Solving the Three Percent Problem

Whether we wish to swim one length or a marathon, to improve a modest best time for 100 meters or break a world record, we face the same challenge—one unique to swimming among sports measured by distance or speed.

In the water, we are transformed into’ energy-wasting machines.’

The average human swimmer converts just three percent of energy and power into forward motion. Even an elite swimmer, in the course of breaking a world record, converts less than 10 percent of energy into locomotion.

(If this seems low, consider that it’s 300% more efficient than average swimmers. Elite runners and cyclists are only 15% to 20% more efficient than everyday athletes.)

Your path to any swimming goal will be far smoother and more satisfying if your training is focused on Solving the Three Percent Problem.