Spring 2021 Episodes

April 28: Triathlons

Time to get out of the water for the spring semester with our last episode of Water Wednesdays. In this week's episode, Joe talks about triathlons and what he has learned by participating in them. Click here to view this week's episode.

April 21: Swim equipment

Interested in purchasing new swim equipment but don't know what you should look for? Fear not! In this week's episode of Water Wednesdays, Joe looks into the various swim equipment on the market. He'll talk about how swimmers can use them to improve their training and have more fun in the water. Click here to view this week's episode.

April 14: Where can I swim, what else can I do?  

Summer is on the horizon and in this week's episode of Water Wednesdays, our Aquatics Director Joe Wolgast takes you through some aquatic hot spots in the Philadelphia area. He'll share where you can go to swim and engage in fitness activities. Click here to view this week's episode.

April 7: Get involved with Temple's swimming club

In this week's episode Joe is once again joined by the president and vice president of Temple's swimming club, Chiara and Zoe. They return with a focus on fall 2021 and provide information on joining the swim club. They discuss what the practice and meet schedule would look like in a "typical" semester. Click here to view this week's episode.

March 31: Interview with the Temple swimming club

Time to hop in the water for another episode of Water Wednesdays! This week's episode is a special one as Joe is joined by the president and vice president of Temple's swimming club, Chiara and Zoe. The conversation will discuss all things swimming, from what Chiara and Zoe keep in their swim bags, to tips on getting back into swimming shape. Click here to view this week's episode.

March 24: Celebrating female swimmers

This week's episode of Water Wednesdays is a special one as we are celebrating Women's History Month. We feature some of the female trailblazers in the sport of swimming. Click here to view this week's episode.

March 17: Swimsuits

Hey Owls, the weather is getting nicer and you might be looking to take you swimming outside. In this week's episode of Water Wednesdays we look at swimsuits ... what kind should I buy?!?! Fear not, Joe and one of his lifeguards, Laura, are here to give some recommendations. They'll take an in-depth dive into all the different styles. Click here for this week's episode. 

March 10: Water safety

Water safety is extremely important and in this week's episode of Water Wednesdays we focus on that topic. Drowning rates are far too high amongst children. With summer quickly approaching we share some tips and preventive measures to allow everyone to be safe in and around water. Click here for this week's episode. 

March 3: How long does it take to become a good swimmer?

Its another episode of Water Wednesdays and in this week's episode Joe answers the question on all of our minds—"How long does it take to become a good swimmer?" OK maybe Joe does not have the answer but he'll provide some insight and ways to continue to improve. Click here for this week's episode.

Feb. 24: Backstroke

It's Wednesday and while it is "hump day" more importantly it's Water Wednesdays! In this week's episode, Joe gives some tips and tricks to help develop and improve your backstroke. Click here for this week's episode. 

Feb. 17: Drills

In previous episodes of Water Wednesdays, Joe has discussed incorporating drills into your swimming routine. In this week's episode he discusses some drills to include in your workouts to help improve performance. Click here for this week's episode.

Feb. 10: Black History Month

February is Black History Month and in this week's episode of Water Wednesdays we celebrate this special occasion. In this week's episode, Joe talks about how athletes in swimming and water polo are helping to make these two sports more inclusive, affordable and diverse. Click here for this week's episode. 

Feb. 3: 10 reasons why you should swim

It's Wednesday, sure its hump day but its also another episode of Water Wednesdays. Many of us have goals that we want to accomplish at the start of every new year. Most of these goals involve fitness, whether that is to lose weight, get healthier or run a race. Did you know swimming is a great activity that can aid in any fitness goal you have set? Click here for this week's episode where Joe reviews 10 reasons why you should start swimming this year. Find one that works for you and hit the water!

Jan. 27: Where is the pool and how can I swim in it?

Hey Owls it's time for another episode of Water Wednesdays; did you know Pearson Pool 30 is open? On a chilly day, its nice and warm in the pool! Click here to watch as our aquatics coordinator Joe and one of his lifeguards show you how to get from the front door of Pearson and McGonigle down to the pool in the basement. Remember you need to make a reservation prior to coming to the pool so please create an IM Leagues account and reserve a lane. The reservation window for the pool closes at noon the day before.

Jan. 20: Making a swim comeback in 5 steps

We know you made a New Year's resolution, was it to start getting back in the pool? GREAT! In the first episode of 2021, aquatics coordinator Joe Wolgast shares how to get back into swimming in five "easy" steps. Click here for this week's episode and begin your journey back into the water. Let 2021 be your year of water!

Fall 2020 Episodes

Dec. 9: At-home workouts

Brrr, its getting chilly outside! In this week's episode of Water Wednesdays, Anthony and Kourtney show us some exercises we can do at home to stay active and prepping for getting back into the water.

Click here to view this week's episode, and remember past episodes can be found below.

Dec. 2: Winter Tips

Just like they said on Game of Thrones, winter is coming! Winter poses many challenges for swimmers, in this week's Water Wednesday Joe shares some tips on things you can do over the winter months if you do not have access to a pool. Joe will share some ways to help you stay on track with your goals outside the water. Click here to view this week's episode.

Nov. 18: Motivational tips for your swimming journey

As we head towards the end of the calendar year, we know many of you will start marking goals to accomplish in 2021. In this week's Water Wednesday, Joe shares some motivational tips to help guide you on your swimming journey! No matter what level of experience you are we think these will help you moving towards accomplishing those goals! Click here to view this week's episode.

Nov. 11: Training equipment

We're in the pool and ready for another episode of Water Wednesdays! In this week's episode we look at some of the training equipment in the pool such as kick boards, hand paddles, fins and buoys. We'll talk about where to find them, what they do and how they benefit your swim. Click here to view this week's episode.

Nov. 4: Core strength activities

Who is ready to dive into another episode of Water Wednesday? Looking to move faster and more efficiently in the water? This week's episode introduce you to three exercises that you can do to improve your core and overall strength. These exercises target the core, legs and chest; all areas that are crucial in a swimmer's ability to move fast in the water.

You can perform these exercises from the comfort of your home or do them as a warm-up prior to entering the water. We recommend a few rounds (3–5) and hold each for approximately 30–45 seconds. Click here to view this week's episode.

Oct. 28: Swimming club discussion part 2

In this week's episode Joe is once again joined by the president and vice president of Temple's swimming club, Chiara and Zoe. They return to provide information on joining the swim club and what the practice and meet schedule looks like in a "typical" semester. Click here to view this week's episode.

Oct. 21: Swimming club discussion part 1

Time to hop in the water for another episode of Water Wednesdays! This week's episode is a special one as Joe is joined by the president and vice president of Temple's swimming club, Chiara and Zoe. The conversation will discuss all things swimming, from what Chiara and Zoe keep in their swim bags, to tips on getting back into swimming shape. Click here to view this week's episode.

Oct. 14: Where is the pool?

Hey Owls its time for another episode of Water Wednesday. Did you know Pearson Pool 30 is open? Remember to please create an IM Leagues account and reserve a lane before coming in for a swim. Forget where Pearson Pool is located? Need to know how to find a locker room? Then check out this week’s Water Wednesday episode by clicking here.

Oct. 7: Swimsuits

Its time for another episode of Water Wednesdays! Owls, did you know Pearson Pool is back open? Maybe its been a while since you went swimming and its time for you to purchase a new swimsuit. Don’t know which kind of suit you should buy? Don’t worry! In this week's Water Wednesday, Joe and his lifeguard Laura take an in-depth look at all the different swimsuits men and women can buy. Hopefully by the end of the video you’ll be ready to purchase your next suit. Click here for this week's episode.

Sept. 30: Core Exercises

Its another Water Wednesday and this time we're on dry-land to help you to increase your speed and improve your technique in the water. This week we'll show you how to work on strengthening your core. For swimmers attempting to minimize drag resistance through the water, the core plays a very important role in keeping the body in a stable streamline position.

Anthony Alongi, our assistant director for fitness, shows you how to strengthen your core out of the water and without any equipment! Click here for two examples of core exercises that you can do at home and on your own time. Anthony suggests doing core exercise following the completion of your swim to get a full workout. Do a few rounds of these exercises (3–5 in total) and hold each exercise for at least 30–45 seconds.

Sept. 23: 10 Questions with a lifeguard

Hey Owls, it's Wednesday, so that must mean another episode of Water Wednesdays! Have you ever wondered what that lifeguard was thinking about while sitting that that tall chair watching the water all day? Of course you have, then join Joe this week as he interviews one of our lifeguards and finds out all about being a lifeguard. Click here for this week's episode.  

• Sept. 16: Goggles

Hey swimmers! Have you ever had a problem with your goggles fogging up, not fitting properly or worse yet water leaking in? Well if so make sure to check out this week's episode of Water Wednesdays to learn more about swim goggles. Joe offers insight and suggestions on what you should look for when purchasing your next pair. Click here to make sure you always are able to see where you're going while swimming!

Sept. 9: Dynamic stretching

Swimmers! Before jumping into the pool, make sure you take a few minutes and do some dynamic stretching! Check out Joe and Anthony as they walk you through some basic stretches.

Dynamic warmups

• What is dynamic stretching?
  • Gentle cardio exercises, that requires the body to move as it stretches. 
• Why are they important?
  • They can increase blood flow to the muscles and raise body temperature. The water will feel less cold if you do some dynamic stretches before jumping in!
• Make sure that the deck is dry around you before doing these stretches. You can also use an exercise mat or wear shoes to give yourself more stability. 

Dynamic stretches reviewed in the video

• Shoulder circles
• Standing fly
• Shoulder rolls
• Standing knee raises
• Hip external/internal rotation

Sept. 2: Stroke definitions/development/tips

This week in Water Wednesdays, our Aquatics Director Joe Wolgast shows you the different types of swimming strokes. Additionally he will offer tips for what a swimmer should do getting back in the water for the first time after a long layoff. He'll also share some tips you can do in the water to develop their stroke. Check out this week's Water Wednesdays episode.

Aug. 26: Where can I swim, what else can I do? What to expect on Water Wednesdays

This week in Water Wednesdays our Aquatics Director Joe Wolgast takes you through hot spots in the Philadelphia area where you can go to swim and engage in fitness activities while we prepare our Main Campus rec pool to open for fall 2020. Click here to check him out.