“Nothing great is easy” – lessons in motivation from an English Channel swimmer Fear of failure Hi everyone, this is my third blog about the motivating factors behind my English Channel swim, and in the last ten months I have had the privilege of telling my tale to many interested people. Two of the questions I’m always asked was “what would you have done if you failed” or “did you think about stopping”. (more…)
“Nothing great is easy” – lessons in motivation from an English Channel swimmer On 25th August 1875, Captain Matthew Webb was the first person to swim the English Channel. Completing the swim he uttered the words “Nothing great is easy”. In July 2014 I swam the English Channel to raise money for two small children’s charities in the UK, Harrison’s Fund and the Demelza House Children’s Hospice. Riding the wave (!) of euphoria that follows such an undertaking, I’ve had many...
At times when we exercise our bodies burn fat as fuel as an alternative energy source to our bodies stores of Glycogen (Glucose). When this takes place do you know where all that fat actually goes? If you don’t, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia asked a group of 150 Doctors, Personal Trainers and Dieticians where the fat goes when a person loses weight. The results of that simple...
The simple definition of Whole Foods is they are food that has not been processed or refined before consumption. The primary benefit of Whole Foods is that they retain important fiber, nutrients, minerals and water that are generally lost within food that has been processed or refined. Many consumers understanding of Whole Foods is that they need to be Organic which is not the case at all. Organic food products are not necessarily always complete whole foods. In general Organic food...
This article by Karen Rowan on zwemza.com is another great example of why swimming is essential as you get older! Falling down and getting hurt is a big problem for older adults, and researchers think that physical activity may lower people’s risk of falls. But now, a new study suggests that the only type of exercise that lowers older adults’ risk of falls is swimming. Researchers in Australia looked at about 1,700 men age 70 and older, and compared the types...
As we approach the New Year, I am reflecting on the overwhelming number of people I speak to on a daily basis that STILL don’t know how to swim! The American Red Cross conducted a recent survey and discovered that nearly half of American adults can not swim (their definition for the purpose of the survey “adults should be able to float or tread water for about a minute. Then be able to turn yourself so you...
Check out Lauren Hard's Master Project on Troubled Waters in NYC . Swim Strong coaches and members are featured throughout! Lauren Hard Master's Project - Troubled Waters NYC from Lauren on Vimeo.
Meet Abigail, a junior coach at Swim Strong: My name is Abigail and I am 12 years old. I have been a Girl Scout for 5 years and as a Cadette, I get to work on my Silver Award, which is the 2nd level service project with Girl Scouts. We are supposed to choose a project based on something we are passionate about. I decided to pursue Swim Strong Foundation for my Silver Award project because of my passion and love...
Body Composition Analysis can tell you your amount of body fat and the amount of lean body mass you have, and help you find the appropriate balance between the two which will be your ideal healthy weight. The term body composition is mentioned by Personal Trainers, Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Dieticians on a regular basis but what does body composition mean? There are a number of differing charts and opinions that circulate that give an idea of the range...
