The Effortless Swimming Podcast

Brenton Ford
  • 4.7 (94)
  • Swimming
  • Updated Weekly

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. 13h ago

    #441 : Applying High-Speed Videography to Better Understand Swimming Stroke Mechanics with Jan Prins

    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 pressure in strokes 16:43 Finding new water and propulsive thrust 22:41 Engaging new water and hand positioning 26:36 The concept of finding new water through hand movement 28:23 Avoiding straight-line pulling and maximizing efficiency 34:39 Breathing techniques and timing in freestyle 42:25 Hip rotation and core stability in swimming

  2. 6d ago

    #440 : Can Red Light Therapy Help Your Swimming? with Taryn Richardson

    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 interacts with the body and mitochondria 07:37 Mitochondria as batteries and the effect of light wavelengths 08:59 Impact on performance, recovery, and sleep 10:34 Best timing for red light therapy: post-exercise recovery 12:31 Using red light therapy for injury and tissue repair 13:37 Types of devices and market options 16:12 Choosing quality devices and verification 18:01 Optimal distance and wavelength considerations 18:47 Personal routine and practical tips 20:39 Additional light exposure strategies 21:40 Athletes adopting red light therapy 22:37 How to access Taryn's masterclass 23:31 Infrared vs red light therapy: differences 24:22 Expected benefits and user experiences

  3. Aug 5

    #439 : Why You're (Likely) Under-Fuelling And Under-Performing with Eliza Kelly

    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 stay energized and perform at your best. 00:11 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:12 Eliza's background and work with swimmers 04:23 Details of the 55 km swim in the Kimberley 05:38 Managing nutrition and hydration during hot swims 07:27 Electrolyte and sodium considerations 09:20 Adapting nutrition in real-time during a swim 12:13 Lessons learned from the Kimberley swim 14:39 Common nutrition mistakes athletes make 19:06 When and what to eat during long sessions 22:45 The importance of fueling and avoiding hunger 29:59 Iron deficiency in swimmers and endurance athletes 31:06 Testing and optimizing iron levels 32:26 How to connect with Eliza for nutrition support     https://www.fluidperformancenutrition.com.au/ fluid_performancenutrition

  4. Jul 30

    #438 : How To Swim Freestyle With (Almost) Zero Effort with Brenton Ford

    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 Balance 02:48 Use Your Lungs to Improve Buoyancy 04:18 Step 2: Rotate for an Effortless Stroke 05:04 Relax Your Recovery 07:29 Step 3: Master Your Stroke Timing 11:42 Beginner vs Faster Freestyle Programs

  5. Jul 23

    #437 : Understanding Arm Recovery and Connection In Freestyle with Tracey Baumann

    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 Short 13:26 Fixing High Elbow Myths 19:11 Wetsuit Shoulder Tips 22:15 Connection Through the Core 34:01 Build Length From the Wall 34:43 Clinic Announcement Melbourne 36:18 Where to Find Tracy

  6. Jul 17

    #436 : How to Master Open Water Pacing, Swim Anxiety, and Stroke Mechanics with Brenton Ford

    In this episode, I join the TriVelo Podcast to share my approach to swimming faster and more efficiently in open water. We discuss where to focus first when improving your stroke, the differences between galloping and balanced swim styles, why I believe many triathletes kick harder than they need to, and practical ways to stay calm and confident when racing in open water. We also dive into my thoughts on the Enhanced Games and the journey behind developing NanoClear anti-fog goggles to solve one of the biggest frustrations swimmers face. A big thanks to Gerard Donnelly and Jordan Donnelly from TriVelo Coaching for having me on the podcast. If you're a triathlete looking to train smarter and race faster, be sure to check out TriVelo Coaching. 0:11 – The starting priority for your stroke 2:09 – Analyzing Open Water galloping action 5:21 – Why you shouldn't swim like a speedboat 6:59 – The secret to fixing dragging legs 8:27 – Which Pro Athlete Has The Style To Copy? 11:33 – The kicking mistake costing you more time 15:00 – How to simulate open water in the pool 24:13 – How to sight without breaking your rhythm 27:50 – The recovery adjustment for choppy water 31:04 – Where to apply power in the pull 36:14 – Threshold sets to build raw durability 39:41 – Overcoming physical panic and hyperventilation 45:15 – Shifting your mindset on the beach 51:38 – Our honest thoughts on the Enhanced Games 56:13 – Designing a fog-free goggle

  7. Jul 13

    #435 : Lessons From 250 English Channel Crossings with Tim Denyer

    Most marathon swimmers would overlook the critical role of mental resilience—until they're fighting waves, exhaustion, and doubt in real time. Tim Denya, an elite coach with over 250 English Channel crossings, reveals the unspoken truth: mental strength is just as vital as physical endurance in conquering ocean swims. In this episode, Tim unpacks the training secrets behind his staggering success rate, emphasizing how strategic mental preparation and clear communication turn tentative swimmers into ocean conquerors. Discover why long-distance swim training isn't just about logging kilometers but about pushing the mind and body to new limits—all while maintaining focus, confidence, and calm amidst chaos. 00:00 Introduction to Marathon Swimming and Tim Denya 02:51 Training Camps: Preparing for Marathon Swims 05:17 The Balance of Physical and Mental Training 08:25 Technique vs. Conditioning in Swimming 11:20 The Importance of Trust in Coaching 14:20 Managing Expectations and Anxiety in Swimmers 17:01 The Role of Purpose in Endurance Swimming 20:03 Adapting Training to Individual Needs 22:48 Evolution of Coaching Philosophies 25:43 The Importance of Nutrition in Training 28:19 Documentary Insights and Storytelling in Swimming 36:27 The Importance of Connection in Coaching 39:14 Empathy and Trust in Coaching 44:17 Navigating Challenges During Long Swims 50:30 The Art of Coaching: Balancing Emotion and Objectivity 57:35 Learning from the Best: Insights from Elite Swimmers 01:06:11 Continuous Learning and Adaptation in Coaching

  8. Jul 7

    #434 : 7 Rules From 10 Years Coaching Pro Triathletes with Brenton Ford

    What separates the fastest triathletes from everyone else in the water? In this episode, I share the seven biggest swimming lessons I've learned from coaching professional triathletes over the past decade. We dive into body rotation, kicking, using your lats effectively, increasing stroke rate, breathing strategies, and the open water skills that can help you outperform faster pool swimmers. Whether you're training for your first triathlon or chasing a new personal best, these practical coaching insights will help you swim faster while saving energy for the bike and run.   00:25 Rule #1 – Rotate Enough for an Easy Recovery 01:59 Rule #2 – Your Kick Matters More Than You Think 03:31 Rule #3 – Your Lats Are More Important Than Your Catch 06:32 Rule #4 – Increase Stroke Rate the Right Way 08:11 Rule #5 – Learn to Swim Hard for Longer 10:52 Rule #6 – Your Hips Are the Engine Room 11:44 Rule #7 – Breathe as Often as You Need 13:09 Bonus Rule – Open Water Skills Beat Pure Speed 14:56 Free Freestyle Technique Checklist

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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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