What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??

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2008-08-06 8:35 PM

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Subject: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??

Ok, Im part of a Triathlon Organization and we usually swim about 3 times a week. Problem is is teh workouts and OWS are about 30 min away from my house and it is sometimes problematic to make those workouts because they are an hour round-trip. I have recently found out that there is a Masters swim class that swims at the high schools Natatorium(sp?) literally a mile from my house, and they swim Monday though Friday at like 5:30 or 6 in teh am which would be perfect for me.

 My question is what exactly is a Masters Swim Team and should/could I swim ?? My first Sprint Tri my swim split was 10 min for a 500 yd swim and my 2nd Tri was 21 min for a 1/2 mile swim, so I am not a GREAT swimmer, but I'm not horrible. I just need some work. So what should I know about this Masters swim class and do you think I should join or is it out of my leauge??? Thanks for any input guys, I appreciate it!  

2008-08-06 9:53 PM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
North Texas Masters Swimming Teams are for adults who wish to enhance swimming skills. Even though you can participate in swim meets it isn't a requirement. While you can get workouts many places the main benefits of Masters is having a coach on deck to make stroke corrections / suggestions. Coaching varies from program to program but most in the Metroplex are pretty good to triathletes. Contact the program and see if you can pay for a few sessions before committing to a month or longer. In general it is a good thing that will improve your swimming abilities.
2008-08-06 11:07 PM
in reply to: #1586728

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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??

Masters just means older than collegate. But to really answer your question: It will probably benefit you alot. Like the above poster said a coach is there. A good program will have faster and slower lanes and there is an ettiquette and jargon to learn but that shouldn't take long.

If you can make the masters classes you may see faster improvement than just doing an OWS here and there.

2008-08-07 12:13 AM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
Just like anything else some are good and some aren't. Try it out and see what you think. The two I have tried one was to far from home and other the coach didn't do much and wasn't there often. I have a lead on another Master's program close to my house I will try this fall. Hopefully I can get some good instruction and finally improve my swimming technique.
2008-08-07 2:38 AM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
If you like swimming crazy hard till your arms fall off, then Masters is for you LOL. At least our Masters is brutal. There should be different lanes from super slow swimmers to super fast swimmers so as long as you can swim 100 yards without having to take a major breathing break after each pool length you should be able to find a lane that works for you.

We actually have a separate technique class so our masters swim class is just guts out intervals for one hour. Well honestly we do have some easy intervals, but the hard ones more than make those forgettable.

Our Masters let you try a couple of classes for free to see if you like it. Not sure how others work.
2008-08-07 7:23 AM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
I've talked with a masters coach and my impression is that you don't have to be a great swimmer to be on a team. Most masters teams just want swimmers.


2008-08-07 7:26 AM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
Broompatrol - 2008-08-07 12:07 AM

Masters just means older than collegate.

Actually, masters is older than 18. The youngest USMS age group is 19-24.



Edited by run4yrlif 2008-08-07 7:27 AM
2008-08-07 2:31 PM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
I think Masters is a  great..I have increased my time immensley and totally recommend it.  But as KAthy G stated, evey masters is different.  My coach is great at coaching..he gives instrcutoin where needed and pushes you to be better.  However, I went to Masters in NYC and the coaches didn't do anything, but post the owrkout nad sit on their butts.  I would suggest gonig to the masters and watching how the coach interacts with the swimmers and talk to the coach about your goals.  They should let you try it for a session or 2 before having to join
2008-08-07 4:35 PM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
run4yrlif - 2008-08-07 5:26 AM
Broompatrol - 2008-08-07 12:07 AM

Masters just means older than collegate.

Actually, masters is older than 18. The youngest USMS age group is 19-24.

Jim, thanks for correcting my misinformation! But my undertsanding is that masters is a non-collegate program as opposed to being an adult in a college program. Correct?

2008-08-07 5:31 PM
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Subject: RE: What is a Masters Swim Class and should I join??
ousooner45 - 2008-08-06 8:35 PM

Ok, Im part of a Triathlon Organization and we usually swim about 3 times a week. Problem is is teh workouts and OWS are about 30 min away from my house and it is sometimes problematic to make those workouts because they are an hour round-trip. I have recently found out that there is a Masters swim class that swims at the high schools Natatorium(sp?) literally a mile from my house, and they swim Monday though Friday at like 5:30 or 6 in teh am which would be perfect for me.

 My question is what exactly is a Masters Swim Team and should/could I swim ?? My first Sprint Tri my swim split was 10 min for a 500 yd swim and my 2nd Tri was 21 min for a 1/2 mile swim, so I am not a GREAT swimmer, but I'm not horrible. I just need some work. So what should I know about this Masters swim class and do you think I should join or is it out of my leauge??? Thanks for any input guys, I appreciate it!  

Is it Dallas Aquatic Master?  If so they actually swim in about 10 pools around the metroplex and have several workouts per week.  They are expensive though, I think around $75/mo but I have heard good things about their workouts.

 I personally joint NT Masters for about half the price and only 3 workouts per week but they make swimming go so much quicker.

Basically they are for everyone over 18yr old.  They generally have prescribed workouts but you don't have to follow. Some people even race in Masters meets.

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