First Swims Too Long?

If you’re new to swimming, returning after a break, or new to structured training, the first swim sessions in your plan can feel challenging. This is completely normal.

Swimming places unique demands on your technique, breathing, and muscular endurance, which often take time to adapt.

Why This Happens

Your early swim workouts may feel long or difficult because of:

• Limited swim-specific fitness, even if you’re fit in other sports

• Technique inefficiencies that increase fatigue

• Breathing control still developing

• Lack of recent swim consistency

These factors can make sessions feel harder than expected at first.

What To Do If a Session Feels Too Long

You don’t need to force the full session if it compromises technique or enjoyment.

Instead:

• Break the workout into shorter sets

• Add extra rest between repeats

• Reduce the total distance if needed

• Focus on good form, not speed

• Build gradually week to week

Consistency matters more than completing every meter.

Will It Get Easier?

Yes. Swim fitness improves quickly when you train consistently.

• Your efficiency and confidence will improve

• Distances will start to feel more manageable

• Recovery between repeats will get faster

Stick with it and trust the progression in the plan.

Watch to learn how Phil improved his swim speed and fitness after an eight-year hiatus:

When to Ask for Help

If swim sessions continue to feel unmanageable after a few weeks, or you’re unsure how to adjust them, contact our coaching team for guidance.

Copyright MyProCoach® Ltd © May 2018. All rights reserved