Efficient Triathlon Swimming Philosophy
Transform Your Skills
Swim coaching manuals from the early 1900s up through the mid 1990s and later have traditionally focused on drills that include kickboards, pullbouys and high volumes swimming as a means to improve. Coaches who learned to swim during this time period are now in their 40s & 50s and responsible for coaching youth, high school and collegiate athletes, as well as mentoring younger coaches. That’s why you hear of “traditional instruction” as opposed to more modern and efficient swim instruction. Coach Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion brought more modern skills to the lay public through his swim camps and books on self coaching. Inspired by Bill Boomer, new ideas of learning to float and be supported by the water, rather than struggling to stay on the surface, became common place. Efficiency in swimming skyrocketed when these balance, posture and streamlining ideas began to spread beyond coach boomer’s personal contacts.
By breaking down swim skills into small manageable components and then reassembling, your swimming stroke can be transformed into one that is smooth, enjoyable and faster than you have experienced. The secrets of speed already lie within your own body and our job is to help you experience and understand how to apply this in your swimming.
Learn to Make Swimming your Favorite Activity
Most swimmers contact me because they want to swim faster…or they want to enjoy swimming more in order to pursue healthy physical activity. Whether you’re a rockstar triathlete or a retiring school teacher or any where on the spectrum of swim speed, you’ll learn to enjoy the PROCESS of learning to swim better. We make swimming a mindful activity that infuses you with energy, helps you escape from the daily buzz and stress of your life, and incorporates whole body movements in a non-impactful, endurance and stress-reducing pursuit. AND you’ll swim faster as a result.
Make Swimming The Best Part of Your Training Day
Many triathletes and exercisers dread the process of getting up for the gym, getting ready, changing and going to do a ‘work out’ for any variety of reasons. Maybe you’re nodding your head right about now?
By focusing on the process of swimming and getting your mind in the right place to practice gentle movements you’ll find yourself more energized as you learn to swim better.
Through this regular practice you’ll not only become a better and faster freestyle swimmer, but you’ll also begin looking forward to the pool as the best part of your training day.
Who Should Take Swim Lessons from Steel City Endurance?
Triathletes of all levels
From learn to swim and complete your first triathlon, to crossing the finish line to qualify for Kona, both beginner AND elite triathletes can make improvements to their swim. For the elite athlete, the basic laws of hydrodynamics can get challenging to manage as your speed and skills improve. It seems counter-intutiive, but to maintain progress and get faster at swimming, you need an experienced eye to help show you what you can’t feel or see on your own.
Adult Learn-to-swimmers
Steel City Endurance has a very non-intimidating approach that will ease you ito the water at your own learning speed, helping you gain confidence for your next trip to the beach or snorkeling vacation you’ve always dreamed of. Improving your relationship with the water helps you be more confident AND safer around any water activity.
Masters Swimmers & Swim for Health
You’ll find yourself passing your old lanemates wondering what you’ve done differently and looking to YOU for instruction once you learn the fundamental mistakes that are holding you back. If you’ve got joint arthritis or need to swim for your cardiovascular health, being able to swim easily and without stressing your neck, shoulders and back is vital for you to continue a healthy lifestyle with swimming.
Sign up the Lessons or Clinics that are Right for You
Private Lessons
Sign up for one on one or small group lessons. A minimum of three one-hour, or six half-hour lessons are recommended to allow you to completely transform your stroke for beginner, intermediate and fearful swimmers.
Included is video evaluation above and below water, with expert stroke analysis. Technique development tailored to your current level of ability, clear instructions on how to structure your practice before your next less. Lessons are 55 minutes long.
Bring a Buddy
Sign up with a swimming buddy to improve your ability to practice proper swimming between lessons and on your own. Learn what to look for in your parters form so you and your buddy can self-critique when swimming without an instructor. Minimum lesson length is 1 hour.
Swimming Lessons for a Fast & Efficient Stroke
Lessons with Coach Suzanne Atkinson
| Private (1) | Buddy (2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Lesson (55min) | $85/$75 | Add $30/$25 per person |
| Three Lesson Package | $225/$210 (savings $30) | Add $75/$65 per person (save $45) |
Discounted prices apply to current members of any USA Triathlon Club: $10 discount on all swimming lessons, $15 discount on packages of 3.
Hi Coach Suzanne,
My name is Nabil and I would love to attend the traning (most likely private). I live in Collegeville PA (outside Philly) but we take frequent visit to Pitt.
I was wondering about your availability so we can plan the trip.
Thank you,
Nabil
267-968-0408
I am currently deployed right now and will be home mid-fall sometime. When I am home I would like to take a class or two just to get me a general idea.
Thanks
Phil
Coach Suzanne I would like to get a 3hr. swimming package, could you give dates &hours of availibility. Thanks John Chapman
Hi Suzanne,
I spoke with you last year. I’m interested in private swim lessons. I can swim fine, but I have absolutely no technique or breathing skills. I would like to become an efficient swimmer for another cardio option. If you could give me some info on your availability, I’d appreciate it. Or call 412-266-1920 anytime.
Thank you,
Rick
Good morning. I’ve been doing TI for about a year and half now and have trained with Shane two times now. My buddy and I were thinking that we may switch it up for our next round of private lessons. How would we schedule something with you? We live in Buffalo so we could do a down and back session. Thanks
Do you plan to visit Los Angeles to do any private lessons?
Lawrence, I don’t have any trips to LA planned right now, thanks for asking. I can fly out for a private clinic if you like, or you can keep an eye out for upcoming clinics.
Any TI clinics in the Pittsburgh area coming up in the near future ?
Coach Suzanne:
I am a long time runner and cyclist and rather new swimmer and triathlete. I am a 52 year old male. I would like to get some private instruction. Can you please email or call me to arrange for dates and times. Thanks Mike (412) xxx-0225 (o).
Hi. I am a very beginner triathlete in need of swim lessons! Looking to train over the winter months so I can hit the ground running next Spring. Available late-mornings and weekends. Thanks!!
Hello Suzanne,
My coach would like me to take a few private lessons with you.
I am a triathlete, (I use the term loosely). A year ago I could not do 25 yards. I have worked hard to make time cut offs. I did IM half New Orleans in April, I got out with about 38 seconds to spare. I shaved 9 minutes off my time for the IM half Eagleman in June. Somehow I managed to get a slot at IM half Worlds Mont Tremblant (the roll down was in my favor), I did that swim in 54 minutes.
I have no sighting capabilities….sad but true…. I tend to swim everywhere but straight.
I did take a TI course a year ago last Sept. I think I was such a poor swimmer at the time that I would have been better off waiting to do the course at a later date. My coach includes TI drills so it helped I had some idea about the exercises.
I believe I do not process swimming information…. I take it in…but my brain twists it to look like something else.
I think I am doing pretty well, then I see a video tape and think who is that person????
swimming incorrectly? My coach has been very patient with me. I really credit her for being able to swim at all.
I have signed up for a full IM next Nov. in Florida because it is on my bucket list. Swimming is only 11% of that race, unfortunately if I don’t make the 2 hours 20 minutes it is the whole race.
If you have time on your schedule I would like to sign up for 3 hours of private lessons. Are there any slots available during the day?
One last thing….. I am 64 years old….definitely an old dog trying to learn new tricks.
Kathy B
Are you still doing the small group class? I’d like to find out more and maybe sign up.
Please email me. Thanks!
Are you still training people in the Pittsburgh area?
Yes I am!
My husband and I would like to receive swim lessons. He’s a triathlete but I am not.
Hi Melissa, I”ll send you a private email with details on this, thanks!
I am looking for swim coach for my daughter .
Where are you located? Feel free to use the contact form to get in touch more directly. THanks
Hello Suzanne
i would like to take some lessons in OCT-NOV.
would you get back to me please with your details ?
thanks
Anan, I’ll get in touch with you by email!
Suzanne. Would like to have several 3 hrs packages of swim lessons in the near future.
Please advise. Thank you !
Ricardo, I’ll be in touch by email!
Hi Suzanne.
I contacted you while I was in Pittsburgh, I am there every year during summer time. I live in Buenos Aires the rest of the year. Will contact you again next July/August. Thank you !
Best, Ricardo
Thank you for your email Ricardo! I look forward to hearing from you next summer
Hello, I’ve had a few coaching with Suzanne, but I’ve been on teh site a few times a week for a couple of months. All i’ve gotten are “No times available” messages. Do you still coach?
Yes Mick, I’m still coaching! The calendar isn’t currently supporting the way I am scheduling, I apologize for the frustration. I’ll contact you by email, or you can feel free to email me!