Scaling Peaks: Navigating Fitness Terrain with Your Personal Trainer Embarking on a fitness journey can feel like navigating a rugged mountain range, fraught with challenges and uncertain terrain. However, with a personal trainer as your trusted guide, the path to peak performance becomes clearer and more rewarding than ever before. Accountability: Your North Star to Consistency Consistency is key on the journey to fitness success, but life’s distractions can easily throw us off course. A personal trainer provides the accountability needed to stay on track, ensuring you show up and give it your all with each session. Exercise Technique and …

Embracing Instructor Changes: A Positive Perspective on Children Learning to Swim The role of the swimming instructor is undeniably significant, serving as a guide, mentor, and safety advocate in your child’s learn to swim journey. However, the notion of instructor changes can sometimes instill uncertainty or concern among parents and learners alike. At Pikes Peak Athletics, we ask our instructors to commit to a minimum of 3 months with their classes. While most of our instructors far exceed the 3-month minimum, it doesn’t always feel like enough time for families. Contrary to popular belief, such changes need not always be …

While a well-run pool may seem to maintain itself, it takes a team of experts with a myriad of certifications to keep the water safe and comfortable for use! Lifeguards There are multiple lifeguard certification programs in the United States; some jurisdictions require a specific type of lifeguard certification (Red Cross, Ellis, etc) while others leave it up to the facility to decide. Regardless of the certifying agency, there’s no question that lifeguards save lives! These individuals are the first line of defense in preventing, recognizing, and responding to emergencies, from medical issues like cardiac arrest and stroke to facility …

The short course swimming season is coming to an end next month and long course season starts in April. If you’re new to club swimming or swimming in general, you might not be sure why swimmers do both or two different seasons exist, let us help you out! Two Seasons The annual swimming calendar is divided into two seasons: Short course season runs September – March and is based off pools 25-yards or meters per length. Most pools in the United States are short course 25 yards. Long course season runs April – August and is based off pools 50 …

Empowering Safety: The Role of Swimming Programs in Protecting Children Out of the Water Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a paramount concern for parents and communities alike. Swimming lessons are an obvious choice for protecting children from the dangers of water, but what about other safety concerns? While there are various measures in place to safeguard children, one avenue that often goes overlooked is the positive impact of swimming programs. Here we’ll explore how a well-structured swimming program for kids like Pikes Peak Athletics plays a crucial role in protecting children from sexual abuse. Building Confidence and …

As the culmination of a season approaches, athletes find themselves gearing up for the intensity and thrill of Championship Season. Whether you’re swimming to qualify for a championship meet or preparing for the final showdown of the season, it’s crucial to be well-prepared physically and mentally. Here is a guide on how to navigate this critical phase and set yourself up for success. Understanding Championship Season Championship season, especially as you become older and more experienced, typically comes with a gradual decline in overall yardage and increased intensity as we sharpen our skills for the last few meets of the …

Lifeguards are some of the most essential employees at any aquatic venue. Drowning is the major cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 and the second leading cause for children 5-14 years old. According to the International Lifesaving Federation, certified lifeguards rescue more than 1 million victims each year worldwide, and the USLA reported a total of 69,774 saves in the US for 2021 (most recent data available). While the primary responsibility of a lifeguard is ensuring safety, this entails more than sitting on-stand and waiting for an emergency. Take a look below at many of the …

As a parent, you want to ensure your child is safe and confident in the water. Learning to swim is not only a life-saving skill but also a great way for children to have fun and stay active. Naturally, swimming lessons are a huge part of raising our kiddos! However, one common question many parents have is, “How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?” The answer can vary depending on several factors, we’ll explore the learn-to-swim journey here. Individual Factors Every child is unique and so is their learning path. Here are some individual factors …

As a parent, you understand the importance of ensuring your child is comfortable and safe during swimming lessons. One key element to consider is the right swimsuit and goggles combination. Finding the perfect balance between functionality, comfort, and style can make a significant difference in your child’s swimming experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best swimsuits and goggles for your little swimmers, helping you make informed choices for their aquatic adventures. Choosing the Perfect Swimsuit Comfort is Key For young ladies, look for swimsuits made from comfortable and stretchy materials like lycra/nylon or polyester blends. Avoid rough seams or …

In a world where the pursuit of health and fitness is a priority, one aspect often overlooked is the overwhelming impact of strength training, especially when initiated early in life. The following points should be considered when deciding when to begin lifting whether it’s inspired by longevity or performance. Building Strong Bones and Joints One of the significant advantages of early strength training is its positive impact on bone density. Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for bone development, and weight-bearing exercises promote the growth of strong, healthy bones. Resistance training is especially beneficial for swimmers since swimming is non-weight-bearing. …