The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (2002) indicated that 61.3% of the population, aged 16 years or older, participates in some form of swimming activity. Given the participation numbers and popularity of swimming as a fitness and training activity, there is a need for an accurate, inexpensive method to quantify energy expended while […]
The following commentary by Joe Hunsaker was published in the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 1996 leading up to the Atlanta Olympics. Despite their revered tradition, the Olympic Games can’t escape the sins of society, nor can they avoid the debate regarding the role of athletic competition in our society. From the highest levels of professional […]
The following press release was issued by the City of Fort Lauderdale on September 21, 2012 The renovation of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex – home of the International Swimming Hall of Fame – has received the critical go-ahead from the City Commission. I’m pleased to announce that the Commission approved this week an agreement […]
To see if United States Masters Swimmers (USMS) had a more favorable health status than the general population, the Counsilman Center for the Science of Swimming, led by Dr. Joel Stager, conducted research at the 2004 United States Masters Swimming Championships. The subjects, who averaged 4.7 hours moderate and 7.1 hours of vigorous activity per […]
When working with a group be careful of the “I think” or the “I don’t think” syndrome. The majority of people make decisions based upon assumptions which are backed up with presumptions and not based upon facts. “I don’t think I will go to jail.” – John Gotti “I don’t think the Chinese reds will […]
About 18 months ago FINA approved starting blocks with an angled wedge-shaped footrest on the back edge. The idea is that athletes will have the advantage of producing more force from the blocks and therefore faster starts/races. In addition to the wedge some manufacturers are able to provide side handles on the blocks that athletes […]
Racing start velocity, body shaving, drag forces, and drinking chocolate milk for a quicker recovery after workouts are just a few of the subjects Joel Stager and his team of researchers at Indiana University’s Counsilman Center have been studying. The researchers are carrying on the work of James “Doc” Counsilman, regarded as one of the […]
On September 10, 2012, it was announces that Engineered Treatment Systems LLC (ETS) was acquired by Neptune Benson. The management team is said to remain in place going forward. ETS will continue to operate out of thier location in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
During the past several years it has felt that the swimming industry has been under attack – Federal Mandates – Changing Code – etc. What has been missing in these industry discussions is the risk / reward analysis regarding the health benefits of swimming. In this months issue of Aquatic International I share my thoughts on unintended consquences […]
On July 20, 2012, the Facility Design and Construction Model for the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) was posted for public comment due October 14, 2012. In section 4.8.3.3. a single sentence could change the industry standard for minimum depths under starting blocks to 6 feet and 7 inches for a distance of 20 feet. […]
