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Over the course of my swimming career, I was able to work with some legendary coaches and athletes. The best sports scientists in the world would analyze my stroke and help me to fine tune each movement to be as efficient as possible. Now that I’m retired, I have dedicated myself to sharing what I learned with as many other swimmers and triathletes as possible.
A couple months ago, I was driving around near my house when I saw a sign that said “Swim Lessons at SwimLabs”. The name SwimLabs rang a bell in my head because I had heard my Olympic Teammate, Kara Lynn Joyce, mention it. But I had never inquired further with her on what SwimLabs actually was! I decided to drop-in and what I found when I stepped inside blew my mind! When I was 7 years old I got to swim in the flume at the Olympic Training Center. At this time in 1999, the flume was revolutionary to the science of swimming technique. It was a swimming treadmill with an adjustable current and cameras aimed to record each swimmer’s stroke. I still remember the experience to this day. I learned so much from being able to see my stroke from underwater with such quality and from such unique angles. I never thought I’d get another opportunity.  Imagine my surprise when I walked inside a facility with not 1, not 2, not even 3, but 4 pools set up almost exactly like the flume and available to everyone! SwimLabs has revolutionized swimming lessons by offering state of the art technology and brilliant, detail oriented coaches to help every swimmer perfect their technique. The best news is that SwimLabs is a franchise that has locations popping up in every corner of the United States. They’re growing rapidly as people realize that this type of training and technique work is invaluable to an athlete. Here are 3 reasons why I think every swimmer and triathlete needs to visit a SwimLabs: 1. See your stroke from every angle in high quality. You have to see your stroke underwater to really understand what you’re doing in your stroke and figure out what needs to change. You could try to put a camera underwater, but running up and down the side of the pool chasing a swimmer with a camera yields shaky and blurry results. Having a swimmer swim past the camera only gets a few frames that are actually usable. At SwimLabs, it’s a swimming treadmill! The swimmer and the cameras stay in one place, which allows for clear and stable video. We have 3 cameras aimed at the swimmer. One from the top looking down, one in front, and one that is movable. You get a full view of the stroke from every angle. We also have mirrors on the bottom of the pool and in front so that the swimmers can see their stroke in real time and immediately make adjustments, even before we get our cameras on them. Here's an example of a video from SwimLabs: 2. You get to take your videos home Using Dartfish, we take the videos that we record during the lesson and upload them so that you can watch them anytime and anywhere. I will make notes on the video so that you remember what you need to work on. I also draw on the video to show angles and positioning to help you to understand the proper movement. You can watch them before each practice so that you’re continuously reminding yourself of what you need to work on and apply it. 3. Year round technique work Lessons with detail oriented coaches and high tech equipment are available all year long. Continuously work on technique and schedule lessons regularly to stay on top of your stroke. You can acquire video over time as proof of your improvement! See the results as you go both on your film and in your times in competition. It’s so rewarding to me to be able to see my swimmers improve even just over the course of a 30-minute lesson. Technique is so important in swimming and there really isn’t a better place to learn your proper form. To schedule a lesson, click the button based on the location below, select private lessons and a coach. Or Call: (303) 798-7946 My Schedule: Check out other SwimLabs locations and schedule a lesson with a trained coach! |
AuthorChloe Sutton - Sharing my experience of 20 years of competitive swimming including 8 years on the National Team and 2 Olympic Games. 
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December 2019
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