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

/ Train Daly/

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

/ 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.

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Tapping into Muscle Mass - Type 1 vs Type 2 Muscle Fibers

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Tapping into Muscle Mass - Type 1 vs Type 2 Muscle Fibers

Understanding the difference between type 1 vs type 2 muscle fibers is crucial for optimizing your fitness routine. Type 1 fibers, or slow-twitch fibers, are built for endurance, and powering activities like distance swimming. Type 2 fibers, or fast-twitch fibers, generate explosive strength for sprints and heavy lifts. Both play essential roles in athletic performance and require targeted training to maximize their potential. Discover how to balance endurance and power exercises to activate both fiber types, boost lean muscle mass, and enhance your overall fitness. Read article.

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Pre-Workout Nutrition for Swimmers: Fuel Like a Champion

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Pre-Workout Nutrition for Swimmers: Fuel Like a Champion

Proper pre-workout nutrition can make or break a swimmer’s performance. Whether you're heading to early morning practice or gearing up for a big race, fueling your body with the right foods at the right time is essential. Eat a balanced meal with complex carbs and lean protein 3–4 hours before, followed by a light, carb-focused snack 1–2 hours out. Hydrate well throughout. Skip the greasy, high-fiber foods and never swim on empty. Champions aren’t just built in the pool — they’re built in the kitchen. Fuel smart, swim strong.

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Post Workout Nutrition

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Post Workout Nutrition

Did you know your post-workout meal is the most important of the day? Within 30-120 minutes after exercise, your body is primed for recovery and muscle growth. By consuming quick-digesting proteins and carbohydrates, you can replenish glycogen stores, repair muscles, and maximize lean tissue development. Avoid fats post-workout as they slow nutrient absorption, which is key during this recovery window. Try our Super Shake recipe packed with protein and carbs to fuel your next workout. Want to learn more about how to optimize your nutrition after exercise? Read the full article.

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Age is Just a Number: Mastering Swimming at Any Age

/ Train Daly/
Age is Just a Number: Mastering Swimming at Any Age

Age is not a barrier but an opportunity in competitive swimming. This inspiring post shares stories of swimmers over 35 who continue to excel in the pool. Learn how to stay competitive and improve your swimming performance with focused training sets, strength exercises, and smart training strategies.

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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.

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

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

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

/ Train Daly/
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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