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Book Review: Overachiever's Diary for Triathletes and Swimmers

A new book takes readers on deck with the West Point triathlon team's swim coach as he helps build cadets into world contenders.

How to Use Your Core in Freestyle

Using just your arms and legs to move through the water is a bit shortsighted. By integrating a little core and hip action into your stroke, you'll harness the energy of your entire body.

<strong>A swim vacationer relaxes near the British Virgin Islands.</strong><br><br><em>Photo Courtesy of SwimVacation</em>

Guided Swimming Vacations: A New Twist on Adventure Travel

Open water swimming doesn't always have to include fighting waves and getting kicked by other competitors. For some vacationers, it's a means to island hop and see the world.

Swimming quietly will make you a more efficient swimmer.

Adding Speed and Efficiency to Technique

Becoming technically sound is the first step toward improving as a swimmer. But when you want to add speed, is it best to just swim harder?

Enter your arms into the water a bit wider than your shoulders with palms turned slightly out.

Keep the Rhythm For a Smoother Butterfly

Terry Laughlin brings his Total Immersion methods for improved swimming to Active.com! Here he looks at how you can save energy while maintaining speed in the butterfly.

Swimming on the Go: Training While Traveling

Travel doesn't have to signal a major swimming setback. Planning ahead and stashing a few extras in your suitcase can help maintain your swim fitness.

<strong>Tara Kirk smiles as she displays her bronze medal from the women's 50-meter breaststroke at the 2007 FINA World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/Mark Baker</em>

An Interview With Olympian Tara Kirk

One of the world's top breaststrokers, Tara Kirk is also a strong supporter of the schools in her hometown of Bremerton, WA. Find out why her community connection helps build a solid foundation for swimming success.

AP Photo/Mark Baker

Swim Drills to Build Your Negative-splitting Skills

Although it may sound like a painful gymnastics maneuver, negative splitting is a training technique that is simple in theory, but takes discipline and a healthy dose of endurance to execute.

Does Chlorine Cause Hair Loss?

Workout more than once in a pool and you'll quickly discover the existence of "swimmer's hair." But does science support the idea that a pool's chlorine will lead to baldness?

The side-kick drill will work to improve your balance and position in the water while you build conditioning in your legs.

Structure Drills into a Beginner's Training Plan

Some swimming novices blindly stick to the idea that technique will improve with conditioning. Structure these two drills into your training plan to improve balance and body position.

Three Swimming Sets for a Faster 1,500-meters

The first leg of an Olympic-distance tri can be grueling. Improve your speed and endurance with these sets to maintain a high-intensity effort over the entire swim.

Use your warmup to stretch out your legs and pull.

Four Focused Swim Workouts

"Jump in and swim for 30 minutes" isn't a workout; it's a recipe for boredom. These workouts promise to add variety and purpose to your pool sessions.

Swimmer's shoulder may primarily be prevented by using proper freestyle stroke.

Exercises to Prevent Swimmer's Shoulder

The repetitive arm motion of freestyle can cause some swimmers to develop shoulder pain. Increasing flexibility combined with strengthening and balancing upper-body muscles can prevent such injuries.

<strong>This exhibit highlights swimming legend Johnny Weissmuller's acting days as Tarzan.</strong><br>AP Photo/J. Pat Carter

Diving In at the International Swimming Hall of Fame

Here are ten reasons a visit to the International Swimming Hall of Fame is a splash for any swimming enthusiast.

Use sculling to develop water sensitivity

Olympians make moving through the water look effortless. They do this by developing and honing their feel for the water. These drills will help you increase your water awareness.

Spending time enjoying the water will help you feel more comfortable with each swim.

Enjoy Your Open Water Experience

Does the idea of swimming without walls or lane lines make you nervous? Fear not--for open water swimming can be an enjoyable experience. Just follow these tips.

Swimmers in the lead pack move into turn one during the 10K race.<br><br>
<strong>Photo: Doug Benc/ Getty Images</strong>

Diary from the U.S.A Swimming Open Water Championships

Open water swimmer John Kenny kept a diary of his trip to Florida, where he competed in the 10K and 25K national championships.

A 25K open water swim at the elite level takes over five hours.

Training for the Open Water National Championships

Five-time U.S. national open-water champion John Kenny shares his training log leading up the U.S.A. Swimming Open Water National Championship.

<strong>Courtesy of Rachel Cosgrove</strong>

Survive the Surf: Entrances and Exits in Open Water Swims

Open water swimming can be nerve-wracking, especially when pounding waves await you at the start. Here are some tips to help you conquer a crashing surf.

Stretch cords: The key to off-season swim training

Turn to dry-land exercises for conditioning and injury prevention. Using stretch cords is a great way to strengthen muscles while simulating swimming motions outside of the pool.

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