What is SMR in Fitness? A Guide to Self-Myofascial Release and Foam Rolling

What is SMR in Fitness? A Guide to Self-Myofascial Release and Foam Rolling

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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Lower Back Care

Lower Back Care

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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The Gym in Your Hand: Kettlebell Training Made Simple

The Gym in Your Hand: Kettlebell Training Made Simple

Kettlebells are the ultimate gym in your hand, offering efficient and versatile workouts for athletes. This guide explores the benefits of kettlebell training, from mobility and strength to power development. Learn how to design effective full-body routines and why kettlebells are essential for swimmers and triathletes aiming to boost performance. Read the full article.

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Improve Your Swimming on Land with the Vasa Trainer

Improve Your Swimming on Land with the Vasa Trainer

With pools and open-water options still limited, now is the perfect time to focus on dryland swim training. The Vasa Trainer has been a key tool in my swim training and that of my clients for years. This swim-specific strength equipment allows swimmers to develop technique, strength, and endurance outside of the water. Perfect for isolating upper body movements and swim drills, it’s ideal for athletes at any level. Ready to level up your swim training at home? Check out my Vasa Trainer workouts and use code “DALY5” for 5% off your own trainer. Read on for more details!

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TRX Training at Home

TRX Training at Home

The TRX Suspension Trainer is a versatile tool perfect for home workouts, offering scalable, full-body exercises to build strength, balance, and mobility. TRX training adapts to your needs, using body weight and gravity for progressive overload. From warm-ups to core stability and upper or lower body strength, TRX exercises enhance performance and prevent injuries. Learn how Coach Dan Daly integrates TRX into training programs designed to empower athletes with personalized coaching and innovative solutions. Read more!

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Open Chain Exercises

Open Chain Exercises

Open chain exercises, like leg extensions and bicep curls, isolate specific muscles but may not provide the functional benefits of closed chain movements. Learn how these exercises compare, their pros and cons, and when to include them in your routine, especially if you're recovering from an injury or need targeted muscle work. Discover how to balance open and closed chain exercises for optimal strength, stability, and athletic performance. Read the article.

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Home Training Starter Pack

Home Training Starter Pack

Whether you’re a coach, a client, or workout enthusiast, for many of us, the gyms are closed, and we’re stuck at home. Limited space and equipment access may leave you wondering how you can continue to stay in shape in a challenging and productive way that’s aligned with your goals. Keep reading for my 5 favorite home training products, and ways you can modify the same exercises you typically do in the gym, at home or outside, with a coach, or on your own.

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The Best Exercise You Are Not Doing - Dead Lifting

The Best Exercise You Are Not Doing - Dead Lifting

The deadlift is one of the most effective exercises you can do. It engages multiple muscle groups, including the hamstrings, glutes, core, traps, and shoulders, making it a powerhouse for both strength building and fat loss. The significant muscle activation not only burns calories during the workout but also elevates your metabolism during recovery. Deadlifting can also increase blood testosterone levels, helping to develop lean muscle. On top of all that, it’s a highly functional movement, reinforcing proper form for lifting in everyday life. Ready to add this essential lift to your routine?

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Coaching a swim across the English Channel

Coaching a swim across the English Channel

For the past two years I have coached Tom remotely, sometimes joining him in open water training swims, races, and channel pacing. At 44yrs, he swims 6 days per week for 2hrs hours or more, covering an average of 35km weekly. Outside of the pool hes improved his strength and power with twice weekly strength and conditioning workouts.

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