I want to improve my speed? The problem is that I am not sure what to do about it. I read so many articles suggesting doing this or that. I am totally confused. Should I try to improve my endurance first and the work toward speed? Or the other way around? Are there any exercises to help you swim faster?
Of course you are confused. When it comes to working out it is a jungle out there. Swimming intervals are by far the best method of improving one’s speed. You should swim say, 30 seconds like there is a shark behind you! Then you proceed slowly for 90 seconds. That is one set. 5-6 sets are more than enough per session. Provided that you put up sufficient effort. During the first week you should do only 3 sessions of intervals. Then you can increase the number. Later, you will be able to do 3-4 sessions a day provided that there are at least 30-40 minutes between each session. Remember that you should give your body enough time to rest. Take a few days off every now and then. In fact, after 4-5 days of intervals you should have at least one day off.