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Questions and Answers Pulse Track App
Pulse vs. Tempo What's the Difference?
Pulse and tempo are both musical terms that refer to the rhythm and speed of a piece of music. Pulse is the underlying beat or rhythm that drives a piece of music, while tempo is the speed at which the music is played. By combining music with tempo, we can create a training program tailored to stroke counts.
Pulse is more about the feeling or groove of the music, while tempo is a more specific measurement of how fast or slow the music should be played. Both pulse and tempo are essential elements in creating a cohesive and engaging tempo training performance.
When should you use Asymmetric Music Tempo Training?
The AMTT can be used often, either as a tuneup at the beginning of a practice session, or it can stand as a practice session of its own. In the beginning of your exploration of stroke length, you may want to do an AMTT at the start of each practice and see if you can make improvements in your Strokes-Per-Length changes or find consistency in dropping strokes. It is a great tuneup set to help find length in your stroke when you are tired or have been out of the water for a while or are exploring some new focal points as well.
Try to use it at least once a week for a training block and see what kinds of patterns emerge in your SPL changes. Athletes and Coaches feel free to modify the variables including starting tempo, ascending increment, descending increment and repeat length.
What is Asymmetric Music Tempo Training (AMTT)
First the Music Tempo Beat Slows, then Gradually speeds back Up
In a Music tempo training pyramid, we start at a chosen tempo and with each repeat, slow the tempo by a fixed number of music tempo beats or hundredths of a second while counting your strokes for each repeat. As the tempo gradually slows, more time is available between each beep. The timing of the stroke changes so that you must use the extra time “wisely”. As the space between beeps increases, try to lengthen the stroke effortlessly, and hold the lead arm patient as the rear arm begins it’s a smooth recovery. Again, count strokes and record them if you can’t remember each length after the fact.
As the set reverses and the tempo begins to quicken, we choose a smaller increment so that the neuromuscular changes in stroke rate are tiny…nearly imperceptible from one repeat to the next. During this 2nd half of the pyramid, we take more repeats to get down to the original tempo (hence the name, Asymmetric Music Tempo Training.
Depending on skill and rate of increase in tempo, the stroke count will typically hold steady at the lowest number obtained for a few repeats, and the swimmer may gradually add a stroke or two (or three) back on. Often…and this is the magical part…the stroke count back at the original tempo will be lower than the original stroke count. Why? Because we first slowed the tempo and explored a longer stroke, the brain makes subtle changes in its instructions to the muscles, often these are changes that are difficult to articulate…it’s a feeling that occurs during the ascending phase of the pyramid.
During the descending phase, these signals from the brain are still intact, and the tiny increments in speed are not so great as to disrupt the new patterning, and the longer smoother stroke persists without conscious effort to change or modify the stroke.
How can I prevent muscle cramps while swimming long distances?
Stay well-hydrated, stretch your muscles before and after swimming, and consider using electrolyte supplements to replenish lost minerals.
Can You Swim with Tempo?
Yes, you can swim with tempo. Tempo is simply the amount of time it takes to complete one swimming stroke cycle. By swimming with tempo, you can maintain consistent speed and rhythm throughout your swim.
Is the Tempo Trainer adjustable?
Yes, features include choosing yards, meters, short courses and long courses to create your training session. All strokes are covered and can adjust lap times and or stroke counts.
Let’s say you want to practice swimming at exactly 2:00/100m and you’re in a 25m pool. Just set the trainer to beep every 30 seconds, then make sure you get to the wall every 30 seconds. Or make a specific training plan using personal best time and goals.
Stroke Count?
Taking longer strokes is a key aspect of effective swimming. Count your strokes and you can enter the count and stroke to produce a workout using stroke counts.
While it’s effective, some individuals struggle to count consistently, or they just don’t want to! Here’s an alternative, using the app. Set the Tempo Trainer at a stroke rate that is comfortable for you. Then try to swim progressively faster over the same distance without changing the stroke rate.
Incorporate stroke drills into your workouts that challenge your tempo at different paces. Whether you’re working on distance per stroke or speed, building that awareness will help you fine-tune your stroke for race day.
Does Tempo Mater?
Tempo isn't just about how fast you’re swimming; it’s about the rhythm and consistency that drives your stroke. The right tempo brings efficiency, power, and endurance together to make you faster and more effective in the water.
Swimmers who train their tempo can adjust to different race conditions—whether it's a sprint or a distance event. By understanding and controlling your stroke tempo, you can respond to the demands of the race.
Can You Train to a Tempo?
Certainly! If you want to swim at a fast speed, you need training equipment that facilitates and encourages a strong, fast tempo that’s not boring with just beats. Bring the music in and enjoy the tempo and beat.
What should I do if I feel exhausted during my swim workouts?
If you're feeling exhausted, consider adjusting your workout intensity or duration. It’s also important to listen to your body and ensure you’re getting proper rest and recovery between sessions.
What about Coaches?
Keeping track of multiple variables for a pool full of swimmers can seem overwhelming, but the simplest way to monitor athletes is by using a Pulse Track Music Tempo Trainer, an easy-to-use tool that helps swimmers refine their stroke efficiency and pacing.
Once each swimmer learns how to use the app, they can then take ownership of setting their own targets and tracking their own progress. Also giving coaches, the ability to create their own playlist for group swimming and tracking athletes progresses immediately.
How fast do the best amateur triathletes swim?
Many triathletes aim for a pace of around 1:30 to 2:00 per 100 meters, depending on their skill level and the race distance. It's important to find a pace that feels comfortable while still pushing your limits.
