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
Julio made a great effort to be reinstated as an amateur so he would be elligible to swim in the Olympics. He offered to give back all the money he made in the Professional Marathon swimming races. The federation in Italy refused to let him compete in the Olympics. If only the same rules about earning money were in place then as they are now he would have, I am sure set some great world records.
I am writing the biographies of the 195 individuals currently inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and am currently trying to track down your friend and great marathon swimmer Giulio Travaglio who won the Capri-Napoli race 5 times and was the 1966 World Professional Marathon Swimming champion. If I hear anything from friends in Italy, I will inform you.
Julio made a great effort to be reinstated as an amateur so he would be elligible to swim in the Olympics. He offered to give back all the money he made in the Professional Marathon swimming races. The federation in Italy refused to let him compete in the Olympics. If only the same rules about earning money were in place then as they are now he would have, I am sure set some great world records.
I am writing the biographies of the 195 individuals currently inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and am currently trying to track down your friend and great marathon swimmer Giulio Travaglio who won the Capri-Napoli race 5 times and was the 1966 World Professional Marathon Swimming champion. If I hear anything from friends in Italy, I will inform you.