Battle Ropes Workout: 4 Dynamic Drills to Build Strength & Burn Fat

/
Battle Ropes Workout: 4 Dynamic Drills to Build Strength & Burn Fat

Battle ropes aren’t just for CrossFit gyms - they’re one of the most effective tools for building full-body conditioning and power. In this article, I’ll walk you through what battle ropes are, what muscles they work, and why they’re ideal for swimmers. You’ll learn four battle rope exercises I’ve used in dryland sessions to help swimmers develop power, coordination, and rhythm. Whether you're new to ropes or looking to level up your dryland training, these dynamic drills will help you increase your endurance and power on land or water..

Read More

The Role of a Strength and Conditioning Coach in Swimming

/
The Role of a Strength and Conditioning Coach in Swimming

A strength and conditioning coach plays a vital role in enhancing swimming performance by reducing injury, and improving mobility, endurance and power. For swimmers, tailored programs target key areas like shoulder mobility, core stability, strong pulls, and powerful starts. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Dan Daly shares expert insights into how these programs are designed to meet the unique demands of swimming. Discover the transformative impact of strength and conditioning on swimmers of all levels and why is a game-changer for success in the water. Read more!

Read More

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

/ Train Daly/
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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

/ Train Daly/
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.

Read More