1 Day or 2 Nights | Tring | Forest Mere | From £275pp

Front Crawl Workshop

with Art of Swimming

The most common problem faced by front crawl swimmers is dealing involves the transition between air and water i.e. taking a breath. Generally, the solution can be found by first addressing other elements of the stroke, such as head/body position and body rotation. This course will address all aspects of developing an effective and sustainable front crawl.

This retreat is suitable for anyone who can swim or glide with their face in the water, and wishes to learn a unique, efficient, and inspiring approach to front crawl. Our aim is to introduce a fluid and powerful full-body movement combined with smooth, integrated breathing to this most commonly swum stroke.

By the end of the retreat, you will be more efficient in:

  • significantly reducing the amount of effort required to swim the stroke
  • establishing a strong sense of rhythm, balance and propulsion
  • using optimum rotation of the body to increase streamlining
  • recognising the appropriate amount of exertion for the leg action
  • achieving the proper timing for the arms
  • smoothly integrating front crawl breathing into the stroke by use of ‘passive breathing

About Steven Shaw

Steven, age 60, hasn’t always enjoyed a healthy, happy relationship with water. As a successful competitive swimmer in his teenage years he dreamed of becoming a champion before overtraining triggered an excruciating shoulder injury. Heartbroken, he left the pool and vowed never to return.

Mastering the Alexander Technique in his 20s meant he was finally able to find relief from his shoulder injury. Steven then wondered if he could apply the holistic principles of the therapy to movement in water.

By adapting his style and technique, Steven was able to swim pain-free with a new sense of freedom and enjoyment. The Shaw Method had been born. For over almost four decades he has enabled thousands of people all over the world to overcome their fear of water and learn to love and embrace it.

His unique method – breaking the strokes down into a series of separate movements learned both in the water and on dry land - makes the learning process both stimulating and enjoyable, inspiring people of all abilities to move through the water with a new sense of ease and freedom beyond what they ever believed possible.

How does it work?

The Shaw Method is an innovative, therapeutic approach to swimming which helps people of all abilities transform their relationship with water.

Created by former competitive swimmer, and Alexander Technique practitioner, Steven Shaw (also known as the ‘Horse Whisperer of Swimming’), the method has helped thousands of people – from complete beginners and those with aqua phobia to injured champions - swim with a greater sense of ease, freedom and enjoyment.

The benefits reach far beyond learning an essential life skill. Learning to swim via the Shaw Method promotes and cultivates body awareness, improves posture, confidence and a sense of wellbeing, and encourages a more efficient, functional movement patterns.

Steven has trained hundreds of teachers globally, written two books (‘The Art of Swimming’ and ‘Master the Art of Swimming’) and appears regularly in the national press and media speaking about his groundbreaking work.

How does it work?

1 Day Retreat Inclusions

Standard inclusions

Art of swimming
Champneys foundations:
  • Arrival from 9am
  • Healthy lunch
  • Access to the full range of Champneys fitness classes (additional charges apply)
  • Use of Champneys facilities
  • Option to add spa treatments
  • A fluffy robe to wear during your visit, Champneys flip flops and tote to keep
  • Depart Champneys (6pm)

Retreat inclusions

From £275pp
Standard inclusions, plus:
  • 2 group pool sessions
  • 2 group dryland practice sessions
  • Video Feedback

How does it work?

2 Night Retreat Inclusions

Standard inclusions

Art of swimming
Champneys foundations:
  • Arrival from 3pm
  • 2 nights' accommodation
  • Healthy breakfast, lunch and three-course dinner
  • Access to the full range of Champneys fitness classes (additional charges apply)
  • Use of Champneys facilities
  • Option to add spa treatments
  • A fluffy robe to wear during your visit, Champneys flip flops and tote to keep
  • Depart Champneys (4pm)

Retreat inclusions

From £664pp
Standard inclusions, plus:
  • Welcome and introduction to the break
  • 1 individual Shaw Method lesson
  • 1 individual Alexander Technique lesson
  • 5 group pool sessions
  • 3 group dry land sessions
  • Individualised stroke analysis
  • Closing session

Dates & locations

1 day or 2 nights | Forest Mere, Hampshire

1 day:
Sunday, 9th July 2023

2 nights:
2 nights: 1st October 2023

1 day | Tring, Hertfordshire

Sunday, 10th September 2023

Book now

To book, please get in touch with the 'Art of Swimming' team

Email janet@shawmethod.com or call 07947 398982

Retreat terms & conditions

There is a minimum number of people required for the break to run. Breaks will be cancelled if numbers are insufficient two weeks before the start of the break.
 

Retreat sold out?

If you find the retreat you were looking for is sold out or your preferred room type is not available, please email cer@champneys.com and include the title and date of the retreat you would like to book.

Alternatively, please call us on 0343 210 1939. We often have reserved spaces available, which do not appear on the website.

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