The Sleep Dilemma: Quantity vs. Quality – Separating Science from Wearable Hype

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The Sleep Dilemma: Quantity vs. Quality – Separating Science from Wearable Hype

This blog post explores the age-old debate between sleep quantity and sleep quality, examining the benefits of each as supported by scientific evidence. It also discusses the limitations of consumer wearables like the Whoop, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring in measuring sleep quality accurately. The post highlights the importance of achieving a balance between quantity and quality and how wearables can serve as behavioral change tools. Additionally, it relates these concepts to endurance athletes, specifically swimmers, and their sleep-related needs for performance and recovery.

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

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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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Understanding Freestyle Kicking Tempos: The 2, 4, and 6-Beat Kick

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Understanding Freestyle Kicking Tempos: The 2, 4, and 6-Beat Kick

Dive into the nuances of freestyle swimming with our expert breakdown of the 2, 4, and 6-beat kick techniques. Learn how each style impacts your swim, the role of rhythm in propulsion, and tips for mastering these kicks for improved performance. Join us as we explore these essential swimming techniques for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike.

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Improving Swim Performance: The Importance of Body Composition in Elite Swimmers

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Improving Swim Performance: The Importance of Body Composition in Elite Swimmers

Body composition is crucial for athletic performance, particularly in swimming, a sport that demands high physicality. Elite swimmers' physical makeup is extensively studied due to its strong correlation with water performance. Measurements such as body mass, height, skinfolds, and lean mass index (LMI) are used for analysis.

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Visualization and Imagery for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event

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Visualization and Imagery 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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