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5-Week Frequency Plan for Professionals (Swimming Coach)

Many of us triathletes wonder why we can't perform at our best in open water. This is often due to gliding too long.

12 min read

5-Week Frequency Plan for Professionals (Swimming Coach) is a 5-week swimming plan. This article combines the actual plan description with a example week from the stored workout entries.

PhaseBase · The emphasis is durable base fitness, clean technique, and a rhythm you can repeat for several weeks.
Volume2.5 h-2.7 h per week, averaging 2.6 h.
Main stimuluseasy aerobic work across 10 training plan entries.

What this plan is built for

Many of us triathletes wonder why we can't perform at our best in open water. This is often due to gliding too long. Through the frequency test, you can determine that your optimal stroke frequency is often significantly higher than you think. With this plan, you can improve your stroke frequency within 5 weeks. This plan is designed for ambitious triathletes in terms of volume. Since the plan consists of 2 sessions per week, it can be supplemented with additional sessions as desired.

Training Zones Heart Rate Zones Duration Example Intensity

Recovery (Recom) > 120 5 – 60 min 200m easy 3 – 4 RPE*

Training logic and load

The emphasis is durable base fitness, clean technique, and a rhythm you can repeat for several weeks. The important part is not upgrading easy days into hidden hard days. The workout data shows which sessions are structured and which ones are intentionally simple.

The plan contains 10 scheduled entries across 5 weeks. The sequence matters as much as the total hours: hard, technical, or long workouts only work when the surrounding days allow you to absorb them.

Example week: Week 2

This week is not a generic template. It is built from the actual training plan entries, and the workout charts use the stored workout data.

Mon20x100 Frequency Change Pro
swimming · 5 min

400 m | 4x variable on / 0 min easy | 4x variable on / 0 min easy | 20x variable on / 0 min easy + 4 more steps

400m warm-up swim 4*50m build-up, 20 seconds rest 4*50m (25m sculling, 25m freestyle GA1), 20 seconds rest 20*100m (25m sprint with minimal kick, 50m relaxed, 25m few but long strokes with maximum kick), 20 seconds rest 8*50m freestyle arms

TueRest day / active recovery
off

No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.

WedRest day / active recovery
off

No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.

Thu8x200 Frequency Stabilization Pro
swimming · 6 min

400 m | 10x variable on / 1 min easy | 8x variable on / 0 min easy | 100 m + 4 more steps

400m warm-up swim 10x50m touch drill with 30 seconds rest 8x50m: 25m backstroke touch - 25m relaxed freestyle, with 20 seconds rest 100m freestyle with efficient stroke -5 8x200m: 150m efficient stroke - 50m increased arm frequency, as much

FriRest day / active recovery
off

No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.

SatRest day / active recovery
off

No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.

SunRest day / active recovery
off

No scheduled workout in this real plan week. Use the day to absorb the load and arrive fresh for the next session.

How to read the workout charts

The chart is based on the workout data: longer segments take more width, higher intensities sit higher, and harder work is marked with stronger colors. For swim or distance-based segments, the graphic represents the planned sequence rather than GPS data.

Practical execution

What to watch

  • Execute the key days precisely instead of making the easy sessions faster.
  • Use the plan description as context: equipment, fueling, mobility, and realistic threshold values are part of the training.
  • When life or fatigue adds pressure, trim secondary work first and keep the most important session stable.

Training effect

Executed well, the plan improves your ability to absorb the intended stimulus repeatedly. Depending on sport and phase, that means more aerobic stability, better pace durability, stronger technique under fatigue, or more confidence at target effort.