MASTERS SWIMMING AT ASPHALT GREEN
Contrary to what you might think, Masters Swimming is not just for master swimmers. In fact it’s for everyone, swimmers of all levels, as I learned last week at Asphalt Green where I trained with the AGUA Masters swim team for week 3 of 52 Weeks of Fitness.
“Masters Swimming is for anyone 18 and over. At Asphalt Green we’re really trying to welcome everyone, from someone who just learned how to swim to former Olympians”, says Jim Wu Head Coach AGUA Masters. “We try to incorporate workouts that will appeal to all levels.” AGUA Masters swim team is dedicated to helping adult swimmers improve their swimming by developing better technique, fitness, and endurance through structured group instruction and training.
The last time I was on a swim team, I think I was 12 or 13. I still swim regularly but recreationally, not very far or particularly fast. I had seen the AGUA Masters team practicing at Asphalt Green where I am a member, their workout written out on the white board, and thought it looked like a fun way to increase both my distance and speed.
“Everyone goes at their own pace”, adds Coach Wu. “We try to match and put people in lanes with those who swim relatively the same pace.” I made sure to get in a slower lane, where I was welcomed by a regular I suspected would be much faster. There were only two of us and I suggested we split the lane as opposed to circle swim. She quickly replied, “No, we’re a team. We swim together”… and patiently waited for me at the end of each set.
The workout themselves vary from week to week, and go through cycles throughout the year. Right now after the Holiday break, the practice I joined was drill focused, with shorter sets, and all 4 strokes (I don’t swim butterfly, but substituting freestyle was fine). Personally I quite enjoyed it as it broke the workout up into bite-size pieces, more tailored to my level, kind of like a swim fitness class. Workouts will eventually get into an aerobic phase, Coach Wu told me, and incorporate more speed and strength.
Like all group fitness, Masters Swimming is about finding a community of people you like training with, who you look forward to seeing, who share your passion for the workout. That’s what keeps you coming back. Not only did I get that sense of community, but I was part of a team. “It keeps you motivated”, says Coach Wu, “having that community keeps you accountable”.
AGUA Masters gets that people have a life outside of the pool, and have created a program that you can pop in and out of. Most people average 3-4 practices a week, but even if you come once a week, you are welcome. For me, it’s a great workout to add to the weekly mix!
To find out more about the Master Swimming at Asphalt Green: AGUA Masters
To find out more about Masters Swimming: U.S. Masters Swimming
LOOKING FOR NEW WORKOUTS TO TRY THIS YEAR?
SEE RELATED POSTS:
