Fun, and Fast

Former Member
Former Member
The cross-training routine that was previously posted on this thread had a variety of advice. Although quite a few people have mentioned to me that they prefer to swim, and don't really want to lift weights. That's understandable, but attempting to compromise I suggest these 4 critical exercises, 3xweek. This could take as little as 15 minutes, but will have significant impact on your swimming base times. Here's why: Ankle flexibility is crucial, as this is the anchor on your ship. Even if you don't improve power or strength, having your ankles flexible will reduce the drag and improve body position. So, I recommend a minimum of 6 minutes (3x per week), on the bike with your toes pointed. This is primarily to warm up the ankles as well as training the range of motion. 1199 Don't be discouraged if you can't do this next stretch right away. When I started 8 years ago I couldn't get my knees off the ground, and my SDK was ineffective. Just have patience, and after several months you should notice a gradual improvement. Not everyone is gifted with natural mobility in the ankles, but the good news is this can be earned. Try and hold the stretch for 3x20 seconds. 1200 Moving up the body line, core stability is critical for maintaining the right trajectory while swimming. Be sure to bring the elbow all the way around the knee, and tighten the core as you go through the motion. Pick a weight that enables you to do 3x12 reps on both sides. 1201 This last exercise is great for your core, but I've noticed it is also really good for the upper body, especially the catch phase of the stroke, as well as engaging the lats on the horizontal axis. Again, 3x12 reps, and these four exercises can be made into a short mini-routine that most aspiring swimmers should at least consider. 1202 Happy swimming, 1203 So I finally have my video on FLOSWIMMING here it is 100 free SCM - 51.60 which converts to 46.02 SCY swimming.flocasts.org/.../65295
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 16 years ago
    Whoa!! That looks like a pretty intense work-out! I ?might? be able to hold those pace times, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to swim a length of fly the next day. Well done! Thanks Jonathan. I think you would be able to do it if you really wanted to. But, really, other than pure enjoyment, I'm not sure what the point is. The drills were actually very good. I was happy to be able to do the SDK and breath control without issue. Frankly, I could NOT do your dryland/ weight routine. :bow:Your flexibility exercises inspired me to stretch every day, and it has already made a difference this past week. I'm not sure if it's totally due to stretching (I used to be a gymnast as a kid and then slacked off from stretching recently), but I'm faster in practices AND I'm not sore even with weights twice a week. Also, my coach doesn't let me do LC doubles as he said I won't be able to recover like the kids. He's a pretty smart guy. Ah well.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 16 years ago
    Whoa!! That looks like a pretty intense work-out! I ?might? be able to hold those pace times, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to swim a length of fly the next day. Well done! Thanks Jonathan. I think you would be able to do it if you really wanted to. But, really, other than pure enjoyment, I'm not sure what the point is. The drills were actually very good. I was happy to be able to do the SDK and breath control without issue. Frankly, I could NOT do your dryland/ weight routine. :bow:Your flexibility exercises inspired me to stretch every day, and it has already made a difference this past week. I'm not sure if it's totally due to stretching (I used to be a gymnast as a kid and then slacked off from stretching recently), but I'm faster in practices AND I'm not sore even with weights twice a week. Also, my coach doesn't let me do LC doubles as he said I won't be able to recover like the kids. He's a pretty smart guy. Ah well.
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