Today was the most attended dryland session for our "junior group". We have split by age - those over 13 and those younger.Normally we have 8-10 at our junior session; today we had 20. This is a good problem to have this interest but...this poses a problem as we have taught exercises and skills over the past 6-8 weeks. These are now being used in workouts where space is limited, as is equipment, and we plan for those of whom have signed up and have been coming consistently. This is also a safety issue; as everyone knows, poor technique leads to injury.
We have also found that the novelty of Wednesday's sessions has attracted a crowd, often of swimmers who attend one or two other sessions each week. Dryland, in this instance, is not giving the swimmer any benefit, as it is designed for swimmers attending 5+ sessions per week, and in addition to the other three land sessions already programmed. This swimmer should swim! Land should only take place of a swim session when swimming is not available.
Moving forward, there will be two days for land training: Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks to Tony for offering this second session!
Wednesday is by invitation and will only be the more senior swimmers. There is also a limit to who can attend dryland. Swimmers can come and swim the full session of Wednesday morning, but they cannot attend land training unless they have already swum twice on that week (on Monday and Tuesday).
Thursday is for those under 13 and will include ongoing teaching. The limit for this session is also 2 swim sessions prior to Thursday - Wednesday may now be one of those.
Begins next week - March 15
We must put safety first.
We must also ensure that our resources are being effectively used to those committed to the program at their age appropriate level.
Boxing will now become part of our weekly program - this is a fitness program and does not and will never involve sparring. Once we have become proficient with throwing punches and in using the focus pads, we will add elbows, knees and kicks - Kick boxing.
Warning:
This is not a self-defense or combat class!
If any swimmer is seen trying to use these skills/fighting anyone outside our training sessions, they will be removed from the program.
