Swimming and strength training work best when they are planned together. Learn how to build a swimming and weight training schedule around your goals, choose between same-day and alternate-day sessions, and manage fatigue so gym work supports your performance in the pool.
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 MoreChoosing the right foods before a swim meet can make a big difference in your performance. Eating the best pre-race meals ensures you have the energy and stamina to swim strong. From slow-digesting carbohydrates to lean proteins, discover which foods to include in your diet to fuel your body efficiently. Proper pre-swim nutrition can help you feel your best in the water, so don't leave your meal plan to chance. Ready to dive in and learn more? Read the article.
Read MoreWarming up properly is essential for peak performance and injury prevention, whether you’re an athlete or a casual exerciser. Unlike traditional warm-ups, which often rely on jogging and static stretching, dynamic warm-ups are designed to raise core temperature, activate the central nervous system, and prepare the muscles and joints through activity-specific movements. This approach increases heart rate, circulation, and flexibility while keeping you mentally engaged. Want to learn how to incorporate dynamic movements into your warm-up? -Read article.
Read MoreStability ball training is one of the most effective ways for swimmers to build core strength, hip stability, and body control. In this guide, I break down the top stability ball exercises—including knee tucks, rollouts, glute bridges, and pikes—to help you swim faster with better technique.
Read MoreSkipping might look simple, but it’s one of the most effective warm-up exercises a swimmer can use before getting in the water. Over the years, I’ve watched swimmers move better, feel stronger, and find their rhythm faster just by adding 20–30 seconds of skipping into their pre-pool routine. It activates your hips, builds coordination, and wakes up the elastic qualities you need for powerful kicking, starts, and turns. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to do the skipping exercise or an experienced swimmer looking for more speed, this warm-up helps you feel ready from your very first stroke.
Read MoreYou don’t need a pool to keep improving. With the right at-home approach, you can practice swimming by sharpening your breathing, kick control, posture, and strength on land. These dryland swimming practice drills help you stay ready, stay connected to your stroke, and return to the water faster and more confident.
Read MoreSwim paddles are more than just a training accessory — they can be a powerful tool for building strength, improving technique, and developing a better feel for the water. The key is knowing how to choose the right paddle and when to use it. In this guide, I break down the best swim paddles for training and technique, share tips for safe use, and show you how to integrate paddle work into your swim program without risking shoulder injury.
Read MoreTapering is the phase when smart swimmers do less to gain more. It’s a strategic reduction in training volume, while keeping intensity high, that lets your body recover, sharpen, and peak right when it matters most. In this article, Coach Dan Daly breaks down how to plan your taper, what to focus on in the pool and gym, and how to fine-tune race-day details so your best performance shows up when it counts.
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