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
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    SCM 400 free 300 back 200 IM 100 build 8x (2x25 on :40 Fast + 50 easy on 2:00) goal is to have second 25 as close to first on each cycle. 4x100 on 1:50 DPS 2x200 kick on 4:40 200 DPS swim 6x25 FAST choice from dive on 2:00 300 dolphin dives
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    SCM 3x150 free on 2:10 50 Fast on 3:00 3x150 free on 2:20 50 Fast on 2:00 3x150 on 2:30 50 Fast on 1:00 4x25 free on :30 best average. 200 easy 3x100 on 1:30 50 easy 3x100 on 1:30 50 easy 300 DPS 4x100 kick descend 1-4 on 2:30 200 easy
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    LCM 500 free swim 8 x 50 on 1:30, 1 swim/kick IM 2x (4x50 fly/free DPS/count strokes on 1:30 + 100 paddles on 1:50) 2x (4x50 back/free DPS/count strokes on 1:30 + 100 paddles on 1:50) 2x (4x50 ***/free DPS/count strokes on 1:30 + 100 paddles on 1:50) 12x50 with fins IM x 3, 25 fast/easy, middle 25 fast, last 25 fast 200 easy 3x100 DPS
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    SCM 3x150 free on 2:10 50 Fast on 3:00 3x150 free on 2:20 50 Fast on 2:00 3x150 on 2:30 50 Fast on 1:00 4x25 free on :30 best average. 200 easy 3x100 on 1:30 50 easy 3x100 on 1:30 50 easy 300 DPS 4x100 kick descend 1-4 on 2:30 200 easy Thanks for this workout, Jonathan. I borrowed it on Tuesday. Was a bit pressed for time so didn't warm up and just launched straight into the first set. Did the first 150 in two minutes and realised the pace was quite tight! Even though I had to get out early and couldn't do the final set, I enjoyed the workout.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Thanks for this workout, Jonathan. I borrowed it on Tuesday. Hey Syd, good to hear from you again! Yes, I'm glad people are using the work-outs, and I enjoy designing new ones, etc. Here's another that my coach put on the board last night: LCM 4X (100 free + 50 IM Order) 6X 100 on 2:10 BEST AVERAGE! 50 Easy on 3:00 4X 100 on 2:10 BEST AVERAGE! 50 Easy on 3:00 2X 100 on 2:10 BEST AVERAGE! 50 Easy on 3:00 3X (2x50) on 1:30 fly/back/free 6th 50 fast 4x150 DPS 300 dolphin dives
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Saturday SCM 400 free 2x200 free on 3:45 4x100 on 1:40 8x50 kick strong on 1:20 2x (3x200 with paddles on 3:45, 100 kick on 3:00, 50 free FAST on 1:30) 50's fast from push. 400 fins and paddles DPS 300 dolphin dives Sunday 8x200 with paddles "extended" DPS on 4:30
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    SCM 300 swim + 300 drill 2x (4 x 125 on 2:00 build last 25 to strong finish + 100 easy on 3:00 between) 4x (3x75 on 1:30 build first 25 to strong turn + 100 easy on 3:00 between) 3x200 with paddles on 3:30 4x25 kick with fins on 1:00 FAST 2x200 paddle on 3:45 6x25 kick with fins on 1:00 FAST 200 easy 3x100 extended DPS, bring total # down. 200 dolphin dives
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    In case anyone missed the post with the larger picture of the avatar attached, where you can actually read the writing, here is the link! U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Fun, and Fast SCM 12x50 on 1:30 free DPS 4x50 on :60 8X50 on 1:30 3x50 on :50 6x50 on 1:30 2x50 on :45 4x50 on 1:30 1x50 FAST FROM DIVE 200 easy 8x25 with fins each on 3:00 BEST AVERAGE FAST 4x100 DPS on 2:00 3x(2x25 kick strong on :40 +100 swim easy) 300 doplhin dives
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Here are some recent video's, analysis from multiple angles, compliments of Race Tek Systems. http://www.raceteksystems.com/ I recommend ANYONE wanting to improve their swimming should at least consider this option, really worth the investment in the long run. Keep in mind these were all done in work-out after a fairly heavy weight session the day before, that being said, I'm quite pleased with the results. 50 Fly YouTube - JONATHAN 50 Butterfly 50 Back YouTube - JONATHAN 50 backstroke 50 Freestyle YouTube - JONATHAN 50 Freestyle
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    LCM 400 free 200 kick 300 pull 100 IM drill 5x (4 x 50 2 fly kick/2back +100 swim on 1:40 2x50 25 Fast/easy on 2:00) 200 easy 4x50 on 2:20 1 easy, 1 FAST Fly from Dive 200 easy 4x 100 DPS on 1:45 count strokes! 300 dolphin dives