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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Former Member
-- when you are doing your underwaters, you are still quite deep when you start your breakout
Hey Chris! Yes, you have a good eye there! That was certainly one area I wasn't quite happy with... I was still having respiratory issues at the time, and still wasn't able to hold my breath while on my back... (not sure why)
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!! Very impressive... You know it's funny, growing up I used to feel inadequate when comparing to the "best", but now I just respect what they can accomplish, and still feel satisfied knowing I've done my "best", what else can we do? Being able to stay fit through swimming is reward enough in itself!
THAT BEING SAID, YES, THAT IS AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF BODY ROLL FOR BACKSTROKE... I'VE NEVER EVEN TRIED TO ROLL THAT MUCH IN THE HIPS BEFORE.... hmmmm... although it's also his shoulders, they really initiate the whole torso, amazing! I'll have to study this video in more detail... thanks again!
Here is the swim on Saturday, it is really quite challenging if done properly.
SCM
800 (200 swim/kick/pull/swim)
2x (12x25 (4x3)easy/build to fast/break-out fast 15m on :35, + 4x50 kick on 1:10 + 2x25 UNDERWATER KICK on 1:00) hold breath
6x (25 easy, 15 seconds vertical kick, 25 fly strong, 1 minute rest)
4x (FINS - 100 kick, 75 - (25easy/medium/strong) 15 seconds rest + 25 FAST)
2x200 DPS
-- when you are doing your underwaters, you are still quite deep when you start your breakout
Hey Chris! Yes, you have a good eye there! That was certainly one area I wasn't quite happy with... I was still having respiratory issues at the time, and still wasn't able to hold my breath while on my back... (not sure why)
THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!! Very impressive... You know it's funny, growing up I used to feel inadequate when comparing to the "best", but now I just respect what they can accomplish, and still feel satisfied knowing I've done my "best", what else can we do? Being able to stay fit through swimming is reward enough in itself!
THAT BEING SAID, YES, THAT IS AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF BODY ROLL FOR BACKSTROKE... I'VE NEVER EVEN TRIED TO ROLL THAT MUCH IN THE HIPS BEFORE.... hmmmm... although it's also his shoulders, they really initiate the whole torso, amazing! I'll have to study this video in more detail... thanks again!
Here is the swim on Saturday, it is really quite challenging if done properly.
SCM
800 (200 swim/kick/pull/swim)
2x (12x25 (4x3)easy/build to fast/break-out fast 15m on :35, + 4x50 kick on 1:10 + 2x25 UNDERWATER KICK on 1:00) hold breath
6x (25 easy, 15 seconds vertical kick, 25 fly strong, 1 minute rest)
4x (FINS - 100 kick, 75 - (25easy/medium/strong) 15 seconds rest + 25 FAST)
2x200 DPS