Why I teach the Shaw Method
I have always loved swimming outdoors – probably the result of plunging into freezing lochs in Scotland from an early age, but I had rarely swum any distance as my school-acquired front crawl left me exhausted and struggling for breath as did my stronger breaststroke. I discovered the Shaw Method when, cajoled by my cousin into taking part in the Dart 10k swim, I needed to learn fast how to swim more efficiently. One Shaw Method course in the front crawl method and I was converted. I went on to train with Steven Shaw as a Shaw Method teacher.
The method is based on an enjoyment of the water as a supportive medium, not as something to battle. It teaches you to use your body in an efficient way with relaxed breathing so you can happily swim for long periods without becoming exhausted. It is about being completely immersed in the medium of the water and in your swimming so that it becomes an underwater meditation where you swim with power and effortlessness. For those who are frightened of the water, the Method provides a way to overcome the panic of putting one’s face in the water and to start the journey of enjoyment.
How does it work?
Whichever stroke is being taught – the fundamentals, front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke or butterfly – we use a series of land-based walking exercises (it can be easier to understand how to shape your body without the complication of the water), water based exercises and hands-on swimming practice in the water.
We work on learning:
– good body alignment as key to performance
– smart swimming using the non-propulsive action before the propulsive action to swim efficiently
– relaxed breathing with the focus on breathing out
– to enjoy the journey and form new good body habits whilst letting go of old inhibiting habits
Where I teach Shaw Method swimming
I now teach in Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms with exclusive use of a pool and in open water.
Book individually or come with a friend or two and learn to swim a stroke in a relaxed and effortless way.
3 one hour sessions will give you all the basics you need to start swimming the method.
Book 3 one hour sessions for individual one-to-one tuition – £140
Book 3 one hour sessions with two people – £75 per person
Book 3 one hour sessions with three people – £60 per person
If you have never learnt to swim or want to just give the Shaw Method a go, then book an individual one hour slot for £50 to come and try it out. You will have exclusive use of the pool so can focus on really relaxing and starting to enjoy being in the water. Learning to swim as an adult can be scary but please don’t be anxious as this way of learning is really ideal for beginners as well as experienced swimmers. We are all just at different stages of the journey!
Contact me to learn more or book an appointment.
Open Water Swimming
As well as teaching the Shaw Method, I am also an STA trained swimming teacher and in 2018 trained with Olympic silver medalist Keri-anne Payne to become a qualified STA open water coach. This allows me to further indulge my passion for introducing others to the joys of open water and wild swimming. Haven’t swum outside much? Come and have a go!
I do individual or small group teaching in Scotland. The lochs and rivers here offer a weatlth of variety and stunning scenery. Temperatures sometimes require wetsuits but for those able to swim regularly you soon become acclimatised. If you haven’t tried much open water you can do a pool and open water combination of swims.
Testimonials
“Liz changed my attitude to the water completely….I suddenly felt so free”
“I felt the glide and it was like flying!”
“I love this method of swimming. It feels so right and instinctive, flying with the water instead of fighting it and Liz’s teaching is just the right balance between instruction and encouragement.”
“Liz’s swimming lessons were a revolutionary experience for me. I now have a new passion in life….swimming. I NEVER thought I’d feel that!”
“Liz has boundless patience and boundless enthusiasm. It has made learning an absolute pleasure.”
“I am in my 70’s and never learnt to swim. I was frightened to put my face in the water. By the end of the lesson I was gliding across the width of the pool.”
“Liz is an inspirational teacher. Her calm manner and complete understanding of how to feel the water made swimming so enjoyable for me. With the Shaw Method I went from being an ok swimmer to feeling like a mermaid when doing butterfly! If you want to enjoy swimming you must find time to have some lessons with her.”
More about the Shaw Method
The Shaw Method is endorsed by the Chartered Society of Pysiotherapists, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and the Pilates Foundation. Consultants, GPs and other health professionals regularly recommend the Shaw Method as an effective rehabilitative exercise regime that can be safely practiced by people of all ages and abilities.
See more about Shaw Method on The Art of Swimming site.
Contact me to learn more or book an appointment.