If you think fastest way to better swimming is more laps, you're wasting your breath, literally. Now you can swim better -- and enjoy it more -- using simple and original techniques developed by veteran swim coach and top-ranked Masters swimmer Terry Laughlin. Laughlin has helped more adults to swim faster, more smoothly, and with less effort than any other swimming coach in the country. Total Immersion, named for the popular workshops he gives across the country, will change the way you move your body through the water, Laughlin will take the way you swim and turn it inside out as you learn that it's technique -- not athletic ability -- that makes a strong swimmer. And best of all, you'll eliminate the boredom that comes with repetitive lap swimming. Total Immersion features:

* Step-by-step skill drills that anyone can master for better swim stokes, improved form, and more enjoyable workouts
* Tips on how to eliminate energy-robbing "drag" and swim more powerfully-with less effort
* The Total Immersion self- taught stroke makeover
* Dry land exercises to improve what you do in the water
* How to swim to burn off the most fat
* Easy-to follow illustrations

You will also learn which "pool toys" -- like hand paddles and fins -- can help you improve the most; how to swim for general fitness; how to stay injury-free; and much more. Based on more than twenty years of teaching, coaching, and research, Terry Laughlin's Total Immersion is sure to improve the quality of your swimming, whether you're skilled athlete or an average swimmer. And best of all, no more boring laps.

Amazon.com Review
Masters swimmer and acclaimed coach Terry Laughlin has taught thousands to swim more efficiently in the workshops he has given across the United States. In his book Laughlin details simple, step-by-step drills emphasizing the importance of technique and an innovative workout regimen.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 101 reviews)

Better Technique = Better Swimming

I'm not a big swimmer, but I heard so much about this book that I had to check it out- and I'm glad I did. This book will save a lot of people who are trying to learn to swim better a lot of time. Here's why:

-the book concentrates on swimming technique, correct position, and how you're suppose to feel in the water
-the book gives you drills to reinforce the most efficient way to swim
-the book is very scientific and the info is based on hydrodynamics

The book covers a lot of ground, but the authors writing style makes is go by quickly (at least it did for me). The pictures were good and I thought the explanations of the techniques and the "why" behind them was very understandable. Not sure about the rotator cuff routine in Chapter 16 though- it's kinda long and I'm not sure if some of the exercises like the reverse biceps curl is really necessary (rec. Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff for swimmers who have shoulder issues).

In conclusion, I found the book very enlightening and recommend it to anyone (young OR old) who wants to learn how to swim more efficiently by learning the correct swimming techniques. The author obviously loves swimming and has brought all his years of experience and research into one handy resource.
September 29, 2008

Product not received

Commited date of delivery: 22nd Aug 2008. Today is 30th Aug 2008. Product not yet recd.
August 30, 2008

Solid drills that definitely work

I am by far much more of a runner than a swimmer and swimming has always been perplexing and a little frustrating for me. I could knock out a half marathon, but swimming 50 yds left me winded and blue in the face. I committed myself to doing the drills wholeheartedly for the last month instead of just swimming laps. I've only been through about half the drills and this morning I decided to swim a lap to see if I had improved. It was like magic! (okay, maybe not so much magic, but still impressive!) If you dedicate yourself to committing the drills to your muscle memory, the improvements should definitely come, especially if you're a lean and densely muscled "non-swimmer" like me.
The author emphasizes balance in the water and the drills essentially break down the swim stroke into its integral components. I bought the DVD to make sure I was doing the drills correctly, even though the descriptions in the book still do a good job. I'd also recommend having someone else read the drill descriptions and watch you to give you pointers on your form.
August 28, 2008

excellent

I highly recommend this book.
It's good to also get a DVD just so you have a visual aid.
Absolutely worth every penny
August 28, 2008

total immersion

great book to read.. not sure how much it's helping my swim times as I can't get past exercise 1 without getting frustrated. i'm going to keep at it and see how it goes.
July 28, 2008

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