Swimming can feel like it has its own language when you're on the pool deck. There’s a lot of terminology, from training phrases to swimming slang, that can be unfamiliar to both first-time and experienced swimmers. This article will explore the training terminology you might hear on the pool deck and see in the DuoSwim app.
Training Terms
IM (Individual Medley): Complete the set by swimming one repetition of each stroke: Butterfly (Fly), Backstroke (Back), Breaststroke (Breast), and Freestyle (Free).
Build: Each swim starts slow and ends fast.
Descend: Swim faster over the duration of a set.
Ascend: Swim slower over the duration of a set.
Neg Split (Negative Split): Swim faster on the second half of an individual repetition.
DPS (Distance Per Stroke): Swim slowly while maximizing your distance per stroke.
Best Average: Swim as fast as possible, maintaining the same speed on every repetition within a set.
Best Effort: Swim as fast as possible on every repetition within a set.
Race Pace: Swim at your goal race pace on every repetition within a set.
@ (Interval): Swim time plus rest time for each repetition.
Stroke Count: The number of strokes you take in one length of the pool.
Training Zones
Aerobic Training: Swimming moderately over a long period of time.
Anaerobic Training: High-intensity swimming that produces lactic acid.
Aerobic Threshold: Training at 70% of your maximum heart rate (MHR).
Anaerobic Threshold: Training at the intensity just below the point where lactic acid begins to accumulate.
Sprint Training: Swimming a short distance at the highest possible speed.
Taper: Reducing the volume and intensity of training before a major competition to allow the body to rest and recover.
VO2 Max: Training at an intensity that maximizes your body's oxygen consumption.
Threshold Training: Training at or near your lactate threshold to improve endurance.
Recovery: Low-intensity swimming meant to promote muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.
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