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
Parents
Former Member
Hard to keep swimming when the asthma kicks up. And it does NOT go away fast. You were brave to step up for the 200. I think distance swimmers don't appreciate how ungodly painful these long events are for us sprinters. Looking forward to reading your sprint workouts now!
Haha... ya I guess I'm a sprinter! It took me all day yesterday before my lungs finally cleared out.
So, I've decided to race 50, 100 - fly, back and free at provincials in 3 weeks.
Monday swim SCM
3x200 DPS
6x50 kick
3x (6x100 on 1:50 1 free/IM) moderate + 50 easy
4x (4 x 25 on :60 with fins IM order, ALL OUT)
200 easy
You know, that does feel better.
Congratulations on your record, Jonathan! Nice stroking on 200. To be honest, it looked like you were taking it easy! I think if you ramp up the pace a little, you could go a lot faster. Well done!
Thanks Syd, well, I was being cautious after the 400, and you're right, there was certainly more in the tank. I'm content, but not satisfied, and will be trying something a little different next cycle. The training I've been doing the past 4 months was excellent conditioning, but it really didn't give me the explosive speed at the 100-200 distance that I've experienced in the past. So, I'll be going back to what I know, no more 400-800 training for me.
Hard to keep swimming when the asthma kicks up. And it does NOT go away fast. You were brave to step up for the 200. I think distance swimmers don't appreciate how ungodly painful these long events are for us sprinters. Looking forward to reading your sprint workouts now!
Haha... ya I guess I'm a sprinter! It took me all day yesterday before my lungs finally cleared out.
So, I've decided to race 50, 100 - fly, back and free at provincials in 3 weeks.
Monday swim SCM
3x200 DPS
6x50 kick
3x (6x100 on 1:50 1 free/IM) moderate + 50 easy
4x (4 x 25 on :60 with fins IM order, ALL OUT)
200 easy
You know, that does feel better.
Congratulations on your record, Jonathan! Nice stroking on 200. To be honest, it looked like you were taking it easy! I think if you ramp up the pace a little, you could go a lot faster. Well done!
Thanks Syd, well, I was being cautious after the 400, and you're right, there was certainly more in the tank. I'm content, but not satisfied, and will be trying something a little different next cycle. The training I've been doing the past 4 months was excellent conditioning, but it really didn't give me the explosive speed at the 100-200 distance that I've experienced in the past. So, I'll be going back to what I know, no more 400-800 training for me.