#384 : How To Go From 2:30 to 1:15/100m with Brenton Ford
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
In this episode, I'll give you the exact issues that hold swimmers back at each pace from beginner swimmers at two 30 per hundred or slower, all the way to advanced swimmers at one 15 per hundred for a kilometer. And I'll also give you actionable drills and strategies to help you progress to the next level. 02:10 – Drill 1: Horizontal body posture 03:30 – Drill 2: Balanced tempo 05:00 – Drill 3: Efficient breathing 06:20 – Drill 4: Catch & pull mechanics 08:00 – Kit/gear suggestions 09:30 – Putting it all together 11:00 – Programming & progression 12:30 – Real-life...
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#383 : The Fastest (And Easiest Way) To Draft In Open Water
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Hey, Brenton here. If you ever find yourself uncomfortable in the open water and not feeling that calm when you've got other people around and not knowing where to sit or where to draft off people to be most effective at it. This episode's for you. I joined the Low Tide Boys, Chip and Chris on a podcast, and they asked me all about the science of drafting. So on this episode, I get stuck into that so you know exactly where to sit. In a pack or with other people around to maximize the draft, as well as how to prepare for this stuff if you don't have much access to the open water. So I hope you...
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#382 : Which Supplements Actually Help Your Swimming with Taryn Richardson
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Have you ever realized you’re spending thousands on supplements that do little more than clutter your cabinet? One athlete was on the hook for $6,500 a year—until Taryn Richardson helped her strip it back to what truly makes a difference. In this episode, Taryn breaks down how to use simple blood tests to guide your choices, and spot the supplements worth keeping (and those you can dump). Stick around—you’ll finish this show knowing exactly which pills, powders and potions deserve a place in your daily routine. 00:00 The Supplement Dilemma: What's Worth It? 03:06 Blood Tests: A Key to...
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#381 : How Triathletes Can Swim Minutes Faster with Brenton Ford
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
This a rebroadcast from the Get Fast Podcast with Jordan and Gerard Donnelly from TriVelo Coaching Trivelo Coaching: https://www.trivelocoaching.com.au/ Welcome to this week's episode of the Effortless Swimming Podcast. This is a rebroadcast of an episode where I was a guest on the Get Fast Podcast with TriVelo Coaching with Jordan and Gerard Donnelly. On this episode, I'll talk about how triathletes can swim minutes faster in any races that they're doing. So if you're a triathlete or you're interested in triathlon or open water swimming, there'll be a lot here that can help you improve your...
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#380 : Real-Life Strength: Building a Body That Serves You for Decades with Kate Galliett
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Imagine a group of busy parents hesitating in front of a pair of 25 pound dumbbells, unsure, even a little intimidated. Fast forward two years and those same people are confidently pressing 75 pounds, moving through life with more energy and far less pain. That's the kind of change Kate Galliett creates. Kate works with moms, dads, and everyone in between to build lasting strength without burning out. In today's conversation, we'll talk about why tiny consistent steps matter more than all out efforts. How tuning into your body can help you avoid injuries, and a simple morning habit. No fancy...
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#379 : From Paddling to Powerful: Nurturing Swimming Skills Without the Pressure with Brenton Ford
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
I recently joined Rich Bolus on the Dad Mindset podcast, and we had a great chat about something I see all the time. Especially with triathletes and parents, you're fit. You've got a big engine from the bike in the run, but in the water it doesn't translate. And that's usually down to technique. We talked about why swimming is so different from the other two legs of a triathlon. How to help your kids develop strong fundamentals in the pool without the pressure of high level competition, and why the shape of your boat. Matters more than the size of your motor. We also got into things like...
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#378 : Translating Raw Power into Relaxed Efficiency with Rowing Legend Robin Williams
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
On this episode, we've got a guest who’s been at the sharp end of elite performance for over 50 years — Robin Williams. Robin’s a former Cambridge rower and the coach behind multiple Olympic gold medal crews. He was actually recommended by one of you — a fellow listener — and once I dug into his story, I knew we had to get him on the show. This episode kicks off with a promise: We’re going to uncover the lessons Robin has learned from decades of turning raw athletic power into smooth, relaxed efficiency — and show you exactly how to apply those insights to your stroke in...
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#377 : How Actually 'Engage Your Core' When You Swim with Carl Reader
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
In this episode, Carl, our go-to strength and conditioning guru joins us again to finally demystify core engagement for swimmers. We're unpacking the Pilates inspired Halloween technique. Versus Stuart McGill's bracing method and revealing simple land drills. Think step ups, carries and hip rotations that make your core switch on automatically. Once you hit the water, Carl will share why loosening your hips could be the missing link in your freestyle. How to balance front, back and side core work. And one posture tweak that instantly transforms your catch. If you've ever felt your hips sink,...
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#376 : How To Be Assertive And Kick A$$ In Open Water with Damien Wildes
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
What if the secret to crushing your next open water swim isn't just logging more miles, but learning to embrace the chaos, drafting like a pro, taking the occasional hit, and then surging ahead with confidence. Today on the Effortless Swimming Podcast, I'm joined by Damien from Flow State Swimming it's premier open water coaching squad. Damien didn't learn to swim in a pool. He learned to survive and thrive in choppy conditions. Mastering tactics from course recon to aggressive positioning so that you never have to feel like a victim out there. In this episode, we'll dive into the mental shift...
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#375 : Unusual Strategies For Developing Your Swimming with Andrew Sheaff
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Andrew Sheaff—coach, educator, and the author of A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching. We dive into one of the most important skills for adult swimmers and triathletes: learning how to self-coach. Whether you're swimming solo, training without feedback, or stuck on a plateau, Andrew shares a practical roadmap to finally break through. You’ll learn why progress isn’t about doing more drills—but choosing the right ones. We talk about how to create built-in feedback loops, what to do if you feel like nothing’s changing, and why slowing...
info_outlineWith experience coaching over 8,000 swimmers, I'm sharing what really works to improve your freestyle—from finding a relaxed, efficient stroke to mastering the catch and pull. Tune in now!
00:34 Introduction
00:59 The Importance of Relaxation and Breathing
02:54 Reducing Drag for Better Swimming
04:41 Achieving the Perfect Body Position
06:04 Effective Leg Movement and Core Engagement
09:56 Mastering Rotation
13:21 Breathing Techniques
17:01 Recovery and Entry Position
23:40 Perfecting the Catch and Pull
30:55 Finish of Stroke
32:43 Rhythm and the Timing of the Stroke (the dance)