This post is sponsored by our friends at Swimmers Best. Use code myswimpro for 10% off all backyard kits!
Think swimming in place isn’t for you? We’re here to prove you wrong! With the right equipment and a solid workout plan, stationary swimming is a great way to train.
The first thing you need to start your stationary swimming journey? A tether.
Whether your pool is closed or you’re too busy to make the drive to your usual pool, a swimming tether is a great investment to ensure you stay on track with swim training from the comfort of your backyard.
Why Use a Tether?
Related: 9 Tethered Swimming Tips
A tether is a great, low-cost option if you need to get a quick workout in. While tethered swimming is different from traditional lap swimming, you have lots of options for your workouts:
- Work on Technique: Add some drills to your workout or mix in fins, paddles and a snorkel to get hyper focused on technique.
- Swim all 4 Strokes: It may feel different at first, but you can swim all 4 competitive strokes with a tether, no problem!
- Focus on Body Position: Good body position is essential for a tethered swim, since you’re held in a stationary spot. Make sure your hips don’t drop to the bottom of the pool and your head stays looking straight down.
- Mix in Dryland: Hop out in the middle of your swim and add a few sets of push ups and squats to the mix. Alternating swimming with dryland makes for a killer workout.
Related: How Swimmers Can Work Out Without a Pool
Setting Up Your Tether
You need just a few minutes to set up your tether:
- Attach your tether to a tree, pole or other sturdy object next to your pool.
- Adjust the waist belt to fit your body
- Grab fins, paddles and any other equipment you’ll need for your workout and dive in!
The Importance of Workout Structure
A structured workout is important no matter where you swim, but it’s especially important when swimming with a tether. You have two main options when building a tether workout:
Stroke Count
Break up your workout by counting your strokes. This is a great option if you don’t have a smartwatch to track your intervals. For example:
- 100 strokes easy
- 4 x 20 strokes fast, 20 strokes easy (20sec rest between rounds)
Time
Swim for specific intervals rather than distance. For example:
- 5:00 freestyle
- 3 x :30 backstroke, max effort
The MySwimPro app allows you to build custom workouts based on time, which works great for tethered swimming. If you use a smartwatch, MySwimPro will keep you on track, signaling when to stop and move onto the next set.
Related: How to Work Out at Home
30 Minute Swim Tether Workout
Fares used the MySwimPro app to build a time based workout for a backyard pool! Check it out:
The Workout (30 seconds rest between sets)
- 1 x 3:00 Free Easy
- 8 x 30s IM Order
- 3 x 3:00 Free (With snorkel, 15 strokes hard, 15 strokes easy)
- 1 x 3:00 Free Moderate Build (With fins)
- 2 x 2:00 Breaststroke Kick Moderate (10 kicks hard, 10 kicks easy)
- 1 x 2:00 Free Perfect Technique
Have you used a tether to stay fit while your pool is closed? Let us know what you think below! To get your very own tether from Swimmers Best, use the code myswimpro for 10% off! Start your free trial of MySwimPro ELITE COACH and unlock all of our swim and dryland training resources, workouts and coaching!
