Swimming Fast and Loose

Swimming Fast and Loose

Have you ever noticed swimmers compulsively shaking their muscles and fidgeting behind the blocks before a race? From Michael Phelps iconic arm swings to the, “dancing queen,” Sierra Schmidt, at last summers Olympic Trials, it turns out there is more to moving and staying loose, than just nervous energy.

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Bonking in Training: What It Is and How to Prevent Hitting the Wall

Bonking in Training: What It Is and How to Prevent Hitting the Wall

Ever felt dizzy, nauseous, or completely drained mid-workout? You may have experienced bonking—also known as hitting the wall. Bonking happens when your body runs out of energy due to depleted glycogen, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance. It can feel overwhelming both physically and mentally, but it’s preventable. In this article, you’ll learn what bonking means, what it feels like, and how to recover fast. More importantly, you’ll discover smart strategies to avoid bonking in your future workouts.

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Stable Endurance Training: Mastering the Bunkie Test for Line Stability and Core Endurance

Stable Endurance Training: Mastering the Bunkie Test for Line Stability and Core Endurance

The Bunkie test is a functional endurance test to help identify functional stability, endurance, and control through some of the common fascial lines. It’s a series of 5 exercises, performed bilaterally (both sides). Its a simple test for identifying weak links in your ability to efficiency coordinate multiple muscles linked in a kinetic chain associated with particular movement patterns, and can help you identify weak links and patterns to program more specifically for your needs.

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Mobility Training for Swimmers

Mobility Training for Swimmers

Mobility first! Before you can stabilize, load, and perform you must have the freedom to move. Learn the keys to assessing what needs to be addressed, how to improve, and enhance your trining. “The Big Three”, ankles, hips, and shoulders, are the most mobile joints in the body. Identify any deficits, and move on from areas that meet a functional standard. Remember, mobility and stretching do not make you fit, but can inhibit your ability to get fit and perform if they do not have their functional range of motion. Test, intervene, rest. Once you move well, go train!

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What is SMR stretching in Fitness? A Guide to Self-Myofascial Release

What is SMR stretching in Fitness? A Guide to Self-Myofascial Release

Foam rolling, a form of Self Myofascial Release (SMR), is an effective way to relieve muscle tension, break up adhesions, and improve mobility. By using a foam roller or similar tool, you can manually massage the fascia around your muscles, helping to reduce trigger points and prevent injury. Foam rolling complements your warm-up and cool-down routines, ensuring better muscle recovery and performance. Whether you're new to SMR or looking to enhance your fitness routine, foam rolling is an affordable, easy-to-learn technique for improving overall muscle function. Want to get started with SMR? Read the full article.

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How to Strengthen Your Lower Back: Best Core and Back Exercises That Work

How to Strengthen Your Lower Back: Best Core and Back Exercises That Work

Lower back pain is a common issue that affects athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly shares expert advice on building a strong and resilient back. Learn the best exercises for lower back and core strength, including marching bridges, single leg hyperextensions, and dynamic planks. Designed for swimmers and endurance athletes, these workouts help improve performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance overall stability. Start your journey to a healthier, pain-free back today with these proven techniques. Read article.

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