Swimming for Total Fitness: A Progressive Aerobic Program

"This is an old book (1993) and, apparently, some of the technique teachings are not the most current, but this fantastic book is ideal for people who are not blessed with the water baby gene. It takes you from afraid-to-put-your-face-in-the-water to beautifully balanced butterfly.

The five basic strokes are broken down and taught through a series of exercises and drills and there are progressive fitness swimming workouts for every level. Also very cool, it teaches you those cool turns you see on the TV when you watch the pros.

I learned breast stroke as a kid but that was it. Taught myself crawl as an adult, rather badly, I might add. After doing one of her stroke development exercises at my local pool, I knocked 4 strokes off my lap time, and completed my lengths in 3 fewer strokes than another swimmer I was watching who was obviously stronger and more experienced than me. It's all in the technique."
~ Written on 2007-08-07

"This is an excellent book for those who are self-teachers.It is practical and down to earth. I heartily recommend this manual."
~ Written on 1998-11-17

"the book cover features a quote noting Jane Katz as te Jane Fonda of swimming. probably true. heavily involved in the sport, she brings a very insightful view to the sport from all levels of experience. If you need to buy only one book to help you learn it all, AND give you a progressive series of workouts to fitness, this is it"
~ Written on 1997-01-05