Friends, Coaches and Fellow Swimmers,
Here are some ideas that may be be a fun, positive part of your fitness journey.
First and Always - BE SAFE and only do what you think is SAFE for your skill and comfort and in a setting that is safe (free of debris and possible distractions etc...).
Have fun and make choices according to your wants, needs and philosophy.
Remember that many exercises done in one manner can and perhaps should be modified to a suitable style for you, your athletes or your setting.
Example: Doing a forearm plank on the ground can lead to a one arm forearm plank on the ground which can precede a forearm plank on a cushion or BOSU, which can lead to a one arm plank on the same and then perhaps to a forearm plank on a SWISS Ball and then perhaps to a one arm forearm plank on the same - and at each stage, you could SAFELY and carefully add some action such as freestyle swimming with a free arm or a careful leg action. be safe but let your self explore and create.
it is not always about getting stronger (that is good at times) but it can always be about getting fitter, improving and expanding function and promoting health and sustainability.
If you hold quality posture and if you have to hold a Clean Line, you are typically facilitating good TORSO / TRUNK Activity (some may call this CORE Work).
I welcome any questions, comments and feedback - via the site or via private message.
Kopie (Coach Allan K)
Swiss forearm plank freestyle swimming - YouTube
One arm freestyle swimming while holding a forearm plank
* can be done on the ground, on a swiss ball, on a BOSU etc..
* can be done with or without an external load
Kneel on Swiss Long Axis Swimming - YouTube
Kneel on Swiss Short Axis Swimming - YouTube
Bands on Swiss Prone *** & Flutter Kick - YouTube
BOSU swim, get up, bands swim, ball slam - YouTube
your observation that the swim-simulation with no or light weights focuses on recovery motions is spot on. in fact, i propose that while it is powerful to work the propulsive actions and connections, it is also very beneficial to play with recovery actions and use safe ranges of motion to produce fatigue in those aspects of the shoulder girdle. if we move and train the same way all the time we may be stronger and better in that motion (that can be good) but we may miss opportunities for muscular and structural balance and fail to enhance sustainability of sport actions if we do not play with complementary / recovery actions. so yes, i do a lot of complementary / recover action because I know it can be good to feel it on land and because we can promote joint complex fitness that promotes sustainability.
thank you for your input. have fun. be safe. stay fit.
I like the band swim and ball slam exercises. It seems like the swimming motion exercises mainly help strengthen the recovery since the stroke portion of the motion has no resistance from gravity as the arm is moving down.
