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 15 years ago
    Ya, right on... Chris is going to deliver the goods on his new blog. Hard to believe that I influenced such a decision, but hey, I'm thankful, either way. Here is the direct link: forums.usms.org/blog.php Excellent job, Jonathan! We have another blogger. :bliss: Whoa!! Did you see his broken mile? he swam backstroke, amazing times! Excerpt from Chris Stevenson's blog: "Broken mile (intended to be free, I did back) 4 x 50 on 0:45, held 31-32s, 8 SDKs off wall, long stroke 2 x 100 on 1:30, held 1:05s, 8 SDKs off wall, long/relaxed 1 x 200 on 3:00, went 2:11, 8 SDKs, long 1 x 400 on 6:00, went 4:23 (held up a little by a lanemate), 8 SDKs, long 1 x 200 on 3:00, picked it up slightly, 8 SDKs, went 2:06 2 x 100 on 1:30, picked it up a little more, 9-10 SDKs, went 1:00s 4 x 50 on 0:45, 11 SDKs, held 28s"
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 15 years ago
    Ya, right on... Chris is going to deliver the goods on his new blog. Hard to believe that I influenced such a decision, but hey, I'm thankful, either way. Here is the direct link: forums.usms.org/blog.php Excellent job, Jonathan! We have another blogger. :bliss: Whoa!! Did you see his broken mile? he swam backstroke, amazing times! Excerpt from Chris Stevenson's blog: "Broken mile (intended to be free, I did back) 4 x 50 on 0:45, held 31-32s, 8 SDKs off wall, long stroke 2 x 100 on 1:30, held 1:05s, 8 SDKs off wall, long/relaxed 1 x 200 on 3:00, went 2:11, 8 SDKs, long 1 x 400 on 6:00, went 4:23 (held up a little by a lanemate), 8 SDKs, long 1 x 200 on 3:00, picked it up slightly, 8 SDKs, went 2:06 2 x 100 on 1:30, picked it up a little more, 9-10 SDKs, went 1:00s 4 x 50 on 0:45, 11 SDKs, held 28s"
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