Ambassador’s Antics #11

Who’s ready to be a part of #BandSquad?? Anyone who has been to a swim session over the last 12 months has most likely seen at least one of a small group of TA gals get out their bands (rubber fitness cords) and worked through their set of strength exercises.

There’s no hiding who the small group are, consistently working through their strength band work and I’m proud to put my hand up and say I’m one of them! Joined by Sammy, Sláine and Rach, we have been working with bands for a year now every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after swimming. Now, before anyone complains, I know there have been others who have been there along the way too! But we all know the saying…consistency is key!

Has anyone else also picked up that it’s largely only girls getting the bands out?? In the words of Head Coach Ollie “The girls are the ones that listen, so it’s not surprising that the girls are the ones who get the results!”. And of the #girlgang, in the 2017/18 season each and every one of us got on a podium and had PBs in the swim (5mins at Challenge for Sammy!!). Coincidence? Or proof that hard work and dedication pays off??

So now that you’re completely sold, we would love for you to join us at #BandSquad and here’s how you can:

• Purchase a set (or two – Ollie recommends you have two sets so your bands are longer) from wherever you choose. You can buy them cheaply online here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/13pcs-Resistance-Set-Yoga-Pilates-Abs-Latex-Exercise-Fitness-Tube-Workout-Bands-/111673869520
• Come to swimming
• Get out of the pool after swimming (I know it can be hard, especially in winter!)
• Have a super fast shower or wrap a towel around you
• Grab your bands and enjoy your induction to #BandSquad

But do you know the best thing about #BandSquad? When you’re swimming, there’s no opportunity to chat; when you’re on the WT Greg yells at you if you so much as make eye contact with a fellow athlete; you can’t run and talk at the same time (unless you’re Sammy); and whilst the bike can be good for a chat, it’s only the person next to you and there’s so much else going on you miss half of what is said! The best part of #BandSquad, is the post-swimming chats. Keep up to date with everything that’s going on in each other’s lives and get to know someone new! So what are you waiting for? Grab some bands, your buddies and come and join #BandSquad.

NB: This was intended to be light-hearted and to get everyone to join in with band work, there are proven facts and research into the benefits of band work on your swimming…but we’ll save them to talk about at your first session of #BandSquad!