Total Immersion Freestyle Swimming Demonstration

[@krtm7942]

Thanks to Tim Ferris for introducing Terry Loghlin I managed to get his book and video and learned the total emersion style of swimming truly grateful

[@emmyin]

Is this style useful for burning calories or a way to remain injury free while not burning calories so intensely?

[@krtm7942]

⁠imo it will burn calories if you swim long distances or swim for half hour or longer and how fast but it’s comfortable

[@ArjunAkasar]

From where did you get the dvd .

[@TVTubezzzzz]

Thanks Terry. I can't thank you enough. Never has something so beneficial been so available to the thousands that can't afford a descent swim coach. All the KZbin vids are great.

[@Ocanadakiter]

ok thanks will try this

[@malcolmevans941]

I would just like to say how much this style of swimming has helped me, it's like meditation in the pool, you can't get better than that.

[@hanskung3278]

I have tried an a embarrassing amount of hours trying to learn this, especially arm recovery, elbow circles, failed.😢

[@jacksdjfam]

Its literally why i do it. I initially started it as a drill to improve my freestyle as its technically the catch-up catch but ive remained doing it as standard

[@hanskung3278]

Many people testify to that, relaxing, yoga, meditation, Nirvana,etc, but I just can't get those elbow circles to work, when my recovery arm comes back, my thumb is on my thigh, then I swing it wide and try to circle but sometimes just feels awkward.

[@007Mugs]

​@@hanskung3278Did you practice with a TI coach?

[@hanskung3278]

@@007Mugs No I haven't, I guess I elbow circle aren't worth the money.....Terry didn't always teach elbow circles....sometimes recovery was about swinging wide and I know Shinji doesn't teach elbow circles.

[@yanlizkurt2741]

2022. Thank you Terry. i learned swimming from you thanks to your videos.rest in peace.

[@chadwick111fields]

I'm 51 years old, and at-the-time-of-writing 243lb, though that is dropping. Before I had persevered with the front crawl, doing the 'splash and thrash' method, and could actually manage a mile using it, perhaps once-or-twice-per-week. It took me 2 months to unlearn that old method of swimming the crawl and then a month to perfect the Total Immersion method. I can't do it as good as Terry here, but pretty good! I struggled with choppy water in a busy pool but adapted the technique to suit. Now three months on and I don't even bother with swimming a mile; now I'm swimming 1 1/2 miles, non-stop, five-times-per-week, each session in less than 53 minutes. That's 73 lengths in a 33m pool and 96 in a 25m pool. 7.5 miles-per-week. No one gets past me and those that do so get overtaken after a matter of a few lengths later when they run-out-of-puff. I never for one moment thought I would be one of those folk who could simply grind-out length-after-length, effortlessly, rapidly, contemptuous of swimmers twenty, thirty years younger than I, who cannot keep up. It's fun when sometimes they try, but only club swimmers have any chance and certainly none of them can keep going over 1.5 miles. With every week my times get better. And all when I am obese (for the moment)! For the moment knowledge of TI is virtually unknown in the UK, so I'm enjoying my time-in-the-sun! If you get the chance to attend a TI workshop, go for it! Being efficient I don't burn as much energy as I used-to with 'splash-and-thrash', but I swim further and more often without running into that wall. So I am burning more calories than before over the week and enjoying every moment of my swimming! The art? Streamlining. Note Terry doesn't kick much. Why bother? You only cavitate and produce bubbles. Produce the power with the best means at your disposal. And to find out, buy the book!

[@mumpygumboo8554]

What an excellent story, Brendan! I, too, am learning via the book, and with the help of KZbin clips as well. For some reason, I feel that Terry Laughlin is some kind of spiritual guide in my life... sounds sappy and weird, but I'm going to go with that. I think these methods of efficiency could be applied to more areas of life, outside the pool. It's sheer beauty and amazing how he has figured out so much. Reminds me of Tai Chi in many ways. I'm also a heavy set fellow who wants to use swimming as part of my weight loss strategy. I notice that I don't seem to have to swim downhill as much as I observe some of the skinny T.I. coaches, on these youtube clips, doing. My legs, hips, stomach and buttocks are pretty bouyant, as is. Did you notice this as well, Brendan? Of course, the drills to find XY coordinates or just doing a Superman glide will help us find what angles our arms will discover, and I'm sure we all have different balance given all the different body types. Keep up the good work and thanks for posting; you're an inspiration for me to keep practicing!

[@chadwick111fields]

Mumpy Gumboo I am making myself perform pace routines, simply because otherwise you can get into a reverie with your swimming and the times go up, rather than down. With TI its easy to finish a mile/mile-and-a-half and not feel any fatigue at all, but it is useful to push to encourage pace. I too am having no problem with bouyancy! I have though adjusted my stroke so my leading arm isn't allowed to sink as much as before. The wrist is still below the elbow and the elbow below the shoulder but it is not so pronounced. Now amongst the drills there are flat-out 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 miles where I try to up the stroke rate without losing the smoothness and SL. I've reduced the non-stop mile and 1.5 mile sessions, and it has paid off. Today I managed circa 13 mins for 1/2 mile, circa 6 mins for 1/4 mile and 3 mins for 1/8 mile suggesting I've hit a speed block even when I'm going at full throttle, when I would have expected perhaps 2.5 mins. All ridiculous times and distances when a year ago two lengths of a pool doing front crawl would leave me feeling like death! Increasing the pace increases the calorie burn, but I'm trying to find a balance that doesn't provoke oxygen starvation and hence too much lactic acid (some isn't bad) whilst ensuring that the pace increases incrementally each week. You notice immediately what happens if your stroke gets 'ragged'; the fatigue starts and the speed will drop. So its finding the balance between going as fast as you possibly can, but not at the expense of introducing tiredness. My best time for a mile has broken through the 30-minute barrier (I was stuck at 32 minutes for months) and is now just over 28 mins. If I could do a 2nd half-mile as quick as a single one, I could hit circa 26 minutes, though I'm not certain where I'm losing time. With TI I was hoping to go sub-30 minutes by the end-of-this-year, but it has happened a lot earlier. My long-term target is a mile in 19 mins, and that is now the target for end-of-2015!

[@mumpygumboo8554]

Excellent to hear all this, Brendan. Today I swam for about 1/2 hour. It was a struggle, mostly, but that's what I am expecting for the first while. I'm mostly just doing drills. I don't count laps, yet, either. I'm just trying to etch those sensory grooves into my mind/body so I can do TI swimming better. So far, I'm having a hard time knowing how far I"m leaning to the side, how far my head is tilted, or my leading arm (I can't see anything, so I mostly am trying to find out by experimenting with slight variations and find which works best). On top of all this, mostly my struggle is around breathing correctly. I think my legs swing too much from side to side as well. I used to be a good sprint swimmer, but I'm getting too old for that game, any more; it just burns my shoulders out now. Since I really etched in my brain and honed my skills in the traditional forms, it's hard for me to get TI swimming really into my nervous system. However, I have seen some improvements; I've gone from a 14, or 15 stroke 25 meter length, down to a 12 stroke length (only done this once however) and mostly, I do it in 13 strokes. It is simply stunning to watch Shinji do it in 9 strokes! What form! What I find most impressive about Laughlin, is that his form is the most effortless. It reminds me of when I took Tai Chi classes and the Sifu (teacher) would tell us, as we held a pose: "Now see if you can hold your arms up using fewer muscles." And, lo and behold, you could do this! I think that's Terry's big strength; he's just so damn efficient. If Sjinji is the world's most graceful swimmer, I'll bet Laughlin is the world's most efficient.

[@chadwick111fields]

This month I have concentrated on stopping Overgliding; that tendency to simply glide along losing pace but I guess looking wonderful! Now I am keeping the leading arm moving and having got my stroke rate down - the best I've done is 11 in a 25m pool, I'm now ratcheting it up, ensuring the speed-drop troughs are shorter.

[@mumpygumboo8554]

Brendan Newport Hi Brendan. When you say you're keeping your lead arm moving, do you mean that during the reach forward, you move it very slowly initially. That looks like what Terry is doing in this video, if not taking a tiny pause in the most forward reaching position. I, too, have gotten 11 strokes in a 25 meter pool, quite a number of times. That is with a healthy push-off, mind you. But, it is acceptable to do so. Thing is, I can't seem to break the 25 seconds per/length. I can do it in 23 seconds, if I put more effort into it, but for a good steady endurance rhythm, 25 seconds seems to be the fastest I can go without burnout. Do you time your lengths, Brendan?

[@gunt0017]

People, stop speculating/guessing - please watch the total immersion series available on KZbin to answer any questions or beliefs you have about Terry's style.... it will be well worth your while if you have any interest in swimming triathlon distances quickly and efficiently.

[@pedrooliveros3085]

Thank you. You made swimming more enjoyable.Synchronize the kick with pushing of the ipsi hand from the chest down. Then aggressively push to complete the stroke, synchronizing with the aggressive hip drive to spear the contra fingers to the target. Feel the contra spearing hand streamlining with the drafting legs. Visualize a laser beam from the forehead to the line along the floor and press head to the spearing upper arm to keep the head upright and neutral. But first and foremost feel balanced and weightless.

[@philhaggar6285]

What is a ipsi hand?

[@pedrooliveros3085]

@@philhaggar6285 Ipsilateral vs. contralateral. Kinesiology terms. Ipsi means on the same side. Contra means the opposite side. For example, synchronize the flicking of the left toes (foot), with the completion of the left arm (EVF), same side (ipsi) and the opposite (contra) hip drive. Good luck. Been telling many to try total immersion.

[@BrianCerveny]

The TI freestroke videos have drills to get the breathing rhythm down. They were extremely helpful for me; perhaps the part where I had the biggest breakthrough in my style. I had the same problem as you. I probably spent 3-4 sessions just on the breathing drills at the time. Now I do not even remember which side I once heavily favored.

[@baebsoful]

I love your soft and smooth gliding style. Swimming is not always power sprint. Sometimes it is like crossing peaceful green or sands. I'm learning swimming by myself and your video really helps me. Thanks a lot.

[@totalswimm]

+Peter B. Bae Peter, I swim mainly for the sheer pleasure of feeling a beautiful sense of flowing *like water.* However the efficiency of this style has also made me fairly fast--at least for my age. I won six National Masters open water championships between ages 55 and 60 (we shot this video when I was about 59) and broke the national 55-59 records for 1- and 2-Mile Cable Swims in open water. I will turn 65 in March 2016 and have set some ambitious goals for Masters Nationals next April.

[@user-distantstar]

Peter B. Bae I even sleep sometimes while swimming !

[@sonjaroder6840]

Simply perfect, Terry Laughlin. I'm searching for people in cologne / Bonn to swim / practice together. Without being in water several times a week, I could'nt exist. Breathing, moving, consciousness... If possible I close my eyes during swimming. Or listen music. Harmony... Thanks a lot for teaching this. Best wishes!

[@austinthreadgill109]

Peter B. Bae Fast swimming is economic swimming. The fastest swimmers don't look like they're swimming with very much effort.

[@carlosd.2416]

Hello Terry, I have had improvement on my TI swimming along the years that I have been practicing it through your books and DVDS , The issue that I have is that TI is misinterpreted by some of the experts that are preaching it. I missed a clear message about TI. There are many "caciques", much ego.TI is a simplified and scientific approach to swimming, but somehow it is missed in the process of teaching it. Sometimes I get a glimpse, a eureka insight from a past TI instructor who developed his/her own business. Some of her own videos have a simpler approach without any baggage. For instance Terry, in the 2 days TI workshop I had attended, the instructor may have miscoated you about your recovery, saying that your pushing the water back past the hips may be a bad habit from your early swimming years. I came to realize that you do this in ALL YOUR SWIMMING, furthermore, the videos I have been watching explains that pushing the hand past the hips makes the front gliding hand to elongate, thus, helping the slippering of the body through the hole". I came to develop a questioning approach to TI "experts". I feel that there is always some incomplete information. There is always something left out on purpose. For instance, in the workshop that I had attended, the instructor wanted to create a whole new "advanced" workshop to introduce the two beat kicks . I believe this should have been included in this 2 days workshop...Can we get any simpler and streamlining?

[@rafaelpupo5544]

I swim because I really like it. Your Terry videos helped change my style. Thanks Total Immersion

[@reginaopploppb11nguyen10]

gv. mclbrixhbfp

[@betsylaughlin4481]

Thank you, Rafael. Terry (my father) loved people, and loved to see them empower themselves. Swimming is healing bc it’s all about learning what YOU can do-and we see all the time that people are capable of such great things. Glad you feel it made a difference in your life, that is all he ever wanted in this world: to make a positive difference. Don’t we all? The thing I tell every person who leaves my swim classes is this: You now have skills that you can improve for yourself, AND share with others. Simplicity is your friend. Share this gift with others-you have great potential to teach another person what you have learned. I truly believe that this method is so easy, most anyone can learn it or teach the basics of it. I hope you are still enjoying swimming 🏊🏻‍♀️ 🏊🏾

[@SG1234SG1234]

TI is the best thing I have done lately. For long distance ocean or pool swims I now go faster with far less energy spared. A 3 or 5km oceanswim would have been a myth a year ago, but I reckon with TI I can definitely have a shot. Have a look at Terry's presentations on KZbin re why being immersed does not contribute to drag.

[@usiavideo]

Terry Laughlin does not read these comments, I posted this under my account. Please search total immersion swimming or search TISWIM on KZbin and post your questions there. I have used TI Swimming and basically it works to make your stroke and glide pretty efficient. If you watch his MIT presentation it will give you all the background for the theory behind the method. Just search "Terry Laughlin MIT Presentation" on KZbin...there are 6 parts to it.

[@suemitchel-runow3566]

wow...almost 2 million views...congrats very fluid, calm, graceful, non splashing technique...i just LOVE how it makes me feel...and think...flowing through water... and life... hope to keep improving for ever

[@santoshvarma4691]

So helpful the videos are.I am thankful to the TI team.I am 58 years of age,and trying to learn and learning too.I want to know that, is TI technic fully useful for 50,100 or 200 meters i.e. for sprinters.

[@digisol492]

anyone could let me know what swimming goggles is the coach using? they really look comfy for this style of swimming; i find it hard to relax when the usual shape is pressing in my eyeballs. Thanks in advance :)

[@robertleder3698]

I learned from the book many years ago and I love to swim. I learned some new things from the video and I'm looking forward to putting them in practice. Thanks.

[@lindamurphy2225]

Fiona - excellent responses! You go, girl - speakin' the truth. I did a TI workshop several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to get to the New Paltz sometime for a semi-private lesson. Blessings to you and your family!

[@betsylaughlin8652]

Hi all. Betsy Laughlin, TI coach here. We appreciate your feedback, as always. I heard that a swimmer who voiced some criticism felt their comment was erased, so I will address their concerns the best I can here: Our coaches are all certified by TI Central, and sign contracts to stay faithful to our material. Never hesitate to contact TI Central if you have any experience you’d like to share, positive or otherwise. TI should always teach a high elbow recovery, and if done correctly it should lead to increased comfort and minimizes chances of injury. Without seeing video it is difficult for any coach to completely diagnose stroke problems, but possible causes of pain in a high elbow recovery could be inadequate rotation, rotating the body too early in the stroke, too narrow recovery (too close to the body), or recovering by exiting the elbow behind the spine, as opposed to a wide exit and wide recovery. Thank you so much for your interest, and taking the time to post. Terry cared very much that people had quality instruction and enjoyed their swimming as much as possible.

[@drchriscoco]

I'm also learning freestyle swimming by myself is there your seminars and video really helped improve my swimming, is the a way to pace my self to keep the momentum, i always feel that my arms get stiff after 50m and that i try to go faster.... also i try to pivot at every stroke but i can manage to breath in with half of my face in the water

[@arbs21]

Bought the video around 10 years back. Looking back all the years, the guide has definitely improve my swimming. Swimming has become effortless and more enjoyable.

[@sushiquak88]

there is nothing better than swimming in a pool while a sunny and warm day. can't await this summer season.

[@redsea0501]

It is marvelouse...so calm and flowing I watch him I listen to his lectures and try it the next morning in the sea. The most special thing I find in his technic is when he say we need to think about how we swim and then do it...which is similar to the way I practice Ashtanga Yoga.

[@nickrobinson2023]

Poetry in motion...such elegant swimming is more like a water ballet than exercise. Thanks for sharing. It was most inspiring... Any advice for those forced to use snorkels would be greatly appreciated. I have problems with my neck. Thanks.

[@SenseiEli]

In the past month I have studied how to improve my swimming style....Before I was loosing a lot if energy for little progress now I can swim a lot with less use onergy this is great!!!

[@ScottDuncanCoaching]

Really sad to hear that Terry Laughlin sadly passed away, after listing to Tim Ferriss' podcast (Tim Ferriss Show - episode 276). Quite a humbling podcast to listen to about Terry's approach to coaching, learning and life in the last few weeks of his life. Rest in Peace.

[@Falquiboy]

He died after listening to a podcast?

[@betsylaughlin8652]

Thank you for your kind words🙏🏼We are very grateful that Tim captured Terry’s final interview. It is such a treasure to have something that was recorded less than 2 weeks before Terry passed. He would be so gratified to know that it was impactful to you. Happy Laps🧜‍♂️

[@videofan792]

This is a beautiful video, and this is what I am trying to achieve. Not speed, just a smooth, efficient way to swim and improve my body. I notice your feet were under the water, so you don’t need to kick at the surface at all. 😊😊

[@SpiritualityLife77]

TI swimming looks beautiful above the water

[@krisclay1362]

Just bought the book. Does this type of swimming still provide the weight loss and strength benefits as other methods. I've become interested after doing much online research and believe swimming is what I'm looking for> I believe it's good i found this now so I will not have to unlearn all the wrong things months or years down the road.

[@mumpygumboo8554]

Hi Kris Clay.... yes, I'm sure you'll find that TI swimming is good for weight loss, since you'll be able to sustain it for longer periods of time than other systems... you won't burn out any muscles and you'll just be gliding along for nice long swims if you can get into the technique. If I'm not mistaken, for weight loss, we need longer term, lower heart rate exercises (with an occasional short, intense sprint thrown in every week or ten days), to burn fats instead of the glycogen in our livers. And, if we exercise too hard, too much, we'll release cortisone which, for many, makes them gain weight. If you're new to this, start slow and do the drills. One mistake I made when I started was thinking I couldn't turn my head to the side at all, to get a breath. That's not really true. While much of it is done with the body roll, it's also about a small, quick turn of the head (while keeping the neck straight) to get air. I absolutely love TI swimming. I fell out of love with my bicycling and hiking due to feet issues. So, this is a great thing to do and it's a big part of my life. It's so many things rolled into one: meditation, cardio exercise, core strength building (kind of like underwater pilates), muscle toning (while stretching also), and a constant learning challenge. Practicing in a swimming pool, gets me more excited for open water swimming in the summer. I cannot fly on land, but I feel like I can while I'm swimming.

[@krisclay1362]

Thank you for the information. I appreciate your help. best wishes to you in return.

[@Digitalhealthhacker]

This information is mistaken. Sets of sprints or high endurance activity is much more effective for weight loss. The idea of 40-60 minutes of light cardio for weight loss is a very old model that hasn't yet been updated in the current culture's awareness. Sprints are much better for weight loss. One way you could incorporate sprints into swimming is to do your longer, relaxing swims, but make sure to really swim in a fast, tiring way every once in a while. The short sprints you do early on in the workout will make the rest of the workout far more effective, whether or not you do sprints. So you can either do 5-10 sets of sprints (30-60 seconds each) or do a longer swim, occasionally sprinting and at other times just going past a leisurely pace. If you'd like more info, look up HIIT training and weight loss. The evidence in conclusive. Best of luck, friend!

[@TheUgandan]

@superfisto You're right. Interesting observation. The best shots are from 0:47 to 1:26 Is this Terry's preference or the way it's supposed to be? Does Shinji do the same thing?

[@adrianencinaoyon2109]

Alguien sabe el título de la canción que ambienta este vídeo? Me encanta

[@dosazsolt9725]

hello, I kept watching your legs in this video and i have a question regarding it: which one is more efficient? if i kick with the leg and stroke with the arm in diagonal or in the same sides?

[@tony0000]

+Dosa Zsolt Diagonal.

[@DonostiGros]

+Dosa Zsolt Shinji Takeuchi does same sides, and Terry also does same sides in this video

[@EdwardLindon]

No, you can clearly see (e.g. around 1:08) that he's kicking with the opposite leg. I think you're being misled by the little twitch of the hip that he does before the actual kick.

[@ElMuerte69]

I looked up Total immersion to see what it was (heard it somewhere). But I dont get this video, isn't everybody swimming like this? How is this different?

[@AlexeyDnepr]

What model of glasses?

[@1cleandude]

@avibitter1 Remember, this is not a catch-up drill. Both of his arms are in the front quadrant. Hope this helps.

[@rikblaze]

Fantastic.. His motion is so calm and controlled. I try two beat kick freestyle, I move few meters and then out of balance.

[@samelgore7575]

RIP Terry, you have left your mark on this world.

[@leejiyurl]

Would mind if use this video with korean comment on it ?

[@robertfagan3876]

Yes, you can do that. Thanks for asking.

[@leejiyurl]

@@robertfagan3876 Thanks Robert . Please visit and watch the video when I notice you.

[@harveys9380]

Are their instructors you would recommend in Columbus, Ohio who could help me. I have had 5 or 6 swim lessons in my life--one time I did get to the other side of the pool, but was too sh-tless to go back from where I started. I will be 68 in June, same age as the woman featured in the NYT online today. thanx

[@ddrkknght]

I don't know to swim freestyle, but I can float on my back on water. So shall start to learn freestyle swimming the TI way or learn ordinary freestyle first and then practice TI?

[@theillustriousjohn]

Thanks Terry. My question is...do I kick opposite side of the stroke? Or same side?

[@walterwang9228]

Looks very simple but you need lots and lots of training to get to that sweet spot... I am doing it the 2nd year and just got the feeling I am close to find my sweet spot

[@YIFANFENGSHUN]

+Walter WANG it just the way they phrase it is different, I tried TI and gave up because at the end it's the same as regular swimming. they dont turn all the way up to the sweet spot to breath when they master this TI technique it's not necessary. The sweet spot make you feel more secured when breathing, but even the coach in this video doesn't turn all the way around to breathe isn't he. But that's only my opinion

[@bkagadish22]

+YIFANFENGSHUN Very Well Said Sir ! This is exactly what I too felt for years and at least now I find somebody commenting about the ' Emperor's Cloth " ! ha ha ha...

[@usiavideo]

@avibitter1 We haven't taught "front quadrant swimming" in 10 years. Since around 2000, we have instead taught "Patient Lead Hand." We stopped teaching FQS because we felt it was awkward and difficult to teach a "passive - wait for the other hand" timing. PLH is an active, rather than passive, emphasis. Actively cultivate a feel for the water and establish a firm grip, before adding pressure on the stroke. I think anyone will agree that my hands demonstrate patience in this video -- TERRY.

[@avibitter1]

I think I'm missing something. As far as I know, there should be an overlap between the two arms (front-quadrant stroke). If you pause the video after every frame in the slow-mo sequence, for example, exactly @1:00 min, you'll notice there's not even a minimal overlap. The spearing hand starts to move back BEFORE the recovering arm enters the water. The moment the recovering arm hits the water, the spearing arm is already 90 degrees to the body. So, overlap or no overlap?

[@naturalLin]

Can you explain why his fingers are open? Aren't you supposed to keep them closed?

[@naturalLin]

awesome make sense thanks

[@codyd.1415]

This style is a very soft hand in to the water. And slightly open fingers is the best way to achieve that gentle entry and stay mindful of the no splash technique. IMO and experience

[@robertbrandywine]

I just experimented with the TI hand position and noticed a LOT of water resistance compared to a hand pointing straight ahead. I'm wondering if that isn't a feature, though, as it is not only a backward pressure, but also a downward one. Downward pressure at the front should aid in lifting the thighs and legs.

[@SWIMSMARTCOACHING]

Robert Brandywine Hello. The deeper arm spear will not create more resistance but will raise hip and improve streamlining. It also enables a better catch as the hand is already in the correct position. You have to make sure your head is also in the correct position. Good luck. It works!

[@hinhbat9985]

Is this type of swimming siuitabe for children, Terry?

[@pacpac22]

what exactly is TI swimming ? does it mean long distance swimming or ballet swimming?

[@joety13]

works for me, and I've only had 5 lessons. speed and efficiency have both benefited. Though, it surprises me how many people dismiss this approach without trying it.

[@speedo1105]

i knew terry but never took his course. yes, it is beautiful, relaxing and efficient but the ONE thing i always bring up when i see those that can swim like this is................be somewhat thankful you have a specific gravity around 1. due mainy to adipose tissue. floaters are much better at this technique than the dense muscular types. if you are not an average floater this slow ,deliberate technique is not easy, sinking becomes the culprit to overcome, which i haven't been able to do in my 60 years of aquatic activity.

[@dwarslopers]

Thanks for providing your video! It is very helpful. So i just want to see how you solved the problem with the hand to leg collision. It thougth there is a timeing-trick but there isnt. So i have to live with it ;-)

[@Ocanadakiter]

how does splitting your fingers help?

[@KoeiMooh]

+Ocanadakiter reducing resistance, kind of like going on gear lower on your bicycle.

[@LeroyClemmons143]

IMO I don't think splitting your fingers is meant to create less drag, I think the point is to keep your hand relaxed. Cupping your hands will eventually tire your hands and then you start compensating your form. By keeping a relaxed hand you enter the water fluidly and consistently. Hope I helped

[@Ocanadakiter]

Cool guys thanks i gotta get back in the water since i can't jog anymore due to a bad rollover 5 months ago.

[@DTMacahilas]

+Ocanadakiter It's a physics thing, splitting you fingers "creates" a larger hand. Water doesn't "compress" between your fingers, spreading them "makes them wider". livehealthy.chron.com/fingers-open-vs-closed-swimming-4106.html

[@Ocanadakiter]

+DTMacahilas thanks man i got to get back at it and try this technique. .

[@jinkianlee]

this requires high amount of skills . especially you need to twist ur body frequently and for most of the swimmer they will tends to twist to the left lesser compare to the right

[@weikun24]

I guess, short distance swimming is totally different with long distance swimming. As the aim of long distance swim is endurance, most efficient with least effort. Whereas short distance is efficiency with the given power

[@Falquiboy]

That a great realization..

[@leonardoim4054]

Beautiful. Just one thing. The legs are submerged entire time which makes the body like a bow inducing more drag.

[@SuperCuriouss]

Nice demo. Good to know i naturally do the PHL method.. but i close my fingers on the pull. Never had training tho.

[@Canniballss]

what is the difference between this and normal front crawl? other than that he performs the cycle more relaxed and less kicks?

[@fionalaughlin]

Greater efficiency, greater flow, ability to swim longer without tiring and greater enjoyment for a beautiful peaceful movement.

[@sybilleschiffmann8558]

It looks beautiful and rhythmic.

[@jmalcolm8297]

Thanks for posting this and for increasing/decreasing the playback speed. It provides clear information about the stroke. If you have any advice about switching from a 5 or 6-beat kick, my lifelong default, to a 2-beat kick, I'd love to hear it. I think I'm getting it, but it requires tremendous concentration and if I lose my focus, the 2-beat becomes a something else-beat.

[@bluehibiscus502]

Thanks for this video. Remarkable music.

[@GabiRav]

Sun young rase his head a little more. What is the best style for 5'000 m swimming?

[@ARTURJAVAXETSKIY]

tell me please, what kind of music in the video?

[@pokemon17007]

I am having problem with breathing, I can breath on the right side easier than the left side. While breathing on the left side, I am easy to let water in my mouth. If I try to get my head higher, I feel that I lost balance. Any advice? Thanks a lot :D

[@德米特里-g9z]

What could be average speed for Immersion Freestyle?

[@QUACKTASTICpewpew]

Fingers Spread during catch? Is that to reduce load on the arms?

[@usiavideo]

@H2OStar3000: Music is Sun Spot...from royalty free music library at Royalty-Free Music website

[@teresab714]

Great body position to keep hips lifted, reduce drag and save energy. Very streamlined. Open fingers increases your pull through the water. Very different from short distance swimming. Great for triathletes who are trying to conserve energy at the beginning of a race. Highly efficient stroke and position!

[@jb_21219]

R d2up

[@philipchin3589]

one thing I hate with frontcrawling is the noise it causes when the hand enters water, I d rather use sidestroke underwater to trade off some speed and earn more rest for my arms where I can do easily 3 to 5 km without tiring my arms , better yet I spare my ears without noises and I can enjoy mych tranquility with almost

[@spyro759]

I noticed you didn't use a high elbow for your catch. Pulling you straigt arm couldn't it be hrmfull?

[@progressivepropertydealers]

How does he breathe?

[@MrTaner182]

when should i inhaler and exhaler

[@fjohnson9749]

While it looks good and is smooth, it is not fast, reminds me of the stroke I was taught in the late 50s by WSI instructors. This is a loooong distance stroke. Competitive milers don't stroke that deep or glide that long. The deep stroke is very draggy, the hand moves rearward very little in the water, it's the body moving forward to the hand, therefor all of that arm sticking down is producing resistance to forward movement, also called drag. Of course if one is moving slow enough not much drag is incurred. Watch Katie Ledecky swim the 1500, and be sure to watch the last 100m and her kick, stroke rate, and arm/hand position. What happened to the sidestroke, great stroke for open water, seems no one teaches it anymore.

[@EdwardLindon]

Agreed. That girl has HIGH elbows!

[@Shantiante]

Reply to an old comment, I know but: I think you are missing the point of this technique. It's as much to do with energy conservation as to do with moving forward in the water. The philosophy is not to be fastest - as it is with Ledecky - but to swim smart and effective. You can swim this style at 80-90% of the pace Ledecky does, but she does it with a heart rate of 170 while you this will be done with 130-140.

[@mumpygumboo8554]

I notice that I don't seem to have to swim downhill as much as I observe some of the skinnier (than me) T.I. coaches, on these youtube clips, doing. My legs, hips, stomach and buttocks are pretty bouyant, as is. I'm a heavy set person. Anyone else notice this occuring as well? Of course, the drills inherent in learning T.I. swimming will lead to us all finding our XY coordinates, but I am curious to hear from others in this regard. All the best, Your aquatic friend, Mumpy.

[@geoffangus5110]

Mumpy Gumboo I'm built like a broomstick and my centre of mass is very far up my body. I feel like I'm almost tilting into a somersault when I reach perfect centre. But it also feels perfectly balanced, keeps my hips up, and keeps my head fully immersed without having to crane my neck or anything. So yes, skinny people have 'sinky' legs, and I'd say they tilt forward more. Whatever works best for your body

[@hudsonquay]

I've tried this and just can't adjust to the lower frequency kick. My legs just whir away automatically.

[@CP-ns9op]

Dean either tie a band or put a buoy between your legs it will help you get used to the glide without too much of the leg movement

[@ayeupmeduck2]

@usiavideo Actually Terry I have just bought your book and it advocates this - "extraordinary swimming for everybody" first ed 2006, page 111 under RAISE YOUR BODY says and I quote "Keep one arm forward of and below your head at all times, by allowing the entering hand to take over the leading position before the stroking hand passes your nose". Also on Shinji's free style video he clearly has this overlap. So a bit confused about your statement.

[@mahrahabd4737]

I want to learn how to swim professionally

[@michaelkoval2303]

What is average speed with such a technique ?

[@ronnieryan1882]

Can you say MP ! When I watch MP I see Total Immersion in his stroke, just faster, but still the hip drive and glide. It was talked about in the 1st TI book about Bill Boomer (which has coached the Olympic swimmers). That is my finding, hope it helps.

[@lgttb1]

? ? ?it sure seems like he is reaching to the bottom of the pool with each stroke , is that the best postion for your arm ???

[@naegelip]

thats exactly like i prefer TI technique, as everything in life it had to evolve...how ever i just include in this model a little bit more of a high elbow in the water that allows to get quicker into a firm grip as you suggest.. again thanks a lot for the great videos!!

[@jmilla321]

@StrengthFromAbove83 its prob just more comfortable for him. its not like he's trying to go to london or something

[@moustaphadieng4898]

Is great am so grateful thank you for the opportunity

[@mfteng1897]

So beautiful, I wish I could swim like this

[@balavartharajnaidoo7945]

You can. Watch practice and concirate

[@codyd.1415]

It’s a beautiful swim stroke to watch for sure. But when dissected, very apparent is the fact that there are lots of dead spots that slow this freestyle stroke down and the only way to correct them is to increase your stroke rate and remove the over-glide. But there is a lot that can be learned from this stroke. Following the hole your hand makes and hand placement etc. And if you decide that going fast is not the most important thing, this style can clock a lot of distance very efficiently without a high heart rate. But it’s not the fastest stroke by any means and is not gonna burn the calories like a typical freestyle either. I do like to watch it done. Even better in full speed I think.

[@clive55]

The catch here is very different from the one I was taught. At no point do create an 'L' shape on your pull, the arms here is almost straight going past the hips.

[@ryand5580]

I have the same impression. In TI style, the arm entry is in a downward angle not horizontal as other style. So it's like catch is done after hand entry in my observation.

[@freycardona]

@avibitter1 tienes razón, no esta aplicando la TI, la tienes clara.

[@spectator5144]

bless his soul

[@mikejarv]

Hi Terry, GREAT relaxed style of swimming, though having been a swimmer myself, I'm not entirely sure how TI swimming is special, but please let me recommend swimming (arm strokes) with your fingers together - no extra effort, but MUCH more efficient. Either faster, or less effort, whichever way you want to do it!

[@motttamottta]

this guy is super awesome...

[@marykalinosky90]

I think Terry and Shinji both bring their hands out of the water ahead of where they entered. I don't travel anywhere near that far.

[@HossNYC]

Well the book I just bought for $18 at Jack Rabbit sports is all about front quadrant swimming. Should I take it back and ask for a refund?

[@Palko216]

can anyone tell me what kind of mask that is

[@bruceyvr]

look at the gap between fongers when his arm is just to move to the spot to propel. and look again at the gap between fingers when he propels.

[@bkagadish22]

+Li Wenhao And I am Wondering is the Gap essential part of a TI Style ???

[@totalswimm]

+bk jagadish The gap between fingers is not itself essential. What IS essential is to keep the hand quite relaxed--almost soft. Or to put it another way to consciously avoid having a stiff or tense hand. When the hand is 'naturally' relaxed, the fingers will be slightly apart.

[@StrengthFromAbove83]

why aren't his fingers closed?

[@tony0000]

Avibitter1, I had the same thought you did. But if you watch the classic TI youtube vid, "Total Immersion Swimming Freestyle Demo by Shinji Takeuchi," you'll see that his lead-hand pull basically begins just as the other hands enters the water. There's some movement of the arm, but no real pulling. Slightly different strokes for different TI folks.

[@respeezy]

i watched the whole video!

[@kevinsutton844]

Couple of brief comments. The issue of those with lean muscle mass and low body fat who sink is not a big issue. The first thing TI teaches is relaxation. Many who started out sinking like a rock when they learned to truly relax became floaters. The second is comments on legs and other body parts creating drag with TI. TI is all about reducing drag both passive and active. Why not experience it first hand by taking lessons from a qualified TI coach. You might be amazed at what you learn. Finally, not being able to swim fast as a TI swimmer was debunked decades ago by Terry coaching spirnters that were did not medal to almost all of them medaling consistently. Think of stroke length times stroke rate equals swim time. The winners of events typically take fewer strokes than everyone else. Why? They are more efficient. That too was proven by study of finalists in one of the Olympics in the 90s. Take a look at the comparison of Shinji, Cullen Jones and Michael Phelps on KZbin. They all look alike. TI teaches the principles of great swimmers. TI teaches how to create speed as well.

[@lilybets5309]

Love the music just one thing: you're meant to keep your fingers together when swimming:)

[@fionalaughlin]

Keeping fingers together results in unnecessary tension and doesn't create more propulsion.

[@lilybets5309]

oh really? do you swim? because i find keeping my fingers together very helpful.

[@robertbrandywine]

Lily Bets Does she swim? Fiona is the daughter of the man swimming in the video. She is a TI instructor.

[@MaikiStarwood]

Lily Bets, in TI swimming, you don't keep your fingers together. It's like Fiona Laughlin says, creates unnecessary tension. It's best to learn how to swim TI style first before trying to correct people who swim TI.

[@MalikRabichon]

no comment except Perfect 😉

[@Seek-God-First]

Great swimmers have their own unique style

[@priyatn24]

I am doing the last stages of the drills ( hip roll).. I am surprised to see that Terry doesn't roll so much.. I know it's to maintain rhythm.. but he doesn't roll as much as Shinji ;)

[@wolfgangbaumer8348]

Just amazing!

[@reginaopploppb11nguyen10]

prga