The Effortless Swimming Podcast

Brenton Ford
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SWIMMING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Effortless Swimming Podcast

Faster times and better technique aren't a guarantee when you train hard. What really makes a difference to your speed and efficiency in the water? The Effortless Swimming podcast helps make a complex sport really simple to better your swimming. We cover open water swimming, triathlon swimming and pool swimming. Hosted by Australian National swimmer and coach Brenton Ford.

  1. 15 HR AGO

    #359 : Strength Training So You Never Get Tired with Ryan Evernden

    Ryan Evernden is the founder of Formidable Strength and Conditioning, a coaching service that’s reshaping how swimmers integrate strength training into their routines. Ryan isn't just any strength coach; he specializes in tailoring strength and conditioning programs specifically for swimmers, helping them power through the water with more speed and resilience while safeguarding against injuries. Today, Ryan will share his insights on the essential strength exercises for swimmers, how to prevent common swimming injuries, and some truly inspiring success stories from the athletes he’s worked with. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer looking to enhance your performance or a recreational swimmer aiming to swim smarter and stronger, Ryan’s expertise is sure to provide valuable guidance. 02:19 Veering towards Strength Training for Swimmers 03:11 Trying to Create Swimmers For Life 04:14 Preventing Injuries 04:32 Coming Right Back Around The Basics 06:14 Assessing Mobility and Range of Motions 07:20 Improving Overhead Range of Motions 11:18 Starting Inside Out 12:13 Finding The Balance  14:51 Strength Required For Long Distance Swimmers 21:38 How Do I Fit My Strength Sessions 29:00 Common Misconceptions 35:33 Age Group Strength and Conditioning

    40 min

  2. 17 NOV

    #358 : How Pro Triathlete Kat Matthews Became A Front Pack Swimmer

    What does it take to finish second at the Ironman World Championships? In this episode, I'm joined by professional triathlete, Kat Matthews, who's not only a fierce competitor, but also a source of inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their performance. Kat opens up about the strategies and habits that helped her climb to the top, from staying consistent with her swim training, even while traveling, to making small technique tweaks that delivered massive results. We talk about her mental approach to open water swimming, How she tackles the swim to bike transition, and the mindset required to thrive in tough race conditions. Kat also shares her journey of recovering from injury, and how it transformed her mental resilience. We discuss why creating a stable training environment, and dialing in proper nutrition, and learning to fuel correctly during workouts can make all the difference. Not just in racing, but in life. Whether you're a triathlete, a swimmer, or someone looking to gain a competitive edge, This episode is packed with actionable tips and powerful insights to help you achieve your best. So dive in and let Kat's story motivate you to push past your limits. 03:02 Leading up to the World Championship. Keeping the consistency and structure. 06:59 Vo2 Sets. 09:13 Travel and Training Calendar. 10:44 No Pressure Swims. 12:48 Change of Pace, Feeling of Control. 17:02 Swimming From Inside Out. 19:14 Race Conditions. 24:52 Don't Be A Victim 26:50 Openwater Stroke. 28:04 Bike Transition 33:00 Creating a Stable Training Environment 39:54 Fueling Correctly.

    46 min

  3. 11 NOV

    #357 : Try This Pro Triathletes Top 5 Swim Tips

    Mitch Kibby is a professional triathlete who's placed 16th in the 70.3 World Championship. He began his triathlon career without a swimming background, and has gone on to compete with some of the strongest swimmers in the pro field. This is how he did it. 00:22 Introduction 00:57 Favourite cue 01:56 Kick 03:03  Breathing both sides 05:11 Catch and pull 08:38 Developing speed 09:57 Long-term approach to improvement 10:33 Finding the right company and support

    11 min

  4. 29 OCT

    #356 : Everything I know About Freestyle

    With 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)

    35 min

  5. 22 OCT

    #355 : How To Coordinate Your Freestyle Stroke with Tracey Baumann

    In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Baumann to explore swim stroke synchronization and body connection for a more efficient swim. We discuss six key synchronization points, the importance of feeling the water, and the role of joint mechanics in creating a powerful stroke. Tracy shares her coaching evolution toward focusing on technique and sensory cues, emphasizing the benefits of short-interval training. Tune in now! 00:08 Introduction 01:12 Upcoming Swimming Camps 01:34 Meet Tracey Baumann 2:23 Starting with Stroke Synchronization 3:17 Building the Stroke from the Inside Out 6:45 Avoiding Dead Spots in the Stroke 10:12 Six Key Synchronization Points 17:37 Transferring Pressure and Connecting with the Water 22:52 Softening the Hands for Better Connection 27:00 Effective Coaching Language 29:40 Grounding and Body Awareness 36:00 Short Interval Training 38:40 The Impact of Bones and Joint Mechanics 42:37 Get in touch with Tracey!

    45 min

  6. 9 OCT

    #354 : Olympian Reveals Her Freestyle Technique with Kiah Melverton

    Kiah Melverton, an Olympian, former world record holder, and World Championship silver medalist, joins us in this episode. Kiah offers advice on improving freestyle technique, highlighting key areas swimmers should focus on to achieve a faster, more efficient stroke. Tune in now! 00:30 Meet Kia Malverton 00:5 Head and Body Position 01:26 Kicking 04:01 Recovery and Catch 05:24 Breathing Techniques and Rhythm 07:17 Racing Cues and Technique Focus 09:15 Reflecting on Career Highlights 10:12 Advice and Training Insights 11:56 Challenging and Favorite Sets

    13 min

  7. 2 OCT

    #353 : Every Adult Swimmer Should Know These This

    I’ve spent 25 years helping adults become better swimmers, from beginners to pro triathletes. In this podcast, I’ll share what really works to go from feeling slow and frustrated to swimming fast, efficiently, and effortlessly. 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Balancing Tension and Relaxation 01:34 Reality vs Perception  02:24 Finding Your Unique Swimming Style 03:34 The Importance of Technique Over Effort 04:48 Kick Supports NOT Propels 05:57 Overthinking vs Feeling the Water 07:35 Swim Softer to go FASTER 08:42 Consistency is KING 11:14 Don't train like a runner! 13:26 Using Swimming Aids 15:09 Developing Your Stroke Step-by-Step 16:37 Long-Term vs Short-Term Goals 18:34 Strength and Mobility 20:08 Slow to Fast  21:14 Stroke Length vs Stroke Rate 23:26 Training for Specific Events 24:39 Open Water Swimming Tips 25:45 Turn off distraction!

    30 min

  8. 25 SEPT

    #352 : How To Get Started In Marathon Swimming with Craig Lewin

    Today, we’re joined by Craig Lewin, founder of Endurance Swimming, who discovered his passion in the open water. Though he started as an average swimmer in the pool, Craig found his stride in marathon swimming, where endurance and mindset matter more than speed. In this episode, he shares his journey and insights on tackling challenging open water swims. Tune in now! 01:24 Journey into Marathon Swimming  06:01 Building a Support Network and Mentors 13:05 Training and Recovery Strategies 15:25 Patience in Progress: The Long-Term Training Mindset 18:15 Embracing the Flow: Letting Go of Pace in Long Swims 20:45 Tempo vs. Stroke Length 22:30 Mental Preparation and Long Swims 27:35 Building Confidence Through Repetition 28:36 Finding the Right Coach for Long Swims 31:05 Get in touch with Craig!

    33 min
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About

Faster times and better technique aren't a guarantee when you train hard. What really makes a difference to your speed and efficiency in the water? The Effortless Swimming podcast helps make a complex sport really simple to better your swimming. We cover open water swimming, triathlon swimming and pool swimming. Hosted by Australian National swimmer and coach Brenton Ford.

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