3 Essential Shoulder Exercises for Swimmers

3 Essential Shoulder Exercises for Swimmers

The demands of competitive swimming require robust shoulder mobility, endurance, and power. The repetitive motions of the competitive strokes can stress the shoulder complex, emphasizing the need for well-rounded strength training outside the pool. Here, we discuss three crucial shoulder exercises that every swimmer should incorporate into their regimen.

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The Ultimate Home Gym: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Athletes

The Ultimate Home  Gym: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Athletes

Endurance athletes know that strength training is an integral part of their training regimen. It not only helps improve overall performance but also reduces the risk of injury. With the convenience of home workouts on the rise, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. In this blog post, we'll explore a comprehensive list of home strength training equipment tailored specifically for endurance athletes. From hex bars to TRX systems, we've got you covered!

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Overcoming Swimmer's Shoulder: My Journey to Overcome Shoulder Discomfort and Get Back to Sprint Swimming

Overcoming Swimmer's Shoulder: My Journey to Overcome Shoulder Discomfort and Get Back to Sprint Swimming

Dive into the personal journey of a 42-year-old competitive swimmer and strength coach battling persistent left shoulder discomfort. This post details the onset of the shoulder issue that hindered sprint freestyle performance and the various treatment strategies attempted. Discover insights from an enlightening session with Dr. Alex Ewart, a physical therapist and swimming specialist, leading to a tailored treatment plan. Explore the specific exercises and therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing shoulder pain, including targeted strength training, mobility work, and soft tissue therapy. Follow this swimmer's quest to regain peak performance and manage chronic discomfort, offering valuable lessons for athletes facing similar challenges.

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What Is a Smith Machine? Pros, Cons, and How to Use It Right

What Is a Smith Machine? Pros, Cons, and How to Use It Right

The Smith machine has its place—but only when used with purpose. In this article, I break down what the Smith machine is, its pros and cons, and how swimmers can use it strategically to build upper-body strength and shoulder stability. Plus, I’ll show you two simple bodyweight progressions—Inverted Rows and Elevated Push-Ups—that I’ve used with swimmers of all levels. If you want strength that transfers to the pool, start by training smart on land.

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Maximizing Swimming Performance in the Gym: The Myth of Sport-Specific Training

Maximizing Swimming Performance in the Gym: The Myth of Sport-Specific Training

Discover how to boost your swimming performance with gym-specific training. Learn about the best compound exercises tailored to the unique joint actions and muscle groups used in different swimming strokes. Understand why focusing on deadlifts, squats, pull-ups, and rotation exercises can lead to significant improvements in your swimming strength and power. Whether you specialize in short axis strokes like butterfly and breaststroke, or long axis strokes such as freestyle and backstroke, this post guides you through the optimal gym workout for swimmers.

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Sports Visualization and Meditation for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event

Sports Visualization and Meditation for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event

Your heart and lungs are conditioned, and your muscles are strong and powerful, but they may not be the most important organs to your success as an athlete. The power of the mind cannot be understated, especially when it comes to performance. For athletes preparing for a significant event, mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training. Visualization exercises, rooted in sports psychology practices, meditation, mantra, and envisioning positive outcomes, have become essential tools for athletes aiming to achieve peak performance. This article delves into the world of visualization exercises and how they can make a difference for athletes on the big stage.

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Stroke for Stroke: 10 Winning Practices of the Best Swimmers

Stroke for Stroke: 10 Winning Practices of the Best Swimmers

Achieving greatness in the world of competitive swimming demands unwavering commitment and a well-structured training routine. Let's delve into the crucial components that shape the training regimens of the best swimmers:

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Unlocking Success in the Pool: The Benefits of Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers

Unlocking Success in the Pool: The Benefits of Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers

Dryland resistance training is a game-changer for young swimmers, offering benefits that go beyond the pool. By incorporating targeted dryland exercises for young swimmers, athletes can develop strength, improve core stability, enhance endurance, and reduce the risk of injuries. This type of training builds confidence, fosters mental toughness, and prepares swimmers for long-term athletic success. Supported by expert insights and research, dryland workouts complement swim training, translating gains on land into faster, more efficient strokes in the water. Unlock your swimmer’s full potential with a well-rounded approach to training. Read article.

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Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers: Expert Guidance and Benefits

Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers: Expert Guidance and Benefits

In the realm of youth sports, including swimming, there has been a growing realization that strength training, also known as resistance training, plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of young athletes. Contrary to outdated beliefs and misconceptions, expert guidance from pediatric doctors, exercise physiologists, and strength and conditioning professionals, supported by organizations like the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), confirms the overwhelming positive body of evidence for youth resistance training. In this article, we will explore the expert guidance and the multifaceted benefits of incorporating age-appropriate resistance training into the regimen of youth swimmers.

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