for someone who is 5’8” or below?
Something that really helped me get faster in the water was using a kick board and alternating with hand paddles. It helps to really strengthen your stroke/kick.
Would you say swim with fins or swim bare feet in the ocean?
Fins if you are in the ocean for sure.
What level of swimming should I have before starting your program?
As long as you are able to swim 100m at a time then that is fine. All I ask is that you complete the distance or reps however long it takes you. It is part of building resilience. I know you can get to that point in less than a month if you are willing to spend the time in the pool.
What stroke technique can be used during underwaters?
You need to use the keyhole/frog kick stroke.
I'm having a really hard time with the swimming, I was wondering if there was anything I can do to make it better?
Find someone who is good at swimming and ask them to teach you, or hire a coach. Swimming is all about technique. Total immersion is a great resource.
What is a good pool substitute workout?
You can’t really replicate pool workouts, but I would use a row machine or the versa climber/Jacobs ladder. Just something that is low impact and uses upper and lower body.
I need to get better at treading water. Any tips or suggestions?
It's all about flexibility and coordination. Look up some hip flexor and leg stretches and do them religiously. Then watch some YouTube videos on the eggbeater technique and practice on dry land, just laying on your back , then practice in the water while holding the wall… then progress to timed sets in the water.
In any swimming event that isn't a fin, is there a particular stroke that is required? Will I be able to use CSS on the non finning swims?
When you have fins on you will do the Combat recovery stroke or lead arm trail arm swim. Without fins on, you will do freestyle unless you’re dragging a buddy or swimming underwater.
When bobbing, I'm really floaty (on a full exhale I kind of just slowly sink) and end up having to basically swim myself down. Any tips or recommendations?
If you push off the bottom of the pool harder, it causes you to come out of the water more, which will help you sink faster since you will have more momentum than just a dead pause at the top.