Swimming Wellaware

You may well be wondering, “How can playing a CD help me to swim?”
Audio tapes are much used resource in the Feldenkrais Method, because it is based on somatic learning, where you use a different aspect of your brain and nervous system and the focus is on becoming aware of how you move and feel.

If your breathing is not easy CD 1: Breathing for swimming
Breathing when swimming is the most important part. Even if you have very limited movement as experienced with some disabilities, you can still swim and be independent, comfortable and well supported, provided that you know how to breathe easily.
If this is difficult for you , the CD “Breathing with Swimming” is designed to help you progress to where you can swim with breathing.
The first 20 minutes is a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Lesson, which you do on land. You are mostly lying on the floor in different position, learning how breathing alters your shape and comfort.
The insert cover of this CD contains the printed version of the audio cassette. To ensure that you have all of the instructions, photocopy and enlarge it, place it into a plastic cover and take it to the pool, along with your piece of tubing, and well fitting goggles.
The next 16 steps involve learning skills along a continuum. You need to feel competent doing each instruction before you move onto the next one.
You need varying depths of water, from knee deep to chest high, so ensure that you have access to the shallow area without distractions ( and curiosity) from the little people who usually inhabit this part of the pool. The pool also needs to be warm as you are not moving a lot ( 30-34 degrees is ideal).

If your breathing comes easily and you wish to improve your overarm technique
CD 2: Australian Crawl
Firstly, test yourself by swimming a set distance( eg 1 lap) Count the number of strokes and notice how much effort is involved. Redo this test at the conclusion of the lesson and compare results.
You need 45minutes, uninterrupted, to follow the instructions, exploring how you organize your whole body to swim. You are mostly lying on a mat or the floor.

Available through www.feldenkraiswa.com.au