by Dr. Paul Hutinger
Question: What are the components of a successful program for Masters swimmers?
Answer: The first answer by many would be the training program. Many highly competitive swimmers use their coach's own workouts or computer generated workouts, like Hy Tek. Non-competetive swimmers, will modify these workouts or find another workout that applies to their goals and time restraints. Scott Rabalais, 1996 Masters Coach of the Year and Chair of the Masters Coach's Association, lists an all inclusive combination of nine items: cardiovascular conditioning, strength, technique, flexibility, kinesthetic ability, nutrition, rest, knowledge of swimming and psychology & motivation. Swimmers, such as Jean Troy, 74, says she uses every technique available to beat highly talented swimmers, such as June Krauser. Troy has frequently beaten Krauser in the 50, 100 and 200 free.
Many Masters do not have the time or motivation to follow Rabalais' guidelines. However, many items can be part of a healthy lifestyle, like training (at whatever level satisfies you), nutrition and rest. There are many benefits from these basic principles, which are known by most who have been in the program. One area unknown to many, is the benefit to the brain. Many of you know about endomorphs and the runner's or swimmer's high. Many sufferers of depression take drugs, like prozac to normalize the serotonin in the brain.
Research has demonstrated that aerobic exercise, like swim training, increases serotonin levels which combat depression. The potential dangers of mood altering drugs neurotoxicity can also be avoided. Talk during your intervals is also important for an overall positive therapy and improvement in neurogenesis.
Anyone wanting additional information, or having personal questions, please send a large SASE to: Dr. Paul Hutinger, 1755 Georgia Ave NE, St. Petersburg FL 33703. You can e-mail me at phut@usms.org.