Posted on Leave a comment

Everything You Need To Know About Swimming Strength Training

Swimming is a full-body workout that involves arm, leg and core muscles from head to toe. It is a wonderful cardiovascular form of exercise that strengthens endurance as well. However, to take your swimming to the next step, you need to focus on developing swimming strength.

What is Swimming Strength Training?

This is the muscle power and force a swimmer can utilize when swimming. Doing this properly increases strength, energy, and speed in your upper body core and lower muscles. The advantages of greater strength among swimmers are that they can swim faster, covering longer distances with reduced energy output. It also helps counteract fatigue, allowing swimmers to keep a consistent and steady pace during long-distance swimming.

How to Build Swimming Strength?

Swimmers must carry out multiple swimming strength training activities focusing on various muscle groups. A swimmer’s regular training workout should include pull-ups, push-ups and planks to enhance the upper body and core strength. Lower body workout exercises like lunges, squats and kickboard drills will develop lower body strength and endurance.

Other than strength training exercises, swimmers can also benefit from resistance training. Resistance training like swimmers’ parachutes or rubber tubing helps the person become more powerful and faster, and these gains are reflected in increased speeds during swimming.

Some of the swimming techniques that are helpful in building strength while swimming include flip turns, streamlined gliding and breath control. These techniques are beneficial in developing a swimmer’s approach, which has the potential to enhance swimming performance.

Are you ready to bring your swimming up a notch? Join the Faster Swimming community today. Together with professional coaching, individual training programs

https://fasterswimming.com and a vast array of materials, we aim to help you reach your goals. Hold nothing back.

Posted on Leave a comment

4 Incredible Benefits of Working With a Dryland Swimming Trainer

You need frequent dryland swimming training, whether a beginner or an experienced swimmer. The best way to undergo the exercises is to work with a dryland swimming trainer. The benefits of hiring a dryland swim trainer are discussed below.

1. Increase Coordination

A dryland swim trainer can help you enhance your body coordination when swimming. The expert can take you through repetitive exercises to help coordinate all parts of your body. Increased coordination will help you become a better swimmer overall.

2. Develop Strength

Even though swimming is a low-energy activity, you need great strength to swim better. Fortunately, a dryland swim trainer can help you build strength outside the swimming pool. Developing strength will enable you to swim faster and better.

3. Reduce Injury Risks

Suffering injuries while swimming is a common ordeal that affects many people. The good news is that you can reduce your risk of getting injuries while swimming by undergoing frequent dryland swimming training. Reduced injuries will ensure you are always fit.

4. Train Your Core

The core plays a crucial role in swimming, hence the need to strengthen it for better results. A dryland swimming trainer will show you exercises to do to make your core stronger. Besides streamlining your body, a strong core can increase endurance, allowing you to swim for long without fatigue.

Hire a Dryland Swim Expert Today

Faster Swimming is a reputable company providing a wide range of services, including dryland swimming exercises. Contact Faster Swimming at fasterswimming.com to request dryland swimming lessons.

Posted on Leave a comment

Why Including Dryland Exercises in Your US Seasonal Workout Plans Is Smart

As a competitive swimmer, you know that you have to stay in shape even if you live in an area where you can’t swim all year round. So how does this occur? Many coaches espouse the virtues of incorporating dryland exercise into any seasonal workout plans that the athlete may have. There are many reasons why this is so.

Prevents Injury

By keeping the muscles strong as well as being able to stretch them out, you go a long way towards preventing any injuries from occurring. Through seasonal exercise routines, you can correct any muscle imbalances that you might have. It also strengthens your core in the event that it has weakened.

Stroke Rate Is Increased

A powerful swimmer is always looking for ways to increase their stroke rate. What this does is increase the speed at which they can swim. Obviously, this will better their chances of winning any race in which they compete. An increased stroke rate means you actually use less power while increasing the speed at which you move your arms.

Power Applications

When you deliver more applied power per stroke, you can simultaneously improve the distance you swim while at the same time decreasing the effort that it takes to do so.

Measurable Results

When swim season starts back up, the results that you have gained by engaging in dryland seasonal workout plans will be quite noticeable.

If you are interested in learning more about these workouts and how they can benefit you, please contact Faster Swimming at https://fasterswimming.com.

Posted on Leave a comment

The Benefits of Dry Land Swimming Training for Swimmers

Swimming is one of the most popular and effective exercise forms, but finding a place to practice can be challenging. Dry land swimming is a great alternative that allows you to get all the benefits of swimming without being in a pool. Here are some of the benefits of dry land training:

Improved Strength and Endurance

Dry land swimming training requires you to use more muscles than in a pool. This can help improve your strength and endurance and allow you to use muscles that may not be used when doing water-based swimming exercises. Dry land swimming also forces the body to work harder due to the lack of buoyancy, making it an effective form of cardio exercise.

Reduced Stress Levels

Swimming is a great way to reduce stress levels; dry land swimming is no exception. The movements’ calming motion can help relax the body and mind while providing a low-impact exercise. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or depression as it can provide an outlet for physical activity that does not involve high-impact exercises that can exacerbate symptoms.

Increased Flexibility

The resistance provided by dry land swimming training can help to improve flexibility. The movements involved in the exercise help strengthen muscles while increasing the range of motion. This can benefit those looking to increase their flexibility or reduce stiffness in their joints.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that dry land swimming coaching is becoming so popular. If you’re looking for a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve your strength, endurance, flexibility, and stress levels, then dry land swimming is definitely worth a try. Reach out to Faster Swimming at https://fasterswimming.com today, and let them help you get started with dry land swimming training.

Posted on Leave a comment

Merits of Incorporating Resistance Training Into a Dryland Swimming Workout

For swimmers, dryland training is an essential component of their workout routine. It not only helps in building strength but also improves flexibility, agility, and endurance. While cardio and core exercises are commonly included in dryland workouts, resistance training can benefit greatly. This article will discuss the benefits of incorporating resistance training into a swimming dryland workout.

Resistance training involves working against external resistance, such as weights or resistance bands. This type of training is highly effective in improving muscle strength and endurance. When incorporated into a swimming dryland workout, it can help in building power and improving overall performance.

One of the key benefits of resistance training is that it can help prevent injuries. Swimming is a sport that puts a lot of stress on the shoulders and upper body. Resistance training can help strengthen the muscles around the shoulders, reducing the risk of injury.

Resistance training can also help in improving swimming efficiency. By improving the strength and power of the muscles used in swimming, swimmers can achieve faster and more efficient strokes. This can result in better race times and improved overall performance.

Another benefit of resistance training is that it can help improve bone density. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that may need to provide more bone stress to promote bone growth. Resistance training provides the necessary stress to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Lastly, resistance training can help in improving body composition. By building lean muscle mass and reducing body fat, swimmers can achieve a more toned and sculpted physique.

Incorporating resistance training into a swimming dryland workout can bring many benefits. It can help prevent injuries, improve swimming efficiency, increase bone density, and improve body composition. Swimmers should work with a trainer to develop a resistance training program tailored to their specific needs and goals. By incorporating resistance training into their dryland workout, swimmers can take their performance to the next level. Contact Faster Swimming at https://fasterswimming.com to schedule an appointment.

Posted on Leave a comment

Four Most Effective Swimming Strength Training for Beginners

Swimming is a great exercise that is done for a wide variety of reasons. While some swim to lose weight, others do it for sports or leisure. Regardless of your motivation, there are many ways to strengthen your aquatic muscles and improve your performance. In this article, we’ll explore four of the best swimming strength training for beginners.

1. Pull Ups

Pull-ups are useful for building your upper body strength for swimmers. Pull-ups target your shoulder and chest muscles that help haul your body while in water. Besides that, this kind of training can also strengthen your abs, making you more powerful in the water.

2. Squat Jumps

Squat jumps are effective forms of swimming strength training. For those involved in swimming as a sport, this kind of training will strengthen your hips, knees, and ankles. Since swimmers rely on positive starts and turns when sporting, this training will give your muscles the power to start with speed.

3. Dumbbell Press

Dumbbells are great for strength-building. When pressed correctly, they can improve shoulder and joint stability. As a swimmer, you probably know you will need to be strong and well-balanced. The other advantage of this training is that it reduces your chances of suffering from shoulder problems like tendonitis.

4. Ball Lunge with Rotation

Besides strengthening your upper body, you should consider a medicine ball lunge with rotation. This training helps swimmers strengthen their lower body parts, including hips, legs, and glutes, which provide much propulsion and power.

For professional guidance on swimming strength training, feel free to contact Faster Swimming. Also, you can visit our sites at https://fasterswimming.com to learn more about our services.

Posted on Leave a comment

Mexican National Record Setter Joins Forces with Faster Swimming Coach for Custom Daily Workout Plan

COLUMBUS, Ohio (October 30, 2019) — A 14-year-old swimmer from Mexico City has her eyes on Olympic gold after setting a Mexican national record time in the 50-meter butterfly using the innovative Faster Swimming 19-week training plan.

Athena Meneses-Kovacs, coached by her father Andres Meneses, set the record at the 2019 FINA Junior World Swimming Championship Aug. 23 in Budapest, Hungary, completing the 50-meter butterfly in :26.74, breaking the record she set the day before when she finished in :26.78. The previous Mexican national record was :26.97, which was set in 2016.

To achieve her Olympic dreams in Tokyo in 2020, Athena, along with Coach Meneses, will use a daily training plan custom designed by Faster Swimming co-founder and veteran swim coach Brad Burget.

The Faster Swimming training products, which Athena started using in November 2018, have been integral to Athena’s success, says Coach Meneses.

“From the moment I started training her, I started studying everything I could: books, videos, reports, other coaches’ training methods,” Coach Meneses said. “I started studying daily and then I found the Faster Swimming 19-Week Sprint Training Program.”

“I was excited to learn of Athena’s record-setting performance using the Faster Swimming training program,” Burget said. “When she and her father asked me to design a personal program to help get her to Tokyo in 2020, it was an honor. I’m so proud that Faster Swimming will be a part of this young woman’s Olympic training regimen.”

Athena has been competing in the Junior World Swimming Championship since she was 10, but it has only been in the past year when she started training with Faster Swimming’s 19-week program, that her career has taken off, earning five gold and three bronze medals in competition.

For more information on Faster Swimming’s 19-Week Sprint Training Program contact Burget at info@fasterswimming.com, or visit fasterswimming.com to check out the entire library of Faster Swimming training products.

###

Faster Swimming was founded by Brad Burget as a source for innovative training programs for swimmers at all levels. Brad brings more than 35 years as a swim coach at high school, age group, masters and collegiate levels. John Coffman, who contributes to the strength training in the line of materials from Faster Swiming, is a coach of three separate sports (swimming and diving, track and field, and cross-country) at the high school level, and is also a certified personal trainer. Together they bring their bank of knowledge to the Faster Swimming line of training aides to make every swimmer the best athlete they can be.

Posted on Leave a comment

Tapering

Tapering is a great experience but only a tool to enhance optimum performance. Swimmers must take into consideration all the factors that will be mentioned in this article. Tapering isn’t the magic pill to faster swimming but one of the factors to faster swimming.

Once you have established your aerobic capacity and finished your maximum yardage phase of training you must trust that you have done enough. Lower your yardage and begin the taper phase that develops power and speed as outlined in the 7 week taper program.

I understand the fear of not lowering your yardage but trust me you can and it works. You can rest a lot longer than you think as long as you stick to the program. You will continue to keep your heart rate elevated during taper which maintains your aerobic capacity.

You will have more energy as the taper progresses. Remember that during a taper you must maintain quality swimming at race pace with enough recovery swimming. Tapering doesn’t mean easy swimming but quite the opposite as you are fine tuning speed and power.

You must believe and not doubt your ability since you are practicing at race pace. Your body is developing muscle memory at your desired speed. You are doing the work so have confidence and get ready to race.

Lifting during taper is essential to maintaining speed and power as outlined in the 7 week taper program.

Try not to get bent out of shape about how you feel each day of the taper. Your body is recovering from previous hard training and trying to retrain your fast twitch muscle group. The fast twitch muscles take more energy and you will feel pain, so recovery is essential during each practice.

Nutrition, hydration and sleep are as important as your training and can affect your swimming greatly. Doing one of the above incorrectly can ruin performance immediately. You can find optimal nutrition and hydration products by clicking on the Nutrition link.

Please pick your events wisely at Championships to ensure proper warm-up, warm-down and recovery between events and days at the meet.

Know your race strategy and be able to adjust as needed. Understand how breathing during the race will benefit you or adversely affect your performance. This concept is extremely important!

When you arrive at your hotel is also important. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to check-in, eat and shave for the meet. Plan for something to go wrong and maybe pack your suit and goggles in your carry-on bag, if you are flying.

Posted on Leave a comment

23 Week Program and Weightlifting, Dryland & Yoga

Lifting aerobically for swimmers isn’t needed. You already get your aerobic needs from the pool and or running. Cross training is great and do just that – Cross train!

Lifting is for speed and power as described in the FasterSwimming eBook. When you weight lift you are elevating your heart rate and are actually achieving a small base of aerobic conditioning.

If you have had a long break and need to ease into work-outs then please ease into it. Give yourself goals, with the best goal being longevity for exercise. If you attack it – it’ll be harder to maintain motivation.

I am going to elaborate on the 23 week program in FasterSwimming and your incorporation of weightlifting, dryland and yoga. If you follow the program you’ll lift twice a week, do dryland twice a week and yoga once. You need to add yoga at least during the taper phase for whole body strength and flexibility. It is also great for pre-season training. Start off with doing yoga as part of your dryland regime or begin with yoga as your dryland regime. When you have flexibility and feel stronger add more intense dryland and then start weightlifting. When you begin planning your weightlifting, dryland and yoga exercises you need to start with an emphasis on legs as they take the longest to get into shape and need more rest at the end of the season. Legs are neglected by all and drive speed. You must fight your desire not to work the legs. Legs will set you apart, drive the speed in swimming, give you a faster start and turn, better fly kick off the walls and create and maintain momentum.

When choosing your weightlifting daily program choose accordingly as outlined. You can mix it up between Whole body, Upper body and Lower body exercises either by set or alternate within sets. That is consistent with your swimming workouts. If you emphasize legs during weightlifting then have a recovery kick set during your swim work-out and the same pattern for Upper and Lower body exercises. Choose accordingly to coordinate all your workouts as you don’t want too much of one thing during the day. You need to alternate either by set or within each set as this is one of the essential guidelines to faster swimming. You alternate Upper and Lower body parts always to force recovery of the opposite body part emphasis as well as increase quality of the body part being worked.

When lifting and trying to maintain speed remember safety and the mechanics of each lift. Don’t just throw the weight in the air to ensure speed. You wouldn’t spin your arms in the water without controlled speed and efficiency through the water. Just remember this concept. Your controlled speed will develop over time just keep focus.

Dryland emphasis is mainly whole body working your core always with upper and lower body support muscles. Develop in conjunction with weightlifting, yoga and especially your swimming.

When you begin the 7 week taper your weightlifting, dryland, yoga, and swimming are all focused on developing speed and power while maintaining your aerobic base. Week three you’ll notice changes in your training requirements with the slow resting of your legs. (The weightlifting taper workouts are outlined on pages 78-81 and the dryland taper workouts are outlined on pages 113-117 of the FasterSwimming eBook.) Remember to specify to your yoga instructor to hold the leg poses for less time, possibly do them at the beginning of the work-out and do recovery stretching. The taper outline explains when you should focus on speed work. THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD STOP TRYING TO GET STRONGER! Strength helps produce speed. Do a few warm-up sets of your desired exercise then try a set or two of one repetition maximizing your weight, then stretch or do a recovery swim if you can. Get a massage or sit in the hot tub maybe on weeks 5 or 6. A full body massage if done correctly will take a few days to recover from so don’t do it the day before your big swim. Hot tubs will sap your energy so hydrate and use the hot tub for recovery well in advance of your big swim.

You should also limit your weightlifting and dryland exercises to about 30 minutes while increasing your yoga and stretching to 60 minutes. Maintain 45 minute sessions of each during the season. Recovery swimming after each would be great if you have the facility and the time. If you decide to do dryland during week 7 then add a +/- 20 minute session to maintain core strength before yoga or swimming. This is a great way to help the fast twitch muscles recover especially if you have just finished one of your championship meets.

If you have noticed from reading this article, recovery is essential to your faster swimming.

Posted on Leave a comment

Momentum, Body Position, & Drag

I read this article written by Gary Hall Sr about coupling motions.

FIRST RESPONSE TO ARTICLE:   This article is another great way to describe momentum.

“When an external force acts upon a body, it changes its momentum; however, when no external force acts, the momentum of the body does not change, a fact which is incorporated in the principle of ‘the conservation of momentum’. Therefore, momentum has come to be known as the force of motion that a moving body acquires in continuing its motion by virtue of inertia.” – Webster’s Unabridged

If you can understand this concept, you will be a very happy swimmer.

Maintaining a proper streamline and being able to time your breakout into your swimming is key to fast swimming. If you ever do anything underwater and feel yourself slow down then you have lost momentum. Momentum will be different for each athlete based on body type, flexibility and skill level. What and how you do your underwater mechanics and how you break out into your swimming all effects momentum.

Streamlined position:
The hands should be crossed – hand over hand, some people teach a crossover grab. The biceps should be pressed upon the ears with the shoulders and chest stretched out as much as possible. The head will not be tucked chin to chest but in the same position, it would be in as if you were walking. The midsection and hips will be in line with the thighs and feet following directly behind. The legs must be in the same plane as the hips thus reducing drag. This is the basic streamline (spike). Hands, Head, Hips, and Heels in line. Once this has been achieved you may begin your breakout by starting your first stroke. Judging the depth of the water is essential for a good breakout by maintaining momentum.

SECOND RESPONSE TO ARTICLE: I don’t necessarily agree with the way he describes Breaststroke coupling and the mechanics involved. This is obviously a stroke that is still evolving but I would err on the side of teaching body position of the stroke first.

Body position and reducing drag:
If a swimmer can master body position, then the battle with drag can be won. Reducing drag should be a swimmers main concern. Your head position should be held as when walking. The head should not be tucked forward or back. The head controls the position of the feet and a slight movement of the head will make a huge impact with the legs and increase the drag of the whole body. The head must be streamlined with the body during the whole swim. The concept of body position must be learned with the thoughts of achieving a streamlined body position. As often as possible you must try to keep the 4 H’s in line (Hands, Head, Hips, and Heels). Once body position is lost the drag becomes a very large factor and stroke mechanics fall apart. Eliminating drag is an important part of stroke mechanics and one of the driving forces of swimming along with maintaining momentum.
Breaststroke legs warm up during meets before a competition.

200-400 non-breast easy, based on how you feel   
Begin with 8 x 25’s kick with a drill. (3 kicks / 1 stroke or hands at side, breathing every kick) @ 60% rest as needed   
Another 8 x 25’s kick, 4 with a drill and 4 w/board or hands in front @ 70-75% rest as needed   
Another 6-8 x 25’s kick half kick w/board or hands in front and half swim(emphasis kick) @90% rest as needed   
Another 6 x 25’s build each 25 swim to 95% rest to recovery   
200-400 non-breast, easy based on your recovery needed and plan to finish about 7-10 minutes before you compete

We are all here to learn and adapt. Let me know your thoughts. Please take some time to review all our seasonal plans (7, 14, 19 and 23-week programs). If you need any help adjusting programming to your team please email me.