Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS
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“When I enter the pool, I am still surprised to discover that I can swim. I can swim! Yes! And swim with gliding, twisting, fuller breathing, and muscle awareness. Learning how to swim at 53 was something I didn’t think possible—but, with Allison, it was. Our two greatest accomplishments at this point have been my sensing swimming as a whole body experience that initiates from my torso, not just the movement of my arms and legs, and my being able to calmly swim in water over my head—no more overwhelming deep water panic.
Instruction begins with Allison’s expert individualized assessment and is based on our discussion and her observations. She has worked with my water resistance pattern to significantly improve my gliding and floating, and this made me more relaxed and confident in the water. Her ability to work in the moment to achieve maximum direction and skill makes her instruction feel like both a swimming lesson and a somatic treatment.
When trying to protect my right shoulder from an old injury, Allison has found multiple ways to problem solve and synthesize a safe and effective pattern of motion. How am I using my arms, my upper back muscles, and my chest? How does the relaxation and tension of my jaw effect my shoulder? Are my shoulder relaxed and toned or frozen and stiff? I am able to assess and problem solve now how my shoulder is functioning.
I whole-heartedly recommend Allison. You will be in for a treat of expanded knowledge and awareness of yourself and improve your swimming skills. For the first time ever, I have found joy in swimming.”
Frank Plaier
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“Allison teaches swimming “from the inside out”, and I am excited to recommend her! She has helped me improve my swimming not simply by pushing me to work harder or try harder, but by paying attention to my breath and to the details of each stroke. My swimming has improved tremendously, and I find it much more pleasurable. I feel wonderfully renewed after each lesson, ready to work on what I’ve learned, to get ready for the next exhilarating lesson!”
Linda Nakell, Age 58, USF Masters Swimmer for three years
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“I have been working with Allison for 5+ years. During this period my swimming technique has improved dramatically as have my competitive performance. More important, my health and overall wellness has benefitted from Allison’s instruction.”
John Hendrickson, Masters Competitor -
—R. Adams Dudley, MD”
“I’ve referred swimmers who experience shoulder or neck pain or discomfort to Allison because she is both an expert diagnostician and a fantastic therapist. She will listen to a swimmer’s description of their problem, watch them swim, and then identify the source. Sometimes the swimmer is too tense in certain muscle groups, other times they have not yet activated or involved all the key muscles. In my experience, needing core muscle (especially back and abdominal muscle) activation is common. Allison can determine the nature of the problem and then design a program of swimming, land exercises, and/or Pilates that can be very helpful.” —Adams Dudley, MD
- “For decades, I’ve had a regular routine of free style swimming. I thought I knew how to do the stroke, but after one coaching session with Allison….wow!
- Allison taught me when and how to move, stroke, bend, glide, twist, stiffen, straighten, arch, look, coordinate, and how to angle the flip. I learned specificity regarding muscles and movement, and what to relax when and what to tense when. That was just for freestyle. Then we focused on my backstroke and now we work on both. As a result, my body is toned, my core stomach muscles are strengthened, and my weight is trimmed (to a BMI of 19.4). I used to like swimming and swam 20 minutes each day. Now I love it and swim 45 minutes each day. I have a better workout with less effort and more joy.” —Win Schachter
- “For the past four years, Allison has worked with my two daughters, improving their strokes, adding to their love for the water, and building their confidence. Allison has an extraordinary talent for being able to experiment and determine what works best for the individual swimmer. Her approach is encouraging, inspiring, and open-minded. Most importantly, she has a genuine concern for the spirit of the whole child. We are lucky to have her in our area, as she is innately gifted as both a swimmer and a teacher.”
—Jeannine Adams
