I've read one of the TI books and it was helpful.  The best way to improve is to find a fast swimmer at your pool and hope they will share their secrets, drills, techniques, etc.  And of course, keep swimming!

Yes absolutely.  If you are looking for the right technique's then this is the DVD to watch.  I've been swimming since I was under 8 years old, and I wish someone would have shown me this technique back then.  Good luck!

As a level 2 club swim coach, i was given the TI freestyle DVD as a present. I watched and thought that there was to much drill work to get to the right technique. i would just go to a swim squad and get the basics down pat from a coach on deck. t

In response to the person who so insultingly referred to TI founder and author Terry Laughlin as "hairy-backed" with a "tubbo belly" I ask you if a hairless back and slim figure are required  teach someone how to swim? Give me a break, Terry Laughlin may eat more than a couple hammer gels each day but he has become an incredibly accomplished open water swimmer winning 4 national championships and breaking long distance records. He successfully completed his second Manhattan Island Marathon swim (28.5 miles) at 55 years old  and produces books and dvd's that help real people (hairy and hairless alike) learn how to be better swimmers. I used the book and dvd to teach my self how to swim at 37 years old and now compete in open water events as well as triathlons. I agree the technique has a lot of drill work but patiently working through it paid off for me and I think the purchase is well worth the money. 

The total immersion videos and books have helped my wife tremendously to help her feel more comfortable in the water.

Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier!http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0743253434|height=1|style=border:none !important; margin:0px !important;|alt=|width=1|src=http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0743253434|border=0!

02 in H20 - A Self Help Course on Breathing in Swimming - A Total Immersion Instructional DVD!http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00120WGUO|height=1|style=border:none !important; margin:0px !important;|alt=|width=1|src=http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00120WGUO|border=0!

Outside The Box: A Total Immersion Swimming Program For Success In Open Water with Terry Laughlin!http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001U9BS74|height=1|style=border:none !important; margin:0px !important;|alt=|width=1|src=http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cts0812-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001U9BS74|border=0!

I have used the tri swim coach programs for my triathlon training and have really made some great improvements.

http://www.triswimcoach.com/catalog/product.php?productid=16151&partner=craig0812

Do some research and find what works for you. Good luck!

I am a 40 yr old male who could just swim enough to get across a pool or a little in the lake (by no means the "proper technique"), a friend borrowed me the total immersion dvd, and it has helped me a lot! I am still in the early stages no freestyle yet but I am in the pool about 3 - 4 times a week. Took a lot for me just to get my balance but I am now rolling like a log! I also have ordered the book, I started this 10/31, there were a few times I was just gonna give it up, but now I am feeling very positive and my short term goal is to do a couple of sprint tri-althons (next summer), I love to run and bike & now with the help of that dvd I will love to swim!

George (Upper MI)