💪 MOTIVATION: Six is the MAGIC Number!
It feels fitting that with the relaunch of the new Swim Smooth website that we should probably revisit an original blog from September 2009 that contained a message of support and encouragement for your swimming (especially after a hiatus or after your post-season break), that is as true today as it was back then. Enjoy!
Six is the Magic Number: Rekindling Your Swim Fitness Journey
In the ebb and flow of our swimming pursuits, we all encounter those periods—a hiatus from the pool, a well-deserved break post-racing season—where getting back into the rhythm of training seems as daunting as a vast open water expanse. Fear not, for in the realm of swim fitness, I'm here to share a Swim Smooth-inspired revelation: "Six is the Magic Number."
As many of you might resonate, the initial return to the water after a lay-off can be a formidable challenge. The water feels unfamiliar, the strokes less fluid, and doubts about lost fitness loom large. But fear not, my friends, for the key to breaking through this initial resistance lies in the simplicity of six consecutive sessions within a two-week span.
Picture this as your swim fitness renaissance—a dedicated commitment to six sessions over a fortnight that acts as the catalyst for re-establishing your consistent training routine. Here's why the number six holds such magical significance in our swim journey.
1. Breaking Inertia:
The first session after a break is often the toughest. The water feels heavier, your body less responsive, and doubts about your endurance linger. However, with each consecutive session, you chip away at that initial inertia. By the third session, you'll find that your strokes regain their familiar rhythm, and the water feels like a friend once more.
2. Establishing Routine:
Habits are formed through repetition. Hitting that sixth session within a two-week window ingrains the habit of regular swimming once again. It's about pushing through the resistance until it becomes second nature. With each passing session, the pool becomes your second home, and the routine becomes an integral part of your daily life.
3. Confidence Boost:
Swimming, like any skill, thrives on confidence. The first few sessions may leave you questioning your abilities, but by the time you reach that sixth swim, you've not only conquered the initial challenges but also rediscovered your swimming prowess. The confidence gained from these six sessions propels you forward, setting the tone for more fruitful training ahead.
4. Physical Adaptation:
The body is a remarkable machine that adapts to consistent stimuli. By completing six sessions within a relatively short timeframe, you signal to your body that swimming is back on the agenda. Muscles remember their purpose, endurance builds, and before you know it, you're back in swim-ready shape.
5. Overcoming Mental Barriers:
Swimming is not just a physical endeavor; it's a mental game as well. Overcoming the mental barriers of getting back into the routine is often more challenging than the physical act itself. The discipline to commit to six sessions helps you conquer the psychological hurdles, turning doubt into determination.
6. Building Momentum:
Six sessions act as the ignition to the engine of consistency. Once you've surpassed this milestone, you've not only rekindled your swimming routine but also built the momentum to carry you forward. It's the snowball effect—a little push at the start, and soon you're rolling down the hill with unstoppable energy.
Embrace the transformative power of "Six is the Magic Number." Whether you're returning after a hiatus or gearing up for a new training phase, let these six sessions be the cornerstone of your swim fitness journey.
Dive in, swim strong, and let the magic unfold!
