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.
Read MoreIncorporating resistance training into a swimmer’s program can significantly enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Most swimmers benefit from 2-3 weightlifting sessions weekly, lasting 30-60 minutes, especially in the off and pre-season. These sessions should focus on compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and swim-specific exercises to build strength and power.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreDoes your lower back fatigue or hurt after sitting or training? Extension faults and poor posture may be the culprits. Many people unknowingly use short-term stability strategies that lead to poor joint positioning and back pain. By focusing on core stability and proper movement patterns, you can alleviate discomfort and improve performance. Drawing from Dr. Stuart McGill's research, we share a series of core exercises designed to strengthen your lower back, reduce injury risk, and build an athletic foundation. Read on for tips to eliminate back pain and sign up for a free coaching call for personalized support!
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Lat Pull Downs
This time of year gyms across the country are full of eager people trying to get in shape for the summer. While they may have good intentions, poor exercise choices or technique do more than sculpt muscles; they wreak havoc on your joints. Here s a list of my current top 5 most useless exercises, and why they do more harm than good. #1 Lat Pull Downs - Behind the Neck - Pulling behind the neck forces you into poor posture. Its also stressful, and potentially dangerous for your cervical spine or neck. Additionally, your moving your arms against their natural scapular plane, placing the shoulder joint in a compromising end range of motion. While its great you are working some pulls into your push dominant routine, a better way to perform this movement, would be in front of your face, down to your collar bone. Keep your shoulders down, and your shoulder blades pulled together. You ll continue to reap the same muscle and strength building benefits, without the potential for injury.
Crunches
#2 Sit-ups & Crunches - Again, your putting more stress on your neck and spine, than your abs. With the exception of getting out of bed once a day, this is a pointless exercise. Train those same six pack building muscles with these core stability exercises, and save your spine.
Seated Rows
#3 Protracted Rows with lower back flexion- Everybody does this. It feels like you are getting more range of motion. Its also allows you to move more weight. Unfortunately, your putting undue stress on your shoulder joints, scapulas, and lower back. Sit up tall, keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Spare your shoulders and spine and focus the attention on the muscle building effects of your upper back and biceps.
Side Bends
#4 Dumbbell Side Bends - So you want to burn those love handles? They're there because of a poor diet, not a lack of lateral flexion. A flexed and rotated spine is a great way to blow a disk in your lower back. Give your lumbar vertebrae a break and try some of the lateral stability exercises, I have here. I promise they re a lot more challenging for your obliques, and a lot better for your lower back.
Bench Dips
#5 Bench Dips - Dips are a great upper body push for the chest, shoulders and triceps. They are also very challenging. Doing bench dips with your feet supported on the floor is not a regression. Again, you're placing a tremendous amount of anterior pressure on your shoulder joint, which can lead to soft tissue damage. If you struggle with a traditional dip, supplement with machine assisted dips or other elbow extension exercises, until you are strong enough to perform this movement correctly. Many of us could still get a lot out of the traditional pushing exercises before moving on to dips, but never bench dips.
Thinking about incorporating open chain leg exercises into your routine? While machines like leg extensions may seem convenient, they can put undue stress on your joints and eliminate essential sensory input from your feet. These exercises isolate muscles that are meant to work together and may not burn many calories. Instead, focus on functional, multi-muscle, multi-joint movements that simulate real-world activities and promote overall strength and coordination. By avoiding machines that restrict your range of motion, you'll reduce injury risks and achieve better results. Want to know more? Read the full article.
Read MoreWhen dealing with acute injuries, knowing whether to use ice, heat, or NSAIDs is crucial for effective recovery. Acute injuries are sudden and cause pain, redness, and swelling. Start with the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for the first 24-72 hours to reduce inflammation. Ice in 15-20 minute intervals helps control swelling, and NSAIDs can further reduce inflammation. For chronic or long-lasting injuries, apply heat before activity to improve circulation and flexibility, and ice afterward to prevent inflammation. If pain persists for more than a few days, consult a healthcare professional to evaluate your condition.
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