ABOUT
Swimming New Zealand’s SWIM FITNESS PROGRAMMES are a world-first computer-based training programme for swimmers launched in New Zealand on 27 January 2006.
The swimformation technology underlying the system is the brainchild of Swimming New Zealand High Performance Director, Clive Rushton. The technology uses the coaching expertise that has developed world champions in a fully interactive, and indivualised programme for the recreational swimmer.
Rushton has worked on the concept for a number of years. While coaching online is not a new concept, the key difference is that this programme provides a personalised workout for each swimmer.
The initial launch targets the recreational swimmer offering the opportunity to tap into the best coaching principles in an interactive and individual training schedule.
Up coming phases will include automated seasonal planning aimed at specific goals and finally a total coach management system which will allow multiple groups of swimmers with individual logs under the coach’s control.
“This is an opportunity for recreational swimmers to use training principles using a solid, scientific approach. They will better serve their health and gain fitness enabling them to better enjoy swimming and life,” Rushton said.
Simplicity on top, complexity underneath.
“I have designed the underlying algorithms which are based on established scientific and “smart” training principles. Basically the mind-blowing complexity of exercise science is hidden underneath while on the surface the user sees simple, straightforward training prescriptions.”
“What is different is that it is the world’s first for creating individual sessions. Theoretically if you asked for 100,000 sessions no two would be the same. These are fully customized for swimmer level/ability, commitment level (frequency and duration of training), different pool lengths, desired training goal (endurance, speed etc.), personal stroke preferences, and individualized heart rate targets.”
Swimming New Zealand CEO Paul Veric thinks it is an exciting development.
“It is world leading and such a simple system,” Veric said. “It will help swimmers swim faster, faster and we believe it is the start of something extraordinary. We believe it is taking us closer to our vision by providing an invaluable service to almost one million New Zealanders who swim.”
Additionally, users can plan up to a week ahead, view their prescribed sessions, change sets or the whole session and print out to take to the pool. After the session they can feedback any modifications they made and log any post-training comments. All logs are retained and can be viewed historically at any time and show the session prescribed and the one feedback as actually being done for comparison purposes.
“While this is a very complex programme, it could not be simpler for the user. They hit the 1-click button or change the requirements with a maximum of four clicks and they’re off ... all they do is add water,” says Rushton. “If this system encourages more people to swim and enjoy their swimming it will have been a success.”
Rushton has been working with Commonwealth Games medalist Toni Jeffs to develop the programme and has been delighted with the feedback. Another outstanding swimmer from the past, Commonwealth Champion Rebecca Perrott is one who is highly impressed.
“A lot of people are swimming for fitness and don’t know what to do. They are just swimming up and down, up and down. They’d be better off doing something else like these sessions. I’ve been doing what I do for a long time and its not doing me any good any more. I need something different like this.”
