Is Listening to Music Good for your Swim?

author : Tri Swim Coach
comments : 4

Is it good to listen to music while lap swimming? Are there any devices to help you keep track of your laps?

Anyone have a way to count laps while you're swimming? I crank up the Aquatunes and listen to music while I swim, but I can't seem to keep the number of laps straight in my head, and can never quite figure out how far I swam. Is there some type of counter I can use?

Tunes are great in the water, but they will assist you in losing track! If you want to listen to music, I suggest listening while you do a timed swim, like a 10-minute straight swim, rather than where you need to actually have your math brain turned on!

Leave the music home on important swim sets

If you are working on stroke counting or need to know how many laps or yards you have done in a particular swim, I would set aside the music. Swimming is somewhat of a cerebral sport when training for long distances- you must be fully focused on your stroke as well as how many laps you have done.

Swimming requires thought for stroke improvement

I hate to admit it, but I have actually miscounted my laps on a 100! It happens when you are not fully present. Thinking about a stressful day at work or planning out your day can lead to sloppy strokes and embarrassing moments at the pool. Being present when you swim actually takes some practice! Counting strokes can bring you back to thinking about what you are doing.

Use mini-goals for your workouts

Also, it’s a good idea to use mini-goals within your workouts. For example, if you are doing a set of 100’s, shoot for improving each one by one second. Notice what you have to do on each swim to achieve this. For a longer swim, decrease your stroke count for each four laps. This will keep you focused on technique as well as being able to keep track of how many laps you have done.

In summary, to keep track of laps:

1. Use music only when doing long, timed swims where distance is not as important.
2. Stay present. Let go of your problems while you focus on swimming for 45 minutes or an hour.
3. Set mini-goals for your workouts.

Try these tips out and it I think you’ll find that it’s even better than having an automatic lap counter!

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date: February 7, 2008

Tri Swim Coach

I'm at http://www.TriSwimCoach.com- a resource for beginning through intermediate level triathletes looking for help with swimming. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. I have also written an electronic book titled “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” and created "The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD", both available on www.triswimcoach.com.

For a 20% DISCOUNT on Zoomers Z2 fins and Freestyler paddles, go to www.finisinc.com and use discount code ‘aggies20’ at checkout!

avatarTri Swim Coach

I'm at http://www.TriSwimCoach.com- a resource for beginning through intermediate level triathletes looking for help with swimming. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. I have also written an electronic book titled “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” and created "The Essential Triathlon Swimming DVD", both available on www.triswimcoach.com.

For a 20% DISCOUNT on Zoomers Z2 fins and Freestyler paddles, go to www.finisinc.com and use discount code ‘aggies20’ at checkout!

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