The later part of 2014 was rough for me. In July, they found a weird tumor on the back of my leg, which lead to three surgeries in 5 months and left me unable to workout, without restrictions, until April of 2015….it really sucked. As soon as the doctor gave me the green light, I went right back into BEAST MODE and was determined to get back in shape. I was pretty fit going into my first surgery, so it only took me a couple of months to get back into my usual heavy lifting, pull up, box and rope jumping shenanigans. Life was kind of awesome again!!!!!!…except for one minor detail: during my “time off” I had put on 15 lbs and no matter how many salads I ate, or how many kettlebell swings I did, I could not get the chunkiness off!!!! Only one thing could save me: INTESIVE CARDIO THERAPY!!!!!!!!!
After doing some research I came across the Fresno Dolphins Swim Team Masters. Anything with the word “Masters” at the end sounds a bit intimidating, but I was kind of tired of blaming the tightness of my jeans on the clothes dryer, so I decided to brave up and give them a shot.
The first day was kind of scary (just like the first day on ANY new fitness activity that one tries). I had done swim workouts before in the past…but on my own and I never really pushed myself much…the people who were already in the pool, looked really legit, and my first thought was that there was no way I was going to be able to keep up…and I was right…I couldn’t keep up, at least for the first few days, but it was totally fine!!! Everyone was really encouraging, took the time to explain to me the swim workout terminology and shared stories of their own struggles when they had first started. Plus, Coach Rickard Klatt was suuuuupper nice and told me to just do what I could and that over time I would get better. And surprise surprise, a month into it I am waaaay better! (plus my jeans ain’t tight anymore woot woot!) Best part of all, the workouts are GREAT and CHALLENGING and you leave the pool feeling a HUGE sense of accomplishment. I AM A HUGE FAN! My new swim buddies are super cool as well. They all have the ability to recognize one another (by name) while wearing a swim cap and googles ( I can’t quite do that yet :P) and they all adapt to the workout depending on their swim ability.
So if you are curious about trying out the Fresno Dolphin Masters, and are new to swimming, here is what you can expect:
- It will take you a couple of workouts to understand what coach means by “10 X 125’s on 1:55” but after you get it, YOU GET IT!
- There are some really fast swimmers in the group but there are also people (like me) who started swimming for the first time a few months ago. The workouts are simple to adapt to your own level.
- The class is challenging and you will get fit really fast! My running and overall endurance has improved a bunch thanks to swimming (interesting how that works) and did I mention that my jeans ain’t tight anymore!!!???
- You will be extra hungry after your workouts!
- The pool at Bullard High School Aquatics Complex is state of the art. It is an outdoor pool so it does get chili, but once you are inside and going you are completely fine.
- You will be coached by the best of the best: Coach Rick Klatt is a former NCAA swimmer who has dedicated his life to the sport. Since 1974 he has coached at all levels: age group, high school, college, and masters swimming and his experience shows: For the past couple of weeks he has been coaching me on the freestyle flip turn and on my swimming technique. I really appreciate his patience, tips and knowledge. It has made a huge difference on my swimming efficiency. Plus you should see him in the pool, he is a beast!
- Finally, swimming is a great form of exercise. According to Coach Klatt, it involves total body movements, it is anti-gravity and therefore easier on joints, and it is very demanding from a cardio vascular standpoint. Swimming can increase one’s flexibility and strength at the same time it is building that person’s cardio-vascular system.”
Below is a sample Fresno Dolphin Masters workout:
A Group
- 1000 easy-moderate swim (approx 20 minutes)
- 10 x
- 1 x 125 moderate swim on 1:55
- 1 x 75 build by 25s to fast on 1:15
- Easy 100 meters
- 6 x :45 seconds on, 15 seconds off vertical kick
- Easy 200
B Group
- 500 meters easy-moderate swim (approx 20 minutes)
- 10 x
- 1 x 100 moderate swim on 1:55
- 1 x 50 build to fast on 1:15
- Easy 100
- 6 x :45 seconds on, 15 seconds off vertical kick
- Easy 200
When I asked Coach Rick what he would tell somebody who is thinking about checking out the Dolphins he said: “Anyone who is water-safe and knows how to swim can be a part of our master’s program. We have a wide array of ability levels among our members. Extensive experience in is not necessary to join this adult fitness program. Members can choose to compete in U.S. Masters competitions if they like, but competition is not required in the Dolphins program.” He continued by saying: “I am inspired every day by the adults who choose to come out and make swimming part of their life-long fitness program. The speed at which you swim compared to others is not an indicator of the fitness value you are getting from swimming. Increasing your personal distance or speed certainly shows improvement and we encourage that, however, we encourage anyone 18 and older to come out and just enjoy the great feeling we all get from a session in the pool.”
If you want more info on the Fresno Dolphins Swim Team Masters you can go to http://www.fresnodolphins.org or email Coach Klatt Directly at rickklatt@gmail.com like I did.
She lives in Fresno with her husband and two Boston Terriers, Babushka and Bambino who like to run after soccer balls just like their dad.
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