One of the most common questions I get as a US Masters Swimming (USMS) Coach for Wayside Athletic Club is that swimmers think they need to be advanced to be a Masters Swimmer. This isn’t the case. So, where did the term “Masters” come from?
“Masters” was first used in track and field and was later adopted in adult swimming. It refers to age; one must be 18 years or older to be a Masters Swimmer. So why are so many swimmers intimidated to swim in a Masters Swim program? Let’s review some of the misconceptions here.
Some believe competing in swim meets is necessary when participating in a Masters Swim program. Only 25% of the nearly 60,000 USMS Masters Swimmers compete in pool or open water swim events. This is not a requirement to join a program. We will offer opportunities for our swimmers to participate in local events, but it is not mandatory. Some folks thrive in competitive environments and want to challenge themselves in this way. Great. Others prefer to gain incremental improvements at their own pace in smaller venues such as our group swims. No problem. Masters Swimming provides a platform for you to meet your goals, whatever these may be without pressure to compete.
Some believe you must be swimming at a certain speed to join a Masters Swim group. Your perceived ability shouldn’t hold you back. Masters Swimming is open to all levels. Masters Swimming will help you get in shape and improve your speed in the water over time. That is the point of Masters Swimming.
Another misconception with Masters Swimming is that triathletes shouldn’t join because they are only training for triathlon events and don’t need to be great swimmers. The best way to improve the swim portion of the triathlon is to train with other swimmers. Masters Swim coaches are trained to put programs together for all types of swimmers, including triathletes. Triathletes are welcome and now compose a large portion of USMS Masters Swim groups across the US.
What about age? The oldest Masters Swimmer I have met in my experience was a woman in her 90s. She loved participating in the group swimming. Many studies have shown that regular exercise, along with good diet, hydration, sleep, etc., can significantly contribute to good physical and mental health. Swimming can also help reduce stress, contribute to weight maintenance, improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce cholesterol, increase muscle tone and endurance. Age should not be a factor when considering to join a Masters Swim program.
There are many benefits to Masters Swimming including getting fit, meeting new people and setting/achieving new goals. If you are already a Wayside Masters Swimmer, great. If you have been thinking about joining the group and have any of these misconceptions mentioned or ones I have missed that are holding you back, please reach out. I would like the opportunity to convince you otherwise. Come swim with us!
Thanks,
Coach Heather Guthrie
