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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Happy swimming,
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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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Anyways thanks for sharing the program, hopefully I'll see some time drops at my next meet, in 16 weeks.
Sure, sounds good, I'm glad to help. If you stay consistent with the 2 week cycle you should be able to get under the 1:00 for SCY. You're fairly close already! Feel free to post your video on this thread, and I would be happy to give you my best analysis! In addition, I'll offer some training tips to help encourage appropriate adaptation for your specific stroke limitations. That should help.
This is cool.
Hey Paul! I saw your rankings in the World Top 10 from last season, congrats! It'll be interesting to learn of your progression, and I wish you all the best!
Thanks for that...it would be even better if you removed the word "fairly"... :)
Haha... 45 is still young! is that better? lol... Chris, I had that mini marathon yesterday, and I'll provide more info later in the day... It had some positive moments and some very difficult moments...
Here was the splits on the first event, 400 free LCM
:57
2:01
3:13 (choke)
4:26.24
I missed the 400 Canadian record by 4 tenths... and was delusional before the race, thinking I could even split the 2:01, hoping for a WR... oh man, that was tough, now I remember why I'm a 100-200 meter swimmer! I could barely move after that race, for a good 45 minutes!
Anyways thanks for sharing the program, hopefully I'll see some time drops at my next meet, in 16 weeks.
Sure, sounds good, I'm glad to help. If you stay consistent with the 2 week cycle you should be able to get under the 1:00 for SCY. You're fairly close already! Feel free to post your video on this thread, and I would be happy to give you my best analysis! In addition, I'll offer some training tips to help encourage appropriate adaptation for your specific stroke limitations. That should help.
This is cool.
Hey Paul! I saw your rankings in the World Top 10 from last season, congrats! It'll be interesting to learn of your progression, and I wish you all the best!
Thanks for that...it would be even better if you removed the word "fairly"... :)
Haha... 45 is still young! is that better? lol... Chris, I had that mini marathon yesterday, and I'll provide more info later in the day... It had some positive moments and some very difficult moments...
Here was the splits on the first event, 400 free LCM
:57
2:01
3:13 (choke)
4:26.24
I missed the 400 Canadian record by 4 tenths... and was delusional before the race, thinking I could even split the 2:01, hoping for a WR... oh man, that was tough, now I remember why I'm a 100-200 meter swimmer! I could barely move after that race, for a good 45 minutes!