#423 : Why You've Been Taught To Over-Rotate with Brenton Ford
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Release Date: 04/07/2026
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Tired of your swimming goggles fogging up in the middle of a swim? In this episode, discover how to prevent foggy goggles, understand why condensation happens, and learn practical tips to keep your vision clear in the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, these simple techniques can help you spend less time adjusting your goggles and more time focusing on your swim. 00:10 Why Swimming Goggles Fog Up 00:40 Understanding Temperature and Condensation 01:10 How to Prevent Goggles from Fogging 02:35 Choosing and Caring for Your Goggles 04:10 Tips for Keeping Your Goggles Clear...
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Kelly Palace just broke the world record for the 65-69 age group in the 1500m long course freestyle, swimming 20:19 on only about 12,000 meters a week. She also broke the 400m record this summer (5:09). Kelly is a 1984 US Olympic Trials qualifier and the first woman head coach in the Southeastern Conference. In this episode she explains why distance swimmers need real speed, shares her favorite sets (including "descend by equipment"), and describes the underwater technique behind her noisy stroke. She also talks about what she has learned from 350+ podcast guests, and why swimmers should take...
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Returning to swimming after years away can leave you feeling exhausted, sore, and disconnected from the water. In this episode, we break down three key things that can help you rebuild your swimming and feel stronger and more comfortable in the water. You’ll learn how body position, breathing, stroke length, and a more relaxed kick can make swimming feel easier and more efficient. We’ll also look at how to structure your training when you're getting back into the pool and why giving yourself three to six months of consistent swimming can make a huge difference. If you're returning to...
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#443 : If You Want Your Swimming To 'Click', Do This with Brenton Ford
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Shoulder pain after swimming? Your technique could be the reason. In this episode, we look at three common freestyle mistakes that can place unnecessary stress on the shoulder: an overly high elbow, crossing over the centre line, and overdoing the catch. Through clear demonstrations and underwater footage, you'll learn how to make your stroke more natural, efficient, and shoulder-friendly. A great episode for swimmers looking to improve their freestyle technique while reducing unnecessary strain. 00:00 – Why Your Shoulder Hurts After Swimming 00:20 – The main freestyle technique...
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In this episode, Brenton Ford interviews Jan Prins about freestyle biomechanics, stroke mechanics, and the latest technology used to analyze swimming efficiency. They explore how subtle changes in technique can significantly impact speed and performance. 00:10 Introduction to Jan Prins and his expertise in swimming biomechanics 01:31 Overview of the technology used for stroke analysis 04:40 Analyzing hip velocity and stroke subtlety 07:18 Why strength doesn't always equal speed in swimming 09:15 The importance of sustained velocity over peak power 12:26 Gradual acceleration and maintaining...
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In this episode, sports dietitian and researcher Taryn Richardson dives into the science behind red light therapy, exploring its potential for recovery, performance, and overall health. She shares practical advice on device selection, optimal usage, and the science-supported benefits for athletes seeking faster recovery and better performance. 00:39 What is red light therapy and its scientific basis 01:25 Historical research and terminology: photobiomodulation 02:22 Claims and benefits of red light therapy 03:19 Applications in physiotherapy, veterinary, and sports 05:17 How red light...
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Discover the nutrition secrets that could make or break your next long swim—are you fueling properly? Swimmers and endurance athletes often overlook crucial aspects of fueling, leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and even injury. In this eye-opening episode, registered sports dietitian Eliza Kelly shares behind-the-scenes insights from a 55-kilometer open water swim, revealing how altitude, heat, and unexpected challenges demand real-time nutritional adjustments. Her experience coaching elite swimmers and triathletes will change how you approach long training sessions and races, ensuring you...
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Want to swim freestyle with less effort while moving faster through the water? In this episode, Brenton shares the three key principles that make freestyle feel smooth and effortless: improving your balance and body position, using rotation to maximize efficiency, and timing your stroke and kick so your whole body works together. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer looking to conserve energy, these simple technique adjustments can help you swim farther, faster, and with much less effort. 00:35 The #1 Secret: Let the Water Hold You Up 01:12 Head Position for Better...
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Tracey Baumann is back! Learn how better arm recovery can improve your balance, protect your shoulders, and help you swim with less effort. She breaks down the most common mistakes that lead to shoulder pain, dropped hips, and extra drag, then shares simple drills to help you swim smoother and more efficiently. We'll also share details about the Melbourne swim clinic we're running together on October 25. Tune in now! 00:33 Meet Tracey Baumann 01:47 Why Recovery Matters 05:24 Common Recovery Mistakes 08:54 One Unit Recovery Cue 11:23 Elite Examples: Sam Short13:26 Fixing High Elbow Myths19:11...
info_outlineOne of the most common things I see in newer swimmers… is how flat they are in the water.
Their hips are flat, their shoulders are flat — and what ends up happening is they just spin their wheels.
They’re putting in a lot of effort with the arms, kicking hard with the legs… but nothing is really connecting.
It feels like hard work — but it doesn’t translate into speed.
So in today’s episode, we’re going to break down why swimming flat is holding you back… and how to start linking everything together so your stroke actually works as one powerful, efficient system.