Repetitive overhead motion, flawed catch mechanics, and muscle imbalances can gradually lead to pain and inflammation in swimmers. This article breaks down the most common causes of shoulder discomfort in freestyle and breaststroke, the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, and practical strategies to improve technique, build stability, and support long-term shoulder health and performance in the pool.
Read MoreCan a swim current generator make you a better swimmer? Coach Dan Daly shares how he uses current swimming to improve freestyle technique, build endurance, and prepare for open water races. Learn the benefits, limitations, and why a swim current generator is a valuable training tool alongside traditional pool swimming.
Read MoreCollagen is gaining popularity among swimmers and endurance athletes, but does it actually support performance and recovery? This evidence-based guide explains how collagen peptides may benefit tendon health, joint resilience, and sports recovery when combined with proper training. Learn what research says about collagen for athletes, how it differs from traditional protein supplements, and whether it’s worth adding to your nutrition plan if you’re managing high training loads or connective tissue stress.
Read MoreMany swimmers believe getting older means getting slower. My experience as both a coach and athlete has shown the opposite can be true. In this article, I share how smarter training, strength work, recovery, and technique have helped me continue improving after 40—and how these same principles can help Masters and adult swimmers reach new personal bests.
Read MoreBreaststroke places unique demands on the hips, knees, and ankles, making stroke-specific dryland training essential for long-term improvement. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly shares the best breaststroke dryland exercises to build power, improve mobility, enhance technique, and support knee health. Learn why generic gym workouts often fail breaststrokers, how to develop better kick mechanics, and which movement patterns transfer most effectively to the pool. Whether you're a competitive swimmer, masters athlete, or triathlete, these practical strategies can help you swim a stronger, more efficient breaststroke.
Read MorePush ups for swimmers are one of the most effective dryland exercises for building upper body strength, shoulder stability, core control, and freestyle power. In this article, Coach Dan Daly shares a simple 5-step push up progression designed specifically for swimmers, from Hard Style Planks to full push ups. Learn how swimmer push ups can improve propulsion, bodyline control, and muscular endurance while supporting stronger, more efficient swimming performance.
Read MoreWhat started as a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan became something far more emotional and unexpected. In this documentary, Dan Daly reflects on endurance, fear, mentorship, open water swimming, and the powerful moment a younger swimmer realized he might one day attempt the challenge himself.
Read MoreDan Daly reflects on competing at USMS Spring Nationals 2026 in Greensboro, North Carolina, while sharing insights on sprint-focused swim training, dryland power development, and Masters swimming performance. The article highlights standout performances from Train Daly athletes, national-level racing results, and lessons learned from balancing speed, strength, and recovery at age 44. Perfect for competitive swimmers, Masters athletes, and coaches interested in US Masters Swimming Spring Nationals training strategies and race preparation.
Read MoreSwimming is often praised as one of the best full-body workouts—but how many calories does swimming actually burn? The answer depends on your stroke, intensity, body weight, and even water temperature. As a coach, I’ve seen swimmers torch 400–700+ calories per hour, especially during high-effort training sets. In this article, we’ll break down how many calories you burn swimming by stroke, duration, and distance—and help you make the most of every lap. Whether you're aiming for fitness or performance, here's what you need to know.
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